ID: white background with bright colored paint splatters on the right- and left-hand side. Auction information is in the middle
Save the date for STRIVE's Annual Auction-
"The World Is My Canvas"!
This year, we'll be hosting our annual auction in a hybrid format with a live, in-person event on Thursday, November 14th and online bidding from November 14th-21st. See more information about both parts of the event below!
Our live event will take place Thursday, November 14th from 6-9pm at the Italian Heritage Center (40 Westland Ave, Portland, ME)!
The live event includes bidding on our live items, our fund-a-need, participant speeches, fun and games, and more! There will also be a chance to embrace your creative side with an interactive art activity during the event- no smock necessary! 😊 The event will be emceed by auctioneer, Michael Carey, and News Center Maine's Chris Costa. We'll also have live music from Paul Burgos!
Tickets on sale now!
Tickets are $40 per person in advance and $45 at the door.
To purchase tickets, click the button below or contact STRIVE Program Director, Whitney Wildes, at wwildes@pslstrive.org.
Before the auction, join us for a FREE Networking Event hosted by the STRIVE Business to Business Networking Group! Networking attendees will have their name and business prominently displayed at the event and will also be entered to win an excellent raffle prize!
The networking event will take place from 5-6pm at the Italian Heritage Center (November 14th).
Happy Fall from STRIVE U! STRIVE U has gotten in the spooky spirit and hosted a handful of on campus activities to celebrate! We had a Halloween Party, a campus wide door decorating contest, and pumpkin painting!
The students have also done a good job getting out and attending events in Portland more. Students had the opportunity to attend the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live at the Cross Arena. They also attended the Maine Mariners Block Party- and got to meet Beacon the Puffin!
ID: 3 STRIVE U students standing and smiling with the Maine Mariners mascot. They are outside on a paved street with buildings behind them.
ID: 3 STRIVE U students standing and smiling . All 3 are holding up a peace sign. They are outside on a paved street with buildings behind them.
ID: 2 STRIVE U students dressed in Halloween costumes. They are standing together and smiling.
ID: 4 STRIVE U stduents and STRIVE Night Halloween. They are smiling and standing in front of a large inflatable haunted house.
Applications for the STRIVE U class of 2027 are now available! Please reach out to admissions@pslstrive.org with any questions or if you want to schedule a tour!
ID: blue background with the STRIVE U logo in the bottom right
STRIVE U is a comprehensive two-year residential, post-secondary educational opportunity for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To learn more about the program, schedule a tour, or get an application, please contact admissions@pslstrive.org or call (207) 774.6278.
October has been a busy month here at TOPS. Students have taken many more trips out into the community, continuing to explore different modes of transportation, such as walking, driving in Staff cars, and taking the metro. Students have also tried a variety of new activities, such as squash, pickleball, and swimming, to name a few. Now that many of our routines have been established, students have started choosing some of their preferred activities, which helps us cultivate a program that is aligned with their interests.
Students have also started a job application process for their jobs here at TOPS, which will help them develop new employable skills for future job opportunities. Students continue to gain experience in meal planning, budgeting, grocery shopping and cooking. Students have also spent a lot of beautiful fall days outside, helping to build a new trail in Westbrook at River Meadow, a part of the Presumpscot River Land Trust organization. We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful opportunities within our grasp.
Students are enjoying a lot of cooking activities, even trying a lot of new things and many of them deciding that they like those foods! Students have also engaged in a party planning activity for their sessions, helping them to work together and enjoy the community in which they are learning.
ID: 3 TOPS students outside in the woods. There is a body of water behind them.
ID: TOPS students and staff at the Portland Museum of Art. There are large sculptures behind them
ID: TOPS student sitting at a table with a plate of food. She is smiling
ID: TOPS students on a trail. They have trimmers in their hands and are by bushes.
TOPS (Transition Outcomes Program for Students) provides transition programming for high school students from area school districts who are typically 18 years and older. For more information, please contact Ryanne Desjardins at rdesjardins@pslstrive.org or by phone at 207-879-0847.
ID: Image of a laptop computer with information about upcoming January term. The STRIVE WorldWIDE logo is in the top left corner and snowflakes are in the top right corner.
