ID: There are two plane tickets on the bottom left and a plane flying a heart route on the right. There are borders in all four corners. In the center is information about STRIVE's Annual Auction
Save the date for STRIVE's Annual Auction! This year's event will be hybrid again. We will have a live, in-person event 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! Online bidding on our silent auction items will be open from November 13–20.
It's not too late to get involved! Are you or your business interested in sponsoring the auction? Do you have something to donate? Reach out to STRIVE Program Director Alex Woodhouse at awoodhouse@pslstrive.org for more information!
Interested in supporting STRIVE's Annual Auction? There are a few ways you can help as we collect live and silent items! We're looking for:
- Sports tickets - have season tickets to the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, or Celtics?
- Hotel or bed and breakfast stays
-Adventure experiences like white water rafting, rock climbing, sky diving, hot air balloon rides or camping!
STRIVE U residents have been back at SMCC for three weeks. First-years are getting more accustomed to the busy flow of Tuesdays and Thursdays. All unemployed residents have been attending employment group, learning about proper etiquette and attire for interviews, workplace place communication skills, and how to make a strong first impression. First-year residents are beginning to think about real life application of these skills and starting to explore employment opportunities in the community. Extended year and second-year residents are beginning to think through where they want to live and what they will need to be successful post-graduation. They are now creating plans to get there by their respective move outs. While on campus, all residents are plugging away at their goals—one particular favorite is trying new recipes during meal prep. All residents have also been enjoying navigating around the greater Portland area. Just a few weeks ago, several residents visited Kevin on the Roof! Lastly, fall is in the air, and staff and residents are planning for the upcoming open house on October 25 at 10:00 a.m. and the progressive dinner in November!
ID: resident standing knee deep in the ocean
ID: residents standing in the parking lot at Patriot Subaru looking at Kevin on the roof.
ID: resident and staff sitting under a tent in Patriot Subaru's parking lot and smiling at the camera
Applications for the STRIVE U Class of 2028 are currently available! If you are interested, or know someone who might be interested, please reach out to admissions@pslstrive.org to ask questions, set up a tour, or pick up an application!
And don't forget to mark your calendars for our upcoming open house on Saturday, October 25 from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.!
ID: flyer with a background image of STRIVE U residents wearing black caps and gowns. Open house information is included and the STRIVE U logo is on the top right.
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.
We had a very busy September at TOPS! We started volunteering at volunteer sites this month. Students are learning how to complete important independent living skills, such as putting away and organizing food, preparing food, and cleaning. Students have been enjoying learning at these new sites and interacting with new supervisors there, too.
Students continued to try new community activities, such as squash at Portland Community Squash and disc golf at Payson Park. Students spent much of September learning about new places by engaging in scavenger hunts, workshops, and other activities.
Additionally, students are learning how to use the metro bus, how to get to the bus stop at the right time, how to pay the bus fare, and how to look for their stop. Students successfully took the metro bus to Deering Oaks Park to check out the farmer's market!
Students have also been learning how to plan meals and make grocery shopping lists using Google Docs and the Hannaford website. Students learned how to shop for these items, pay at self-checkout, receive change and their receipt, and answer questions about their budget/how much they spent as a group. Lastly, students learned about cooking and kitchen safety practices at TOPS as they created a number of recipes in the kitchen. So far, students have made pork chop with apples and a bacon, basil, and tomato sandwich.
Overall, it was an exciting month at TOPS with lots of hands-on lessons that are helping our students become more independent adults.
ID: student peeling a potato
ID: students and staff sitting on the metro bus
ID: student cooking potatos
ID: students outside holding disc golf discs
ID: students playing basketball outside
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.
New September term starts this week! Don't forget that our scholarships for Maine students are still available—click herefor more information and to complete the scholarship form!
ID: flyer with STRIVE WorldWIDE logo along the top. There is September term information in the center
Check out more information about our upcoming courses below!
ID: Four upcoming STRIVE WorldWIDE courses ("Healthy You" in the top left, "Money Matters" in the top right, "Creating Safe Spaces" in the bottom left, and "Responsibility and Decision Making" in the bottom right).
