"May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.”

Quote by Mary Anne Radmacher

While many of our customers, employees and service providers have been a part of self-directed services for many years, we also realize that Direct Supports Services and Supports Brokerage are actually relatively new in the state of New Jersey.

Furthermore, many people do not fully understand how Self Direction keeps the persons hope and dreams at the center of services. Both Support Brokerage and Direct Support Professionals can be a game changer for adults with developmental disabilities. Our expertise in these areas puts Eiros in a unique position. We can help people understand what's possible, decipher the acronyms, and provide insight as to why working with Eiros Group, (as a customer, family or services professional) is exciting and rewarding!

Direct Supports Explained

by John Coe, MAS

Director of Community Services

At Eiros Group, we recognize the profound impact of direct support services on individuals and communities. Our commitment to providing these essential services stems from a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by those we serve.

Direct support services play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community, empowerment, and well-being. By directly engaging with individuals, our organization can tailor support to their specific needs, creating a more personalized and effective approach. Whether it's offering assistance to individuals with diverse abilities, providing guidance in times of crisis, or delivering essential resources to those in need, our direct support services aim to uplift and enhance lives.

We believe in the power of human connection and the positive outcomes that arise when individuals receive the support they require. Through our dedicated team of professionals, we

strive to build meaningful relationships that go beyond mere assistance, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting independence.

At the heart of our mission is the understanding that direct support services are not just about meeting immediate needs; they are about creating lasting, positive impacts that ripple through communities. By championing direct support, Eiros Group is dedicated to making a difference, one individual at a time, and contributing to the overall well-being and strength of the community we serve. Together, we can build a foundation of support that empowers individuals to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

November was an exceptionally busy month for us, as we participated in a number of presentations, conferences, meetings and planning sessions. 2024 promises to be full of many new and exciting programs for Eiros Group, including expanding our Culture of Gentleness to new Support Professionals!

TASH Conference 2023

“The Core of Gentle Teaching: Safe and Loved”

Gentle Teaching is not about behavioural change.

By John McGee

It is not even about getting rid of behaviours. These will disappear or diminish as time goes by as a result of the person trusting us. It is not about any behavioural techniques that might be spelled out in a behaviour plan. If a caregiver enters anyone’s space with such intentions, the time spent will have nothing to do with Gentle Teaching. It is a contradiction to anxiously lead with an attitude of, “I have to change this behaviour or that one.”

The central and guiding focus for all caregivers is to help the person learn to feel safe and loved and this requires the prevention of any sort of harm. It is simply wise to not provoke any violence. Prevention gives caregivers the opportunity, space, and time to teach new memories of feeling safe and loved. Doing this dissipates or eliminates maladaptive behaviours as a direct result of feeling safe and loved. This has to be part and parcel of the caring community.

We will be hosting introductory online training sessions for Culture of Gentleness in the New Year. Keep your eye on this newsletter for more information coming soon!

Are you a Support Coordinator who is interested in learning more about Supports Brokerage?

We would love to present at your next staff meeting to provide you and your colleagues more information. Contact Kristen Mathews, our Director of Supports Brokerage, at kristenm@eiros-group.com for more information.

We are growing! We have a number of open positions throughout New Jersey for Direct Support Professionals and experienced caregivers. Want to learn more? Click here and apply today!

Transition Planning Season is coming! Have questions? Need guidance? Reach out! We are here to help!