ID: Colorful schedule of SWW courses through the end of the year. The top of the schedule has the SWW logo as well as 3 cartoon images of a certificate, a handheld video games, and a person with a breifcase and heart.
STRIVE WorldWIDE is STRIVE's online program that teaching independent living skills. For more information about STRIVE WorldWIDE, contact Courtney Veinotte at cveinotte@pslstrive.org or call 207-712-0048.
We have had quite a month here at Bayside! We have officially moved into our new location in Yarmouth! It was a bittersweet goodbye to the Back Bay Towers with so much we will miss, but also all we must look forward to! Thank you to Amy and the crew at the towers for all their help and kind smiles over the years!
There has been a lot to unpack as we settle in. Our space is really starting to come together now as we prepare for our Open House on November 6th! We have been taking advantage of the beautiful fall weather as we explore the new area, bus trips up to Freeport, picnics atop Bradbury Mountain, and enjoy beautiful walking trails right in our back yard!
Wrapping up our month here, we celebrated our first graduation in the new building! Congratulations, Cameron! We had an epic pizza party, games, a beautiful fall walk, and cake to wash it all down! We wish Cameron the best with the next great adventure with ACTIVE!
ID: four Bayside participants standing outside the big LL Bean boot
ID: 5 Bayside participants and 1 staff smiling and giving thumbs up
ID: three bayside participants standing on a mountain
ID: Bayside participants and staff standing next to a sign that says "PSL Services STRIVE"
Save the date! We'll be hosting an open house at our new Yarmouth location on Wednesday, November 6th from 12-6pm.
STRIVE Bayside is a community support program that focuses on independent living skills and community connections.
The program runs Monday through Friday every morning from 9am to 1pm or every afternoon from 1pm to 5pm. Both morning and afternoon sessions have immediate openings!
Check out it's new lociation on 33 Yarmouth Crossing Drive in Yarmouth!
ID: Blue flyer with information about the Bayside Open House. There are various cartoon pictures around the edges that include cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping and more.
For more information on Bayside, please contact Community Support Program Director, Veerle Pottie, at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
ACTIVE: This month in ACTIVE, our Ronald McDonald House volunteers were recognized for all their hard work and were awarded the "Heart of Gold Award", their volunteer of the year award. For years, STRIVE volunteers have been helping out at the Ronald McDonald House by filling the soda machine, baking for the residents, and more! We love heading over to the Ronald McDonald house to help out.
WAVES: This month, some WAVES groups have enjoyed getting exercise at the South Portland Community Center pool. With the weather getting colder, we like to be creative around different ways that we can stay active indoors. Going to the pool is one of our favorite things to do each week. Swimming is a great low-impact exercise that helps our seniors to improve their balance, strength, heart health, and more.
ID: Two participantsin the swimming pool.
ID: Heart of Gold Award from the Ronald McDonald House.
ID: 2 participants volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House.
For more information on ACTIVE or WAVES, please contact Community Support Program Director, Veerle Pottie, at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
It’s been a busy month for STRIVE Studios. With football season in full gear, participants have been creating their own original swag to support their teams. From lanyards, to piggy banks, to eye patches, we have been finding creative ways to represent our teams this season. We have also been steadily working on projects for the annual STRIVE Auction, including paintings and decorative planters. We are excited to support STRIVE through our art and to have our art displayed at the event!
ID: Participant smiling and wearing a homemade eye patch with the KC Chiefs logo.
ID: participant sitting at a table and drawing on a canvas.
For more information on STRIVE Studios, please contact Community Support Program Director, Veerle Pottie, at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
Our Internet Safety series is running through November 20th! So far, students have learned about the importance of privacy while online and how to stay safe from online scams!
Starting on Wednesday, December 4th, we will be holding a mini gratitude series to wrap up 2024! The series will run for three weeks from December 4th - December 18th. We hope to see you there!
ID: light pink background with abstract red shape and stars in the bottom left and abstract orange shape with stars in the top left. There is a person with their hands over their heart and an open envelope in the center.
The Wednesday Night Educational Series is held every Wednesday in person for participants 15-24 years old. Series are between 4 and 8 weeks and topics vary from month to month! The price per series is $30-$40, depending on the series' length. For more information or for your link to join class, contact Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org.
