"Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything."

- Katharine Hepburn

Love and the Culture of Gentleness

by Kristen Mathews, Chief Operations Officer

As we step into February, a month often associated with love and connection, we are reminded of the transformative power of the Culture of Gentleness. At its heart, this philosophy fosters relationships built on unconditional love, trust, and safety. It’s not just about romantic gestures but about creating spaces where everyone feels valued, seen, and supported.

In our work and daily lives, practicing gentleness means showing compassion and offering reassurance when people need it the most. It is also about celebrating the unique gifts that each of us brings to the world. Whether it is through a kind word, a patient listening ear, or a simple act, love has the potential to create lasting change and strengthen the bonds that unite us all.

This month, let us reflect on how we can embody the principles of Gentle Teaching to helping those that we support, and each other, feel safe and loved. Together we continue to build a culture where love leads the way.

Online Housing Workshop Announced for March 20th!

In March, Eiros Group's founder and CEO, Jenn Brown will be hosting an online workshop dedicated to helping clarify what kinds of housing opportunities exist, how and where to get funding, and offer a question and answer session.

To pre-register for Thursday March 20th at 3pm, sign up here and you will be sent a zoom link to join us!!

A New Fiscal Intermediary Announced for NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities

The New Jersey Department of Human Services' Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has announced that Acumen Fiscal Agent, has been chosen as the new fiscal intermediary for its Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) Self-Directed Services Model after a bidding process.

According to an announcement sent by DDD late January, Acumen operates 120 self-direction and financial management  services programs across 31 states serving a total of 36,000 participants.

DDD anticipates transitioning VF/EA participants from Public Partnerships to Acumen in the coming spring and summer. In their update, DDD has said Acumen will contact participants, employers, employees, and community vendors to begin the enrollment process before the Acumen system goes live throughout New Jersey, which is expected to be this summer.

DDD has further said it will also inform and assist participants during this transition process to the new Fiscal Intermediary.

For your information, Easter Seals will also continue to be another authorized Fiscal Intermediary option in the State of New Jersey. Should you have any questions about this changeover, or need assistance during the process, please contact Eiros Group. We are here for you, every step of the way!

Kick Starting the New Year With Training!

Eiros Group Support Brokers have kicked off 2025 by engaging in professional development with an online course called SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery).

SOAR’s free, web-based training is a national best practice designed to improve communication and collaboration with communities and agencies to increase access to disability income benefits administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

SOAR’s free online training teaches participants to prepare SSI and SSDI applications to expedite and increase application approvals. This resource is helpful for in assisting eligible individuals who have been diagnosed with persistent mental illness, physical impairment, substance abuse, is homeless or at risk of homelessness.

SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) is a free web-based course, open to anyone who is interested in learning how to submit a complete SSI/SSDI so an eligible individual can receive a determination of benefits, faster.

Visit https://soarworks.samhsa.gov/ to learn more about this free training opportunity

Rock On Alina!

By Jean Marie Hanna, Support Broker

“In playing, I suppose my greatest gift was to express the way I felt or the willingness to express myself.” Eric Clapton

This past Christmas, Alina received a guitar. A Fender Squier Stratocaster electric guitar to be exact. She wanted me to clarify "Squier Stratocaster” ☺. The pure elation of this gift of a musical instrument encouraged Alina to explore music and potentially start a new hobby.

Alina’s pursuit to learn how to play the guitar has allowed her to express her unique feelings and personality, and letting her true self shine.

Knowing Alina for the last two years, I am in awe of her involvement in community events, and her willingness to explore her interests. I have seen her step out of her comfort zone, try new activities, and make new social connections. I have watched her self-confidence grow tremendously. She is also really becoming quite the guitarist too!

Alina, you are a rock star! And Team Alina, you are the chords that continue to build Alina’s harmony. Keep building!

February Eiros Group

Anniversaries & Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to Femi A., Katie B., Sherry C., Kristina L., and Karlene P.!

We also want to wish Happy Eiros Group Anniversaries to Otto H., Vicki L., Cathie L., and Emily B.!!

Thank you to all of you for being a part of our amazing group!!

We had such a great response to this program last year, and we are excited to bring it back! Curious about services, supports, housing, or need help with paperwork or other topics? If you are in the Morris County and Mendham area, then join Kristen Thursday March 12th  for coffee, and ask away! Sign up here. This is free and open to everyone.

Adulthood: The Path To Get There, and Make It Amazing

Any student who has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), should also begin the development of a Transition Plan starting at age 14. The term "Transition" occurs in many areas of life, as adolescents become young adults.

These transitions might include movement from school to work or post-secondary education, in addition to the shift from pediatric to adult health care, and leaving the family home.

A Transition Plan team begins to help young adults and their families plan for the future, transition in to adulthood, and focus on what lies ahead for their future.

If you watch the video on our home page, Eiros Group's founder and CEO, Jenn Brown, gives an overview of what is possible with Person Centered Planning tools. By not only utilizing these principles, we can also help get into the "nitty gritty" of housing, services, and independent living for young adults.

