ID: blue background with a globe on the right. There is a plane flying from a pin on the globe. Auction information is on the left.
Save the date for STRIVE's Annual Auction-
"Wonders of the World"!
This year, we'll be hosting our annual auction in a hybrid format with a live, in-person event on Thursday, November 13 and online bidding from November 13–20. See more information about both parts of the event below!
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The live event will take place on Thursday, November 13 at Maine Studio Works in Portland. Our in-person event will include bidding on live items, our fund-a-need, participant speeches, games and activities, and more! The event will be emceed by auctioneer, Bill Zafirson, and News Center Maine's Chris Costa. We'll also have live music from Paul Burgos!
Tickets are 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, Alex Woodhouse, at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org.
We’re celebrating a successful STRIVE U Open House season! Thank you to everyone who joined us in person and virtually to learn more about our unique two-year post-secondary program for young adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. It was inspiring to see so many future students and families excited about the opportunities ahead.
Applications for fall 2026 arenow open, and we’re already meeting incredible applicants! If you know someone who might be a great fit for STRIVE U (someone eager to learn, grow, and live more independently), please encourage them to apply. The priority application deadline is January 30, 2026, and all materials can be requested through our Admissions Office at admissions@pslstrive.org.
Inside the classroom and out in the community, our current students are staying busy. Both first- and second-year cohorts are learning about voting rights and civic engagement, with the chance to head to the polls together for the upcoming election. These lessons are an important reminder that independence includes having a voice in our communities and using it!
Thank you for being part of the STRIVE community and for helping us empower young adults to reach their full potential.
ID: STRIVE U logo in the center with the words "STRIVE U and Class of '28" above and below it.
STRIVE U is a comprehensive two-year residential, post-secondary educational opportunity for residents 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.
This month has been a whirlwind of events! Maine College of Art student teachers came to TOPS to teach a series of art lessons for first session students. Students were very engaged in these art lessons, making self-portraits, glitter tubes, inspirational painted rocks, and more! Since we are celebrating with a Halloween party at TOPS, students have been busy learning about the Day of the Dead cultural activities and creating crafts related to this.
Also, this month TOPS continues to volunteer at MSSPA in Windham. Students clean out horse stalls and wash buckets. They are always excited to see the horses after. Another trip some students did this month involved exploring Gilsland Farm at the Maine Audubon in Falmouth. On this beautiful fall day, students wrote about their observations of this natural habitat. Another fun and educational presentation we had at TOPS involved a presenter from Osher Map Library. Students learned about historical maps and board games with maps on them.
Lastly students learned about restaurant etiquette, how to order, take orders, add items on an invoice and add tax and tip to the customer’s bill. Students will practice these skills at TOPS and eventually at local restaurants.
When students have downtime sometimes they choose to spend their time playing a game as a group. Students at TOPS enjoy the games Sorry, Uno, as well as puzzles.
ID: student holding a map of the world
ID: students creating art at MECA
ID: student walking in nature
ID: students working on a project together
ID: student working on a Day of the Dead project
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 207.879.0847.
The next term of STRIVE WorldWIDE starts on November 10, 2025 and runs for five weeks, through December 14, 2025. Course options include:
Mondays and Wednesdays
Cooking and Meal Planning from 1:00–2:00 p.m. EST
Employment Skills 101 from 2:30–3:30 p.m. EST
Tuesdays and Thursdays
First Aid Basics (Non-certification) from 5:30–6:30 p.m. EST
Critical Thinking from 7:00–8:00 p.m. EST
Register now! If you already have a student account, log into your student account pay/use credits or email Courtney at cveinotte@pslstrive.org.
If you are a new student, create a student account and explore our site. Courtney can help you get enrolled as well, so just email cveinotte@pslstrive.org or call 207.712.0048 for assistance.
Want to learn more? Check out the free Virtual Campus Tour and Orientation in the course catalog.
We are excited for another great term of learning, connection, and community—all online!
