For some, the holidays bring a bright light to our homes that outshine the short days and cold of the coming winter. For others, the holidays are more complicated, because of history, need, or the loss of those we love. How we show up for each other at these times can determine whether we share joy or we hunker down in a protective crouch. I believe Aspire’s commitment to servant leadership can make all the difference.
Self-Advocacy Group Discusses Rights and Equitable Solutions
Aspire’s self-advocacy group is hitting its stride and participants are joining from all four states. Recently members expressed that staff changes have a major impact on them. They are developing interview questions for individuals to use in the DSP hiring process. It's the first of many ideas they are pursuing.
The Community Giving Fund Committee awarded four more grants to community members this fall. The funds are already making a big difference in the lives of people across Aspire’s programs. Here are the stories of how your donations are having an impact.
December 10 was the annual celebration of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. While every day is a good day to celebrate and protect human rights, the holiday season has special opportunities for us as supporters of people with disabilities.
Aspire is deeply saddened to announce that Board member Bob Sheil has passed away. Bob was appointed to the Aspire Living & Learning Board of Directors in 2018 and served until his passing. A lifelong advocate for young people, he brought his unique expertise and passion for Aspire’s mission to his work on the board.
Surges are happening again. Vulnerable people are facing threats from COVID, Flu, and RSV. The CDC is urging everyone to get the bivalent booster, mask in areas of high transmission, and increase ventilation. If you have any symptoms, even mild ones, we encourage you to use an at-home test before coming to work. You can order FREE TESTS below or if you have Cigna insurance, you can pick them up at your local pharmacy and submit for reimbursement. Masks are available for all programs. See your supervisor for more information about boosters.
The Big Ask Podcast is coming back in January. Look out for our next episode, "Who Decides?", where we tackle the topic of supported decision-making: what is it and why is it important for people with IDD. Stay tuned!
Thank you for reading the Aspire Community News this year! If you'd like to see any previous editions, click here. As a valued community member, we want your opinions and suggestions for topics you want to see in 2023.
When introduced to the concept of helping others this fall, the students decided to put what they learned into action by running a food drive for the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. Their efforts, including producing a commercial, resulted in a successful drive that collected hundreds of non-perishable items.
Welcome to our new colleagues. We’re so glad you’ve chosen to join the Aspire Living & Learning community. Click below to see who’s joined us in November and reach out to give them a warm welcome!
Congratulations to all 119 participants in the Holiday Hustle. As a reminder, all members have until December 25th to complete their time log before the grand prize drawing! Check out all the latest and see who won the weekly raffles, below.
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