Throughout the next several months, you will see Eiros Group attending Transition and Resource Fairs throughout New Jersey. Most school districts host these types of fairs, and families are encouraged to attend them.

Typically, they are held right about the same time that your student's IEP team will meet to look at progress, and make an outline for next steps. Eventually, these then move towards becoming an Individualized Service Plan (ISP), and a roadmap for the future.

For students with disabilities, preparation for transition should begin by age 14 and focus on academic instruction, community experiences, employment, daily living skills, and exploration of supports needed for success in adult life.

This timeline identifies considerations in planning for transition by age, from 14 to the end of your child’s educational entitlement at 21. The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development has created a great printable that all parents can use during this time. It provides a guide along with several resources to help understand the process each step of the way. Click here to download the full PDF of this guide.

Further down in this newsletter, and in the coming months, we will be listing where transition and resource fairs are happening. We invite you to find us, and learn more about all of the opportunities that are available for young adults! If you are having difficulty in finding a fair in your area, please contact us, or your school administrator for more information, and how to locate resources.

Eiros Group is also a fully trained resource in "Charting the Life Course" and we would love to help your student plan their Life Course too!

Over the next several months, school districts throughout New Jersey will be conducting Transition Planning Meetings and Transition Fairs to assist graduating students in developing ISP's (Individualized Service Plans) as they move in to Adult services.

Starting this month, you will find Eiros Group attending numerous Transition Fairs throughout the state.

If there is a student you know who will be graduating this coming Spring, and they will need assistance with DDD Services, or if your school district is hosting a Transition Fair, please let us know!

We are here to help students begin to create the roadmap to making their hopes and dreams a reality. For questions, or more information, please contact Kristen Mathews at kristenm@eiros-group.com

Upcoming Transition Fairs:

Feb. 23 - JCC Special Needs Resource Fair Scotch Plains

Feb. 29 - TiPS (Transition in Postsecondary Services) Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg

Mar. 1 - Mercer County Transition Fair, Lawrence High School, Lawrenceville

Mar. 6 - MUJC Spring Transition Fair, Professional Development Center, New Providence

Mar. 13 - Lenape High School Transition Fair, Lenape High School, Shamong

Mar. 19 - Atlantic County Special Services Resource Fair, Mays Landing

Mar. 22 - Alliance for Private Special Education Spring Resource Fair, Union County College, Cranford

Mar. 29 - Hunterdon Central Resource Fair, Hunterdon Regional High School, Flemington

If your district is hosting a Transition or Resource Fair, please send us the information so that we can not only attend, but also share the news! Email us here!

Upcoming events throughout NJ

Below are upcoming activities or events throughout New Jersey! If you are hosting a similar type of event, and would like it included in our newsletter, please send to maryb@Eiros-Group.com

*Please allow 2 weeks or more advance notice. Thanks!

Friday February 7th is A Night to Shine! Worldwide!

Friday February 7th! Join a Night to Shine!

Night to Shineis an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs. Night to Shine is a free event for people with special needs, hosted by local churches around the world. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older.

Members of our teams will be attending Night to Shine events throughout New Jersey. Visit the Night to Shine website to register and for more information. Night to Shine is Worldwide on Friday, February 7, 2025.

More information about NTS2025 is here

NORTH:

Super Bowl Fan Fest
February 9: 4-5pm

Sunflower 2025 Spring Piano Festival
February 21: 12pm-5pm

NJ Horror Con and Film Festival
March 1 and 2

Reeves-Reed Maple Sugaring Fest
March 2: 11am-3pm

The Big Brew Beer Festival
March 1: 1pm-5pm

CENTRAL:

For the Love of Local News
February 12

West Windsor Farmers Market
February 15: 10am-1pm

Red, White and Brew Fest
February 15: 12pm

Wednesday Wonder Walk
February 19: 10am

Princeton Farmers Market
February 20: 10am-3pm

Livingston Advisory Committee for Disabilities Free Arts and Crafts Program:

5pm to 6pm

2025 Dates:

February 3

March 10

April 7

May 5

SOUTH:

Winter Warrior Challenge and Festival

February 15: 9am-3pm

South Jersey Health & Wellness Fair
February 15: 11am-3pm

Nerd Fest
February 23: 10am-4pm


WEBINAR:
Access Nature Forum with Disabled Hikers
February 11: 2pm

If you are hosting a similar type of event, and would like  it included in our newsletter, please send to  maryb@Eiros-Group.com

*Please allow 2 weeks or more advance notice. Thanks! Please note, we are relaying information found on other websites or through other organizations, and doing so as a service. Please confirm event details and information directly.

JOIN US FOR OUR FREE  LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES
12:00-1:00pm
 
February 12, 2025: Orton-Gillingham and the Dyslexia Puzzle, Presented by Alexis Greenberg, Esq. To RSVP CLICK HERE
 
For past Parles Rekem webinars CLICK HERE.