ID: flyer with STRIVE WorldWIDE logo along the top. There is September term information in the center
STRIVE WorldWIDE is STRIVE's online program that teaches independent living skills. For more information about STRIVE WorldWIDE, contact Courtney Veinotte at cveinotte@pslstrive.org or 207.712.0048.
October brought us a beautiful stretch of weather this year—one last taste of summer before the chill sets in. Many of us took full advantage, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the outdoors. It’s sparked some great conversations around here about how important it is to dress for Maine’s unpredictable fall weather. Layers are definitely the way to go when coming to Bayside!
Budgeting Skills in Action
This month, our focus has been on strengthening budgeting skills. We've been learning how to decide when to add or subtract based on real-life scenarios—like withdrawing money or making deposits. These practical exercises are helping everyone build confidence in managing personal finances and making smart money choices.
🎃 Spooky Treats at Bayside Bayside has been brewing up a frightfully fun Halloween menu! Guests can look forward to creepy finger cookies, zombie guts made from sausage and mini wieners, and spaghetti topped with eerie meatball eyes. It’s a deliciously spooky spread that’s sure to thrill and chill!
ID: six Bayside participants standing around a kitchen island presenting cookies they made
For more information on Bayside, please contact Community Support Program Director Veerle Pottie at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
Fall is in the air! We’ve been engaging in all different seasonal activities this month, from walks in the crisp autumn air to apple picking at Randall Orchards. As Halloween approaches, we’ve been getting into the spirit of the season with fun visits to Spirit Halloween—checking out all the creative costumes and festive decorations they have to offer. We’re looking forward to even more seasonal fun and shared moments as we enjoy everything this beautiful time of year brings.
WAVES
WAVES has been embracing a cozy autumn! This month, we’ve enjoyed seasonal activities like apple picking, cooking up fall-inspired recipes in our cooking groups, and taking leisurely walks to admire the changing foliage. At STRIVE Studios, we’ve been busy with creative projects—including contributing artwork for the annual auction. It's been a great month, and we can’t wait to see what next month has in store!
ID: participants standing with a scarecrow at Spirit Halloween
ID: participant at the apple orchard
ID: participants peeling and cutting apples in STRIVE's kitchen
For more information on ACTIVE or WAVES, please contact Community Support Program Director Veerle Pottie at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
October has been quite the busy month at STRIVE Studios! Participants have been creating different October-themed pieces, including Halloween puppets and some spooky ceramic figurines. We have also spent time this month prepping for the annual STRIVE Auction by building sculptures to be displayed at the event on Thursday, November 13th. Our sculptures are built using a variety of material, including cardboard, plaster, paint, and recycled materials. We are excited to unveil our work at the event, and we hope to see you there!
ID: participants creating art for STRIVE's upcoming auction
For more information on STRIVE Studios, please contact Community Support Program Director Veerle Pottie at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
STRIVE’s Tuesday Studio Series offers a variety of artistic classes designed to explore different mediums and foster creativity. These classes are for artists ages 15–24 with intellectual and developmental disabilities and are held every Tuesday evening from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Stay up to date with future course offerings by visiting our website!
The Tuesday Studio Series is held Tuesdays in person at our STRIVE Studio location for participants 15–24 years old. Series length, cost, and topics vary month to month. For more information or to join a class, contact Liam at lrademacher@pslstrive.org.
Our November Wednesday Night Educational Series will focus on internet safety and AI. In this series, students will learn how to stay safe online and use AI responsibly. This six-week series will be taught by STRIVE staff and guest speakers from the community. Register using the form on our website here!
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The Wednesday Night Educational Series is held every Wednesday in person for participants 15–24 years old. Series are between 4–8 weeks long, and topics vary from month to month. The price per series is $30–$50, depending on the series' length. For more information or to join a class, contact Liv at opardi@pslstrive.org.
Camp STRIVE is a day camp 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 Liv at opardi@pslstrive.org.
