"Peering from some high window, at the gold of November sunset and feeling that if day has to become night, this is a beautiful way."

Quote by e.e. cummings

The Holidays Are Coming! Deadline to Submit Your Artwork is Wed. 11/13!

We’re excited to announce a contest to feature your artwork on this year’s Eiros Group holiday cards!

Submit your artwork to be entered for a chance to win a gift card! Deadline for artwork submission is Nov. 13th!

To participate, simply click here to upload your artwork! ... Submit Here >>

Save the Date for Saturday Jan. 11th, for the Eiros Group Winter Party!

Invitations will be sent out soon to our Customers and Employees, so keep an eye out for it and be sure to R.S.V.P.!

DSP Update From Garryan & Tori: Join Us for Our First DSP Support Group & Win a Pair of AMC Movie Passes!

We're excited to invite all Direct Support Professionals to our DSP Support Group on December 19th (via Zoom), led by Victoria and Garry, your Regional Coordinators. Victoria oversees the Northern Region, while Garry takes care of Central and South.

This support group is a fantastic opportunity for DSPs to come together, share ideas, voice challenges, and celebrate successes in an open forum. Let’s create a space where everyone feels heard and valued!

To accommodate your schedules, we’ll offer two sessions: one in the morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM and another in the evening from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

Plus, we’re hosting a raffle for a chance to win a movie night for two! To be eligible, simply attend and confirm your time slot with Victoria or Garry.

Don’t miss this chance to connect and engage—your voice matters! We look forward to seeing you there!

REGISTER HERE!

Garryan & Tori

Social Security Announces 2.5 Percent Benefit Increase for 2025

Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January. Social Security begins notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December. Individuals who have a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. People will need to have a personal my Social Security account by Nov. 20^th, 2024 to see their COLA notice online. To get started, visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Information about Medicare changes for 2025 will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, the 2025 benefit amount will be available via my Social Security's Message Center starting in late November.

To read more, please visit www.ssa.gov/cola.

Read the full press release

Continuing to Succeed!

by Coby Hurd, Supports Broker

At Eiros Group, we strive to focus on success and continue to highlight what our customers ‘can do.’

Brandon C. was introduced in our September newsletter. As he continues to live his best life, he shared a photo with us.

Brandon C. is a remarkable individual who exemplifies resilience and determination while he continues his Fall Semester at Rowan University.

As a full-time college student, he is fully immersed in his academic pursuits, embracing every opportunity to learn and grow within the environment of the University.

His dedication to his studies is matched only by his commitment to his personal independence. Living in his own apartment, Brandon takes pride in managing his everyday life, demonstrating that there are no limits to what he can do.

Brandon, you are the epitome of Success!

November Eiros Group

Anniversaries & Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to Lisa A., Floyd B., Julia B., Edwin F., Glenn G., Dagmara J., Hyacinth L., Charles Sebok., Katelyn S., and Don W.!

We also want to wish Happy Eiros Group Anniversaries to Cat C., Glenn G., and Chi-Chih H.!!

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

Poetry in Motion

By Kristina Louis, Support Broker

Floating through a masterpiece
the night sky on my side
on my moonlit pony
through the waves I gently ride
Forever on the wings of time
sparkling like wine
traveling through purple haze
sun kissed
the world is mine.

From the Author, Kristina Louis, "Writing for me started in 6th grade as an assignment, I quickly realized how therapeutic and freeing it could be. The way the words danced across the page to match my racing thoughts was addicting. Initially I wrote for personal reasons and was afraid to share so many vulnerable thoughts, but as I experimented further with form and styles, I realized writing could be fun and uplifting as well. Over the years I have composed short stories, children’s stories, and poetry; I even have a few pieces of work published!"

The Eiros Group Picnic

Photo Gallery is Online!

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John F. Kennedy

As we enter the final months of 2024, we are reminded of those cherished memories and the feeling of gratitude that is woven into holiday celebrations with family and friends.

Reminding each of us that the cultivation of thankfulness extends far beyond the holidays. Thankfulness is always!

We celebrate with all of you and share what we are thankful for.

“Being able to help make a difference in the lives of my customers.”

Coby H.