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.
September flew by, and we’ve been busy here at Bayside! First off, a big welcome to our newest participants—Nicholas, Breanna, and Josh. It’s awesome to have you with us!
We’ve been soaking up the last of the warm weather with some fun outdoor activities. We’ve checked out local parks, visited nearby businesses, volunteered by setting up tents for the local farmer’s market, and played a few rounds of corn hole—just a little friendly competition, of course!
Since it’s officially pumpkin season, we also got together and made gluten-free pumpkin bread, and WOW, did it smell amazing! It really brought those cozy fall vibes.
ID: participant standing in front of a colorful backdrop, smiling
ID: participant standing in front of a white door, smiling
ID: participant wearing a yellow hat, standing in front of a colorful backdrop
For more information on Bayside, please contact Community Support Program Director Veerle Pottie at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
ACTIVE We have been making the most of the summer season by exploring the community! Recently, participants paid a visit to the Animal Refuge League, where we met some furry friends and learned more about the shelter’s important work in the community. We also took in some colorful sights and fresh aromas at Broadway Gardens, viewing the rows of vibrant flowers. These outings have been a joyful way to stay connected, spark curiosity, and share meaningful moments together.
WAVES WAVES groups wrapped up the summer with their annual cookout at Two Lights State Park! With the ocean breeze and sunshine as a backdrop, participants enjoyed burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream sundaes. We enjoyed walking the park's trails and spent time playing games like Sorry! and UNO. It was a day full of laughter, great food, and good company—a perfect way to celebrate the season together!
ID: two participants standing next to colorful flowers while also holding purple flowers
ID: participant next to cats at the Animal Refuge League
ID: participants sitting and standing at a picnic table outisde
For more information on ACTIVE or WAVES, please contact Community Support Program Director Veerle Pottie at vpottie@pslstrive.org.
It’s been a colorful month at STRIVE Studios, with painting taking center stage! From bold acrylics to delicate watercolors, participants have been exploring a wide range of media and techniques to bring their creativity to life. Projects have included everything from sports-inspired canvas paintings to video game fan art drawn from reference images, plus thoughtful thank you cards designed for our community partners—all with a little help from some paint, a brush, and a vision.
ID: Two participants creating digital art on iPads
ID: participant waving with a blue painted canvas on the table
ID: canvas painting of an orange basketball with green background
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.
We just wrapped up Intro to Digital Art. 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 October Wednesday Night Educational Series will focus on creative expression. In this series, students will explore different ways to express themselves creatively! This five-week series will be taught by STRIVE staff. Register using the form on our website here!
ID: colorful abstract design with series information overlayed
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 diving into the mysterious and magical this October! Tweens will be all about Legends & Lore this month, with stories full of myths, monsters, and magnificent adventures. Check out the schedule below—we can't wait to explore the unknown with you!
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.
September was full of fun STRIVE Nights! From creative crafts to themed activities, to classic karaoke songs and energetic dances, there was something for everyone and plenty of laughs. Our Fall Carnival was a standout night, complete with our favorite fall games and special treats! Now we’re heading into October and gearing up for a month filled with legends, lore, and a little Halloween magic. We hope you’ll join us!
ID: black background with galaxy overlay and ghost and mummy biking/running together. STRIVE Night information at the bottom and 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 work planning our upcoming theme nights. We're looking forward to the Halloween party on Thursday, October 2. As always, there will be a lovely meal, bingo and other games, and laughter amongst friends!
ID: black background with stars overlay. Pumpkin and tombstones in the center with the STRIVE 25 information at the bottom.
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, October 7 from 3:00–4:30 p.m.—we can't wait to see you!
ID: green background with the PSL Services / STRIVE logo in the top right. There are three playing cards in the middle left
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.
He's Kevin on the Ground again! On Thursday, September 11 at 2:00 p.m., Kevin came off the roof of Patriot Subaru after 192 hours! Kevin raised $96,344.70 for STRIVE, exceeding his goal of $85,000!