Tweens
We’re cooking up some fun this November! Tweens will be all about Cooking with Gratitude this month as we celebrate the season with tasty creations and thankful hearts. Each week will bring a new hands-on activity, delicious recipes, and time to share what we’re grateful for. Check out the schedule below—we can’t wait to cook, create, and give thanks with you!
November 7: No-Bake Snacks
November 14: Savory Favorites
November 21: Gratitude Crafts
November 28: No STRIVE – Happy Thanksgiving!
ID: dark black/blue background with severed hand and other spooky Halloween-like illustrations. Tweens program information is in the center and bottom.
Tweens is a safe and fun environment to build new friendships and learn new skills for folks 11–14 years old. Tweens programming runs every Friday from 3:30–5:30 p.m. We have a scheduled activity each week, with free time built in to maximize socialization. For more information aboutTweens, contact Liv at opardi@pslstrive.org.
October was a spooktacular month for STRIVE Nights! From creative crafts to lively games and dancing, there was plenty of fun to go around—but the highlight was definitely our Halloween Party! The entire building was transformed for the occasion, with spooky surprises around every corner. Guests visited the witches’ lair for a bit of Halloween magic, had their fortunes told, and showed off their artistic side with pumpkin painting. The haunted hallway featured a Beetlejuice-themed dining room that set the perfect eerie mood, and of course, there were plenty of delicious treats to enjoy!
Now, as we move into November, we’re looking forward to a season filled with gratitude, friendship, and more chances to celebrate together. We hope you’ll join us!
ID: pale orange background with watercolor fall leaves and pumpkins at the top and bottom, STRIVE Night information in the center.
Friday Night 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 6:00–9:00 p.m., with at least one special "theme" night happening each month. For more information, contact Liv at opardi@pslstrive.org.
A big thank you to the STRIVE 25 Advisory Board for their continued hard work planning our monthly theme nights! We had a wonderfully spook-tacular STRIVE 25 Halloween party—complete with a costume parade, Halloween themed-activities, as well as tricks and plenty of treats!
We’re excited to gather for our November event on Thursday, November 6. Join us for a delicious meal, fun games, and plenty of laughter as we celebrate friendship and the season of gratitude together!
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ID: participant wearing green scrubs and a pink mask
ID: STRIVE staff, participant, and volunteer in costume at the STRIVE 25 Halloween party.
ID: flyer with STRIVE 25 information in the center. Dark background with stars and outlined pumpkins and squash.
STRIVE 25 is a social event for folks 25 and older. It currently runs in-person on the first Thursday of every month from 6:00–8:00 p.m. For more information on STRIVE 25, contact Liv at opardi@pslstrive.org!
Join us for the next STRIVE Senior Social on Tuesday, November 4 from 3:00–4:30 p.m.—we can't wait to see you!
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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 3:00–4:30 p.m. For more information on STRIVE Senior Social, contact Abby at abohlen@pslstrive.org.
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Our agency has been nominated for the Best Nonprofit Organization in Maine award- as part of the Best of 207 contest. This is our chance to tell everyone how wonderful this place and this community is! Voting is now open and runs until Wednesday, November 12th at 5:00 pm. Anyone can vote- please consider voting daily and sharing with your friends and family.
Then you’ll see a list of Categories- you’ll want to click on Services
Under Services, click on Nonprofit and then choose STRIVE
Click “add vote”
Then it will give you an option to vote in other categories or just submit your vote. Don’t forget that final step!
Thanks for voting and thanks for being part of the STRIVE community!
Dine In New England
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We're thrilled to share information about Dine In New England! Dine In New England is a digital dining club that provides discounts to hundreds of restaurants throughout Maine. A portion of membership fees will be donated to PSL Services/STRIVE starting in 2025! Check out their website for more information about what a DINE membership offers you!
STRIVE Shout Outs
Thank you to our October Donors!