Camp STRIVE is a day-camp experience for campers between the ages of 11-24. Camp STRIVE is held every school vacation (Winter, February, and April) as well as for the full summer. For more information about Camp STRIVE, contact Alex Woodhouse at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org.
Tweens
Tweens had a fun October! We made caramel apple bites, played some Halloween games, made our own playdough and celebrated Halloween with our HalloTweens party! There will be no Tweens on Friday, November 29th as STRIVE is closed.
ID: Four tweens in the kitchen putting pretzels on a baking sheet
ID: Tween smiling and wearing oven mits
November is shaping up to be another great month in Tweens! We'll making some treats, practicing writing thank you cards, doing a scavenger hunt, and making some Thanksgiving themed crafts! As a reminder, Tweens is a FREE program for participants ages 11-14!
ID: orange and yellow swirled background with program information in the center
Tweens is a safe and fun environment to build new friendships and learn new skills for folks 11-14 years old. We run every Friday from 3:30-5:30pm. We have a scheduled activity each week, with free time built in to maximize socialization. For more information about STRIVE Tweens, contact Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org.
October STRIVE Night was a month to remember! We sang karaoke, had a trivia night, and hosted a spooky Halloween Party! Thanks to everyone who attended!
ID: participant standing in front of a black and gold star backdrop holding a sign that says "I survived STRIVE's Haunted Hallway"
ID: participant in a cookie monster costume standing next to an inflatable dragon
ID: participant in big bird costume
ID: two participants, dressed as bride of Chucky and Chucky, smiling at the camera
ID: two participants, dressed as bacon and a Frito Lay employee, walking with their arms around each other
STRIVE Night has another fun month coming up in November! Join us on Friday, November 22nd for a Friendsgiving celebration! And just a reminder that there will be no STRIVE Night on Friday, November 29th as STRIVE is closed.
ID: maroon background with orange and red leaves around the outside and strings of lights on the top and bottom.
Friday Nights at STRIVE, fondly referred to as "STRIVE Night," is a relaxed but fun evening of socialization for 15-24 year olds. New members are always welcome, and your first night is free! STRIVE Night is Friday from 6-9pm, with at least one special "theme" night happening each month. For more information, contact Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org.
Our October STRIVE 25 was a Halloween Party! We had a great time celebrating with friends and everyone came dressed to impress in their Halloween Costumes!
ID: participant wearing bright neon pink sitting at a table
ID: participants smiling and dressed as a hockey player, a dinosaur and a cowgirl
ID: participants dressed as a witch and a pirate standing in front of an inflate Halloween decoration
Save the date for our next two STRIVE 25 socials! We will meet Thursday, November 7th and Thursday, December 5th!
ID: white background with red, orange, and green in the bottom right corner and top left corner. There are two orange pumpkins int he bottom left.
STRIVE 25 is a social event for folks 25 and older. It currently runs in-person on the first Thursday of every month from 6-8pm For more information on STRIVE 25, contact Whitney at wwildes@pslstrive.org or Alex at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org!
Join us Tuesday, November 5th for our next STRIVE Senior Social!
ID: light orange background with the PSL Services STRIVE logo in the top right. There are red, green, orange, yellow, and purple leaves in all four corners.
STRIVE's Senior Social is a social event for individuals 55 and up. It takes place in-person on the first Tuesday of every month from 3-4:30pm. For more information on STRIVE Senior Social, contact Abby at abohlen@pslstrive.org!
Thomas and Mary Calder - In Memory of Scott Gervais
Zoi Gervais - In Memory of Scott Gervais
Pam and Ira Chamberlin - In Memory of Scott Gervais
William and Patricia Conley - In Memory of Scott Gervais
Nicholas Rapolla - In Memory of Scott Gervais
Roberta O’Brion
Gerri Bridgman
Shari Chaney
Layla Lord
Barry Dunlap- In Honor of Caleb Dunlap
Carol and James Mileson
Mary and Peter Hess
Teamsters Local Union No. 340
Sheila Charles- In Memory of Scott Gervais
Wendy Russell
People's Choice Credit Union
Esther Pappas
ID: STRIVE participant smiling and holding a colorful sign that says "thank you". Games in the STRIVE Teen Center are behind him.