Thank you to everyone that supported Kevin's efforts, we couldn't do this event without the support of our STRIVE community! Whether you donated, visited, shared our posts and emails, or kept us going with coffee and snacks, YOU helped Kevin meet his goal! Thank you!!
ID: Kevin and STRIVE team on the ground with whiteboard that shows grand total and event information
Thank you to this year's Kevin on the Roof sponsors for their support in making this event possible!
ID: Kevin on the Roof sponsor logos
Dine In New England
ID: dark blue background with the Dine In New England logo in the center
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. Over 50% of membership fees are donated to nonprofit organizations with 25% of membership fees donated to PSL Services/STRIVE in 2025! Check out their website for more information about what a DINE membership offers you!
STRIVE Shout Outs
Thank you to our September Donors!
Todd Lalumiere
Catherine Campbell
Gabrielle Lobster & Shrimp
Janey and Michael Collins
Cathy Mury Grigsby and Greg Grigsby
Sally Saunders - In Honor of Jack Prato
Catherine and Larry Wasmuth - In Honor of Jack Christiansen
Stephanie and William Scherr
Theodora and Charalampos Nikopoulos
Julie Fitzgerald - In Honor of Brady Fitzgerald
Edmond Beaulieu
Steven and Annemarie Salzberg
Keith Taylor
Daniel Reardon
Barry Dunlap - In Honor of Caleb Dunlap
Ernest and Carla Selberg
Dale and Linda Wilson - In Honor of Henry Berube
Watson Family Revocable Trust
Thomas Hood
Michael and Kelli Ackley Dubose
Marc Lamontagne
Charles and Susan Roscoe
Jeanne C Fernald - In Memory of Lindsey Mae Allard
Robert F Doughty Sr - In Honor of Niels Doughty
G D Ramsey - In Honor of Nicholas Thompson
Meredith Kerr
Mark Stevens
Irene and Jeffrey Oldfield
John and Lynda Lawrence
Martha Baum
Clyde Dyar
Frederic and Doreen Thompson
Eric and Jeanne Lazo-Wilson
Anne Button - In Honor of Bennett Agnew
Roberta O'Brion
Zareh Derhagopian
Tom and Carol Brewster
Rachel Campbell - In Memory of Rachel Morin
Christine Burke
Shari Chaney
William Lamb - In Honor of Araceli Orozco
John Cossaboom
Matthew Thayer
Elaine Gervais
James DiBiase
Charles Morrison - In Memory of Rachel Morin
Tizz Crowley - In Memory of Rachel Morin
Julie Wildes
... and everyone who donated to our Kevin on the Roof 2025 event!
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 Nicole, standing outside in front of trees with green and yellow leaves.
Meet Nicole! Nicole is the STRIVE U Transition Coordinator. Her favorite thing about STRIVE is "the incredible people I get to see on a daily basis. Each day brings something different, and it's exciting to be involved in such a positive environment! I love learning new things each day here." A fun fact about Nicole is that she has an identical twin! Thanks, Nicole, we're grateful to have you on the team!
Member Spotlight
Meet Sarvesh! Sarvesh is from Chandler, Arizona and is a current STRIVE WorldWIDE student. Sarvesh says, "I have taken the Time Management and Organization course. I learned that STRIVE is a great community for learning and for meeting new friends. My favorite memories are talking about Star Wars and superheroes with the instructors and students and the games. I look forward to a STRIVE book club." A fun fact about Sarvesh is he likes to listen to rock music and likes to play the drums, especially to rock music songs. Thanks, Sarvesh!
ID: photo of Sarvesh. He is standing in front of a white background, wearing a stripped collared shirt
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy birthday to our STRIVE Members with birthdays in October!
ID: Colorful happy birthday candles on a chocolate cake
AJ Bryant
Thorin Wagner-Peck
Patrick Cook
Bryant Lindsey
Breanna Parenteau
Juniper Butler
Emily Whalen
Chloe Fisher
Lynn Feely
Tristan Moreau
Zachary Inkeles
Ted Prosack
Thomas Woodman
Matthew Archer
Kayla Campbell
Violette Roy
Michael Johnson
Caitlin Philbin
Terry Manges
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 $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!
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 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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