Mark Snowden
John and Ernestine Forbes
Michael D Beaudoin
David Guiseley
Barry Dunlap - In Honor of Caleb Dunlap
Joseph Madore
Sharon and David Michaud
Mary Anne Fillyaw
Mary Berce
Martha Ann Savard - In Honor of Robert and Barbara West
Karen Silva
Melissa Lavallee - In Memory of Rachel Morin
Logan Britt - In Memory of Joyce Provencher
Fiona Hopper - In Memory of Joyce Provencher
Molly Carey - In Memory of Joyce Provencher
Susan Forsely - In Memory of Joyce Provencher
Kelly Mcgovern - In Memory of Joyce Provencher
Roberta O'Brion
Samuel Niman - In Memory of Joyce Provencher
Helen Garvey - In Memory of Joyce Provencher
Shari Chaney
Betsy and Brad Morrison - In Memory of Joyce Provencher
Donald George
Anne Button - In Honor of Bennett Agnew
Edward Bogh - In Memory of Rachel Morin
... and everyone who donated in support of STRIVE's Annual Auction
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: headshot of Demetri. He is wearing a black shirt and in front of a dark gray background
Meet Demetri! Demetri is the STRIVE U Life Skills Training Coordinator. From Demetri, "I came to STRIVE U from working in special purpose private schools, and when working with graduating seniors, I always had high hopes for where my students would go after graduating. This program is exactly the kind of place I wished for them. These young adults are some of the most driven, caring, and thoughtful people I've ever met, and I love how the flexibility of this team is able to meet their needs wherever they're at. I know we've got a lot of work and fun between now and my first STRIVE U graduation next June, but I'm already looking forward to celebrating their strives toward independent living. Outside of work, I've been finding this New England autumn inspiring for two of my other passions, cooking and creative writing. The cold weather may not be good for flower gardens, but it does wonders for soups and poetry." Thanks, Demetri, grateful to have you on the team!
Member Spotlight
Meet Georgia!
Georgia is a proud STRIVE U graduate who continues to stay active in the STRIVE community through the ACTIVE program and STRIVE Nights. When she’s here, you can usually find her spending time with friends, singing karaoke, dancing, or playing games like air hockey and pool. Outside of STRIVE, she enjoys watching sports, swimming, and spending time at the sandbar with her parents. We’re so glad to have Georgia as part of the STRIVE community!
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Happy Birthday to you!
Happy birthday to our STRIVE Members with birthdays in November!
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Amanda Thompson
Elliot Voltz
Brady Morrison
Aiden Rost
Ella Johnston
Justice Sivonen
Eben Raszmann
Kelli Magaw
Joshua Chirnitch
Brody Johnson
Dakota Shrum
Quinn Hill
General Announcements
Join Our Team!
We're Hiring!
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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 $1,500 sign on bonus ($500 paid after 30 days and new hire is billable, and $1000 paid after 6 months of employment and all initial training is completed) plus an additional $250 bonus for those that are already DSP, MHRT, or CRMA certified!
With news that SNAP benefits will not be distributed in November due to the government shutdown,PSL Services/STRIVE is stepping up to support our community. Beginning Monday, November 3, we’re opening an Emergency Food Closet Program to ensure that no one in the STRIVE community goes hungry.
Here’s how it works:
Available to anyone in the STRIVE community—no forms, no questions asked.
Food closets will be located at our Central Office (39 Darling Ave) and 28 Foden Road locations, with smaller locations added as needed.
Designed for immediate, short-term needs, like someone who needs food that day. We will also provide resources for those with greater assistance needs.
We invite everyone to“take what you need” and/or “leave what you can.” Donations of non-perishable food and monetary contributions are gratefully accepted. Look for donation boxes at both Darling Ave and Foden Road locations.
Together, we can help our community through this challenging time. Have questions or want to help? Please reach out!
Become a Community Partner
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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 noon. Contact Pete or Whitney to find out more about joining us this month!
Hope to see you at an upcoming meeting!
ID: blue flyer with information about the STRIVE Business to Business Networking Group
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 (left to right) shows 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 (left to right) shows 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 in 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!
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 membership form upon your arrival to Tweens, STRIVE Night, or STRIVE 25. Want to get a head start? Visit https://pslstrive.org/strive-membership-form to submit your membership form today!
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