Thank you for your generous support of STRIVE!
With your support, we are able to continue our work each and every day.
Staff Spotlight
ID: photo of Jes standing outside on the beach. There is one dog in her arms and one dog at her feet.
Mett Jes! Jes is "excited to be a teacher at the STRIVE TOPS program because I enjoy being a lifelong learner. I love to help others and hope to instill a sense of curiosity and wonder in my students. I love taking my students out into the community and teaching them hands-on lessons that will help them discover their own independent life skills. Recently, I took some students to the Portland Museum of Art, which was extremely fulfilling as they were all truly engaged in looking, interpreting, and discussing the artwork we observed together. Also, I enjoy being outside, cooking, exercising, and exploring new opportunities, which I think helps me to be a creative and passionate teacher in this program. My new goal this winter is to cross country ski along this very beach with my two dogs, Charlie and Ben. I love to try new activities in my life. I look forward to supporting my students in becoming lifelong learners themselves." Thanks, Jes!
Member Spotlight
Meet David! David has been involved in the PSL/STRIVE WAVES program for a few years now. David attends program 5 days a week and enjoys doing "the twist" at dance class and going bowling!
ID: photo of David - he is standing up and smiling, wearing a grey stripped shirt
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy birthday to our STRIVE Members with a birthday in November!
ID: Colorful happy birthday candles on a chocolate cake
Matthew Libby
George Kampstra
Amanda Thompson
Dylan Roy
Elliot Voltz
Hunter Frechette
Hannah Foster
Brady Morrison
Aiden Rost
Ella Johnston
Justice Sivonen
Eben Raszmann
Kelli Magaw
Joshua Chirnitch
General Announcements
Join Our Team!
We're Hiring!
ID: Hand with marker writing We Are HiringI
Are you, or someone you know in the market for a new job?
We're hiring for a number of positions!
We have full time, part time, and per diem opportunities available- including weekdays, evenings, and weekends!
We are also offering a $2,000 sign on bonus (after 60 days of successful employment and completed training) plus an additional $250 bonus for those that are already DSP, MHRT, or CRMA certified!
ID: Image of business partners discussing at a meeting table
Did you know we host a free monthly networking group for our local community? The STRIVE Business to Business Networking Group is just one way we work to be a mutually beneficial partner, with the hope of expanding our partnerships with local businesses.
We are looking to grow! The group meets virtually on the last Wednesday the month at 12pm . Contact Pete or Whitney to find out more about joining us this month!
Shop STRIVE!
We have an online store to purchase all your STRIVE swag needs! Take a look at all the shop has to offer! There are so many items to choose from AND you can customize any item by choosing the color and STRIVE logo that you want. Happy shopping!
ID: white background with two rows of swag. Top row from left to right is a gray backpack with the STRIVE WorldWIDE logo, a black mug with the STRIVECast logo, a white t-shirt with the STRIVE logo, and a blue baseball hat with a STRIVE U logo. Bottom row from left to right is a blue tote bag with a PSL Services/STRIVE logo, a gray sweatshirt with a STRIVE U logo, and a white travel mug with a STRIVE logo.
Listen to the STRIVECast
ID: STRIVECast flyer with images of our two hosts and sound and video engineer.
The STRIVECast is a podcast brought to you by the team at PSL Services/STRIVE in South Portland, Maine — bringing you engaging, hilarious, and thoughtful conversation through one interview week by week. Co-Hosted by two young men with Down Syndrome, the STRIVECast aims to change the voices we typically hear on the radio and through podcasts, as well as to provide meaningful dialogues with all sorts of public figures in our world. We are very proud to be both hosted, produced AND edited by people with disabilities! Like what you hear? Shoot us an email at strivecast@pslstrive.org!
Have questions or comments about any of our programs and events?
Email info@pslstrive.org to update your address or speak to a STRIVE staff member!
New members: You will be asked to complete an updated information form upon your arrival to Tweens, STRIVE Night or STRIVE 25. Want to get a head start? Visit https://www.pslstrive.org/membershipform to submit your membership form today!
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