“I’m thankful for the people in my life that help build me up.”

Kristina L.

“I am thankful for the people I love and that love me and to be able to help people live their best lives.”

Lisa A.

“I am thankful for my daughters, my family, and my work family at Eiros as well as my customers. And of course, my fur baby Mandy.”

Sherry C.

“I am thankful for my family and friends who support me.”

Lindsay B.

“I’m thankful for my family and health.”

Jen J.

“I am thankful for all of the amazing people I have met, expanding their views on what is possible through self-direction.”

Kristen M.

“I am thankful for the lessons learned, the patience gained and the respect from those I work with, my family and my customers.”

Jean Marie H.

“I am truly thankful for the gift of every new day, and within that day, I strive to live in grace and gratitude.”

Tara H.

“I am grateful for the community that I live in and the support from my family.”

Desiree C.

“I recently adopted my dog Harlow, our relationship started off rough. I honestly did not realize how much work it would be having a dog, however, over time her love and affection grew on me. I am thankful for unconditional love, so glad that she knows no hate or malice. There is something undeniably charming about her playful spirit and unwavering affection.”

Garryan B.

“I am thankful for having a job that allows me to be present with my children!”

Victoria B.

A quick note of thanks and gratitude to all of the parents who voted Eiros Group as a recommended Supports Broker Agency in the October New Jersey Parents of Developmentally Disabled Adults Survey! We truly appreciate the vote of confidence!

2024 NJ Self-Direction Conference

Oct. 31st & Nov. 1, 2024 at The College of New Jersey, Ewing Township

For the third year in a row, Eiros Group is proud to be a sponsor of The NJ Self-Direction Conference, which is designed to educate and promote self-direction. We were excited to attend and be a part of such an amazing group of professionals!

Friday, November 15, 2024 | The Palace at Somerset Park

333 Davidson Ave., Somerset, NJ

Please join our workshop presentation during the annual SHA Conference, an educational and networking opportunity for housing and service providers, community planners, housing developers, public officials, families/consumers, and those interested in promoting and advancing supportive housing for people with special needs. Addressing state, regional, and national issues, the conference draws an average of 300+ attendees.

Now in its 26th year, the New Jersey Supportive Housing Conference, “Breaking New Ground; Success Begins with Home,” continues our theme expressing the innovation that fuels our industry and the recognition that a safe, affordable, and accessible home is the foundation from which all success is built.

SHA's conference will focus on how the supportive housing community is breaking new ground and forming new connections to increase funding, craft new programs, and share resources to create ground-breaking supportive options. Our conference will focus on the interests and experiences of NJ providers while also exploring how other states effectively respond to the needs of people with disabilities and barriers in housing.

For more information and to register, follow this link: https://www.shanj.org/conference-2024/

Fall Fun!

by Victoria Betrix, Regional Coordinator of Direct Support

The transition from summer to fall brings cooler temperatures, the vibrantly hued leaves decorating the earth, pumpkin spice, fall festivals and the exhilaration one feels when enjoying the change of scenery and fresh air.

That is exactly what Bella and Katie have done and look at the smiles. What are you doing to enjoy the fall weather?

Forging New Traditions

By Lisa Askew, Support Broker

Over the years, our family Holiday table landscape has changed. We have happily added place settings and highchairs. We have also solemnly left an open chair in remembrance.

Most recently, my family has begun a tradition of our own “tree lighting.” Leading up to Thanksgiving my aunt sends my uncle into the front yard armed with strands of lights and instructions on wrapping a tree. After Thanksgiving dinner is done, we all go outside to light the tree. It has become a favorite tradition.

Our family tends to be a little more adventurous as we enjoy trying new recipes or things together. One year we began a tradition of writing something we are grateful for on a tablecloth. It would be dubbed our “Thanksgiving Tablecloth” and used going forward. Right after that, it was washed, and all the writing vanished.

Let this be your reminder to try new things, live your best life with the people you love. Try new recipes and traditions! It just
may turn out to be a new favorite!

Favorite Family Traditions

By Jen Jones, Support Broker

One of our all-time favorite family traditions that I have been doing since I was a little girl, and now get to enjoy with my children, is baking Christmas cookies with my mom,
their Nana.

