October News from Eiros Group
"And just like that, the heart and soul of Autumn has arrived."
The season of all seasons! October is always a delight here at Eiros Group. Fall Harvest celebrations, the change in the air, the golden leaves blowing in the wind. And of course, there is Halloween! During these next few weeks, we begin to put away our summer memories, and look ahead to so many adventures! In this month's newsletter, we have a number of great community activities, learning seminars, and helpful pieces of information to help you and your loved ones get in to the spirit of the season! Let's get into all of this month's news and activities!
Eiros Group Goes International!
At the beginning of September, Kristen Matthews, Director of Supports Brokerage, Sheldon Schwitek, Director of People and Culture, and John Coe, Director of Community Services, attended the Gentle Teaching International Conference in Portugal.
They presented on our organization’s use of the Culture of Gentleness across various service layers, including staff,
families, and leadership. The Culture of Gentleness has Four Pillars:
- Safe: Emotionally, Physically, Psychologically, and Environmentally Safe.
- Loved: Valued and Supported
- Loving: Nurturing and Meaningful Relationships
- Engaged: Building Connections through Meaning Activities
The presentation stressed how the Culture of Gentleness positively impacts our organization at all levels and encouraged others to incorporate it into their organizations too. It promotes care, compassion, and respect to enhance well-being and personal growth.
This culture benefits not only those we support, but also our staff and families. Eiros Group values the Culture of Gentleness and is open to sharing more information about it.
For further information, please contact Kristen, Sheldon, or John. You can also find more details about Gentle Teaching and the Culture of Gentleness by signing up for our newsletter, or emailing
sheldons@eiros-group.com
Being an active part of our community is one of the cornerstones of Eiros. We create opportunities where we can get to know each other, answer any and all questions you may have, and help make connections in the community.
Join us!
Cost per person: FREE
Date: Wednesday October 18th
Time: 12p-6p
Location: California Cold Co.
520 US 9 N.
Manalapan, NJ 07726
Can't make this event? Stay tuned! We are scheduling "Community Connections" throughout New Jersey! Want more info about our Community Connections? Click here!
“Values in a Culture of Gentleness” (Part 1)
A Culture of Gentleness is a living, breathing culture of shared core values. It is a culture shaped by a clear set of ground rules establishing a foundation and guiding principles for decision-making, actions and a sense of community. In a culture of gentleness, employees find alignment between their personal values and the organization’s values creating a unified and motivated workforce. Management and leadership set examples for their organizations and live the values they preach. Although strongly held value-systems rarely change, a culture of gentleness remains flexible to handle changes in strategy or outside influences.
We are going to be moving to Online training for our introductory class for Culture of Gentleness. Keep your eye on this newsletter and your email for more information regarding this and additional trainings in a Culture of Gentleness in the New Year!
Are you a Support Coordinator 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. Please reach out to Kristen Mathews, our Director of Supports Brokerage, at kristenm@eiros-group.com for more information.
COMING SOON…
Do you have an interest that you would like to explore? Electricity? Art? Coding? Liz Bagish is
new to Eiros, and is excited to assist you with doing just that. She taught STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) for 34 years to both teachers and students in Millburn, New Jersey. She has a Master’s in Special Education, is a certified teacher and loves working with people. Keep your eyes peeled for more information!
New DDD and NJCAT Intake Forms
DDD and NJCAT have new intake forms on their website. Have questions! Check it out under
the "What We Offer" Tab.
Are you a caregiver, individual or professional who needs help navigating the DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) Application or NJCAT Assessment? The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute can assist you with questions or concerns. Please include as much information as you can when filling out the form. After you submit the information, a member of The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute staff will contact you.
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!
We had a number a fantastic events listed in this month's Newsletter, so be sure to check your inbox. Missed this month's newsletter? Don't miss the next one! Sign up at the bottom of this page.
The 2023 TASH Conference takes place November 30 – December 2 at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor, and several members of the Eiros Group team will be presenting, including Founder, Jenn Brown, and Director of Support Brokerage, Kristen Matthews.
Each year, the TASH Conference brings together our constituents to share resources and success stories, learn about field-driven best practices, and network within a community engaged in shared values. The Conference is attended by passionate leaders, experts, and advocates from every corner of the disability community. Conference attendees are influential in their fields and communities, and play an important role in the provision of services and supports for individuals and organizations around the world; and include professors and researchers from leading institutions; those involved in local, state, and federal governments and public policy; special and general educators, and school administrators; self-advocates, adult service providers; students, family members, and many others. This year’s conference theme is Opportunity for All!
As the growing need for seeking qualified individuals to help “self-direct”, Eiros customers work alongside their Support Broker through the individualized and elaborate process of seeking dedicated support staff.