We plan a weekend every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas and spend from morning until late evening baking 20 different cookies. These delicious treats get gifted
to teachers, friends and family who all look forward to their baked treats every year.

My kids are already asking “when we are baking” lol. I have added my all-time favorite cookie recipe that I look forward to every year. From our family to yours, we hope you enjoy them too.

Cream Cheese Cookies
1 package 8ounces of cream cheese
2 sticks of butter
4 cups of flour

Mix cheese and butter till creamy
Add 3 cups of flour slowly
Saving one cup for rolling
Refrigerate for one hour
Use 1/4 amount at a time roll out
Top each cookie with a spoonful of Strawberry Preserves
Bake at 375 for 10 minutes

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 info@Eiros-Group.com

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

JOIN US FOR OUR FREE  LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES
12:00-1:00pm
 
November 13, 2024: Your Childs Right to Special Education in New Jersey, Presented by Denise Rekem, Esq. To RSVP CLICK HERE
 
December 11, 2024: Accessing Non-traditional Special Needs Services: Goods and Services, Classes, Remote Instruction, Presented by Lisa McCauley Parles, Esq. To RSVP CLICK HERE
 
January 8, 2025: Creating an Effective IEP and What to do When Things Go Wrong, Presented by Judith Weinstock, Esq. To RSVP CLICK HERE
 
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.

NORTH:

Let it Glow
November 7-January 12

Orchard of Lights
November 22- December 29

Holiday Lights Hayride
November 29-December 22

Magic Lights
November 11-January 4

Light Show and Christmas Village
Check link for upcoming 2024 schedule!

CENTRAL:

Monmouth Battlefield Second Sunday
Several dates available

Annual Highlands Farmers Market
Every Saturday up to and including November 16

Saturday Night Shows
November 23 and November 30 5:30pm-9:30pm

Holiday Lights in the Park
November 23-January 1

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
November 28

Old Fashion Christmas
November 29-December 29

SOUTH:

Atlantic City Tattoo Expo
November 8-10

County disABILITIES Dinner Dance
November 14: 6:30-8:30pm

Full Moon Lighthouse Climb
November 15

Diggerland Holiday Lights
November 15-January 12

Rolling Railway Magical Holiday Express
November 16-December 30

Christmas Fantasy Lights
November 16-December 30

Homelessness Resource Fair
November 19: 8:30am-12pm

Caregivers Support Group
November 19: 5:30-6:30pm

Annual Caregivers Conference
November 20: 5:30-8:30pm

Holiday Fun for Families
November 22-December 23

VIRTUAL

Transition Support Group for Parents and Caregivers
November 20: 7pm-8:30pm

If you are hosting a similar type of event, and would like  it included in our newsletter, please send to info@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.

Free events in New Jersey:

Sayen Botantical Gardens
155 Hughes Drive Hamilton Township

Princeton University Art. Museum
Elm Drive Princeton
Tuesday-Sunday

Howell Living History Farm
70 Wooden Lane Hopewell Township

Drumthwacket
354 Stockton Street Princeton
Reservation can be made for free guided tours.

Mercer County Library- Museum Passes

New Jersey State Museum
205 W. State Street Trenton
Admission free- fee for planetarium

Art and Coffee Break
Second Thursdays 5:30-7:30pm
Annex Gallery-Historic Smithville
803 Smithville Road Eastampton

Cape May Zoo and Park
707 Route 9 N. Cape May
Free- donation’s accepted

Heritage Glass Museum
25 E. High Street Glassboro

The Center for Contemporary Art
202 Burnt Mills Road Bedminster Township
Admission free- suggested $5 donation, fee for classes

Twin Lights Historic Site
2 Light House Road Highlands

The All-Star Sports Museum
8 Burt Street Bridgeton

Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
474 Upper Mountain Ave Montclair

Empty Sky, 9/11 Memorial
Liberty State Park
1 Audrey Zapp Drive Jersey City

Please be sure to click the links in the above to verify days/times prior to planning your day. These listings may have specific limitations, and are provided for informational purposes only. Be sure to confirm prior to attending.