Terri’s Journey as She Seeks Ideal Companion
“I went to Eiros group to help me to find staff to hire. When I met Desiree, she came to my home. We talked about what I looking for and what my needs would be. We wrote two Ad with what I am looking for and placed the ad on Indeed
After Desiree screened the applicants for me then we setup zoom a meeting so we could meet and ask questions. After the meeting with them Desiree and I would discuss the applicant.”
Desiree shares, “When Terri and I met, we quickly became more than just customer and support broker. We shared our interests in music, hobbies, and life events. As our relationship grew, I understood Terri’s specific needs for staffing were more aligned with a companion who could enhance her independence. Together, we crafted the perfect ad to post online and started screening for applicants that best encompass those qualities Terri is seeking. While the process of finding a companion has been long and, at times, didn’t work out as planned, the search continued. Terri has not lost hope that the perfect staff is out there and ready to assist her. Throughout this process, Terri and I have formed a bond of friendship and respect that transcends the customer/support broker role to a richer, much more positive level.
Announcing the upcoming 2nd Annual NJ Self-Direction Conference, brought to you in partnership with The Collaborative for Citizen Directed Supports NJ, Easter Seals, Public Partnerships Group, LLC, sponsored by the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities and Eiros Group.
When: November 2nd-4th, 2023
Where: Online: There will be 3 breakout room options on Zoom where you can join the workshop of your choice.
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.thecollaborativenj.org/2023-self-direction-conference
Pre-registration: https://forms.gle/8KFsy1NBSmeeop1b9
Below are several upcoming activities and events scheduled 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!
Resource Fair & Family Fun Day. Oct. 15 11-1pm at William Paterson University. Registration is required: specialeducationalliancenj.org. Questions: 973-407-0596
Circles of Communication Virtual Activity Groups for Teens and Adults of All Abilities. Full schedule and information: www.circlesofcommunication.com/events
Trunk or Treat! Sat. 10/21 5p Brundage Park
2 Bungalow Lane, Randolph, NJ $20 per vehicle (must pre-register, no refunds) Register on Community Pass (Community Events 2023)
Autism Awareness Color Run & Sensory Walk. Sat. 10/21 1-3pm at Rice Elementary School in Evesham County. Free Event but pre-registration is required. Register here
Smithville Irish Festival Two full days of family fun on the beautiful Village Greene of Historic Smithville, located at 615 E. Moss Mill Rd. in Galloway, NJ. Buy tickets here
4th Annual Hopewell Valley Oktoberfest Sat. 10/14 4-10p at the Trenton Cyrus Lodge 131 Burd St., Pennington, NJ The 4th Annual Hopewell Community Oktoberfest has become the "can't miss" Fall event for friends and neighbors in the greater Hopewell New Jersey area. This family-friendly event is open to all. There will be a live band, corn hole games, pumpkin painting, door prizes, BBQ and pig roast, several beers on tap, wine, and soft drinks. Buy tickets here. Kids 12 and under | FREE
More Community Activities
NORTH JERSEY:
September 16 through November 5
Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Through October 29
October through November 5
Sussex County Harvest Honey and Garlic Festival
October 21: 10am-4pm
October 21: 5pm
Unexpected Farm NJ Trunk or Treat
October 21: 12pm-4pm
Halloween Trick or Treat in Downtown
October 31: 3pm-5pm
October 31: 4:30pm-6:30pm
CENTRAL JERSEY:
August through October 29
September 9 through October 29: 10am-5pm
October 13, 14, 20 and 21
October 14: 12pm-6pm
October 20: 6pm-9pm
October 21: 1pm-5pm
1830’s All Hallows Eve Celebration
October 28: 11am-4pm
Cider Making at The Howell Living History Farm
Hopewell Township
November 4: 10am-4pm
SOUTH JERSEY:
October 14: 1pm-3:30pm
Maurice River Township Fall Fest
October 14: 4pm
October 14 and 15: 11am-6pm
October 14: 10am-4:30pm
October 14: 10am-2pm
October 14: 9am-4pm
Annual Chatsworth Cranberry Festival
October 21 - 22
Burlington Townships Mayor Health and Wellness Annual Health Fair
Oct 21
Bethel Baptist Church Fall Fest
October 21: 1pm-4pm
Chick Fil A Centerton Square TRUNK or TREAT
October 27: 5pm-8pm
October 28: 4pm-6pm
Faces 4 Autism Halloween Dance
October 28: must register online.
ONGOING:
Burlington County Farmers Market
Saturdays through November 11: 8:30am-1pm
VIRTUAL:
October 16 through 21
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.
Good news delivered!
