|
|
|
|
Two Richards, Twice the Fun!
|
Lydia Caron | Operations Specialist | Londonderry, NH
|
|
|
|
Richard P. and Richard J. have been the ultimate dynamic duo for over 15 years, sharing a home and a friendship that is super strong! They both have been living their best life full of fun, laughter, and endless creativity.
|
Crafting is their happy place, and they dive into it with enthusiasm. From making placemats and painting ornaments to beading, resin art, and coloring, their days are a whirlwind of color and creativity. The best part? They give away their masterpieces as gifts (see our necklaces in the photo), making everyone feel loved and special.
|
Their most recent project took things to a whole new level…building birdhouses! The project involved using power tools, sawing, and assembling. It was a very exciting project that they both were incredibly proud of!
|
|
When it comes to friendship and creativity, Richard and Richard prove that two Richards are better than one!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas Parties Galore
|
Steve Nguz | Program Manager | Westbrook, ME
|
|
|
|
|
Wow, what a holiday season for Joe! He didn’t just celebrate. He went all out with two Christmas parties back-to-back. First up was his day program party, and then he kept the fun rolling at his work party the very next day.
|
Joe came prepared to steal the show. He wore an ugly Christmas shirt that actually lights up—yes, lights up! It was the ultimate conversation starter, and everyone loved it. That shirt wasn’t just festive; it was pure Joe fun, bold, and full of holiday spirit.
|
At the day program, Joe enjoyed great food, music, and time with friends. He laughed, mingled, and soaked up every moment. The work party included more treats, games, and holiday cheer. Joe's energy and that glowing shirt really made the parties unforgettable.
|
|
Seeing Joe enjoy himself like that was the highlight of the season. He brought so much joy to everyone around him, and honestly, that’s what the holidays are all about, sharing smiles and making memories.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas Preparations
|
Tim LaBounty | Program Manager | Keene, NH
|
|
|
|
The holiday season is officially here, and nothing says Christmas like a beautifully decorated tree! This year, David teamed up with Tim and Michelle to bring festive magic to life. From untangling lights to carefully placing ornaments, the trio worked together to make the tree sparkle.
|
David, in particular, couldn't hide his excitement. He truly loves the Christmas tree tradition. His enthusiasm set the tone for a joyful afternoon filled with laughter, teamwork, and holiday spirit.
|
|
The tree now stands tall and glowing, ready to spread warmth and cheer throughout the season. A big thank you to David, Tim, and Michelle for making this holiday so special!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home Sweet Home
|
Autumn McDonald | Fiscal Intermediary Coordinator| Plattsburgh, NY
|
|
|
|
Logan Loveless enrolled in the Self-Direction Program in the summer of 2022 with one clear goal: to live independently within his community and find a home he could truly call his own. With determination and the support of his Circle of Support (COS), Logan worked diligently to create a plan that would make this dream a reality.
|
In 2024, Logan informed his COS team that he was ready to start apartment hunting. Together, they worked to ensure a smooth transition. However, unforeseen circumstances accelerated his timeline, and Logan had to secure housing sooner than expected. With the help of his family, friends, and team, Logan began his search while temporarily staying with friends.
|
His perseverance paid off when he found his first apartment in Plattsburgh. Logan was ecstatic! He finally had a place to call home. Unfortunately, a year later, Logan faced another challenge when the town declared his apartment uninhabitable due to code enforcement laws.
|
Despite this setback, Logan remained positive and determined. He placed his name on several housing authority lists, with his heart set on Country Gardens in Keeseville. While waiting, Logan continued searching and found an apartment in Plattsburgh’s west end. His transition was smooth, and he quickly made the space his own.
|
Later that year, Logan received exciting news; his application for Country Gardens was approved! With the support of his team, Logan made what he proudly calls “his final move.” Today, Logan is happily settled in his new home, living his dream of independence.
|
Logan’s journey wasn’t without challenges, but his resilience and positive outlook helped him overcome every hurdle. Now, he’s setting new goals: earning his GED and obtaining his driver’s license. Logan’s story shows the power of hard work and determination.
|
|
Logan, we are all rooting for you! Best of luck as you continue to achieve your goals and dreams!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrating the Season
|
Kristin Lemire | Program Manager | Londonderry, NH
|
|
The holiday season is in full swing, and Shawn has been embracing the festive spirit with joy and excitement! This month, Shawn participated in several fun activities that brought smiles and holiday cheer to everyone around him.
|
He kicked off the celebrations by taking photos with Santa and the Grinch, creating wonderful memories that captured the magic of the season. Shawn also attended an outdoor holiday festival, where he enjoyed live music, delicious food from local food trucks, and even got to see adorable dogs.
|
|
From snapshots to festival fun, Shawn truly sleighed this holiday season! Here’s to keeping that merry momentum rolling into the new year!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Take Me Out to The Ballpark
|
Kristen Petersen | Director, Shared Living | Westbrook, ME
|
|
|
|
What are we doing in Maine in the winter? Some of us are looking back on the fun we had during the summer, longing for warm weather to enjoy outdoor concerts at the beach again. Michael (aka Mikey) is a shy guy, so he didn’t want to be photographed, but he was excited to help write this article and share this information with everyone reading it.
|
The Old Orchard Beach Ballpark hosts the “Rock the Park” summer concert series, and Mikey was getting his VIP pass on the same day that we met to write this article! Mikey and his dad, Mike, enjoyed seeing several of the concerts during the summer of 2025. The summer line-up included a variety of music from many tribute bands to the Classic Rock Orchestra.
|
Although the 2026 schedule of performances has not been announced yet, Mikey provided some helpful details about the concerts. Tickets for each performance are $15 for adults and free for children 12 and under. A VIP season pass is available for $75 and includes perks like exclusive entrance and preferred parking. Concerts run from 6:00pm-8:00pm, with gates opening at 5:00pm.
|
|
The Ballpark is located in Old Orchard Beach, ME. It features a concession stand with a variety of snacks and beverages. Picnic tables are available, but you should bring a chair or blanket so you can relax and enjoy. The concerts are family-friendly. For more information, visit the Old Orchard Beach Recreation Department website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gratitude
|
Michelle Leger | Keene, NH
|
|
|
|
One day before Thanksgiving, I was sitting with Makayla talking about what Thanksgiving means. Makayla said it is a time to show people how thankful you are for their friendship, their time, or something else.
|
The next thing you know, we are making thankful trees. We traced my hand onto brown construction paper, cut it out, and then made petal-like leaves on a tree. I wrote five things about each person that I am thankful for. I wrote things about how kind they are, how they take care of friends, and how they cook and do crafts with me. It was really cool, we sat in my craft room, it was a lot of work! I made thirteen trees with 4 or 5 petals each.
|
|
It made me think about all the positive things about the people in my life. When we were all done, I said to Makayla, I am really thankful for my friend, so I called her and told her. Now, I am thinking about crafts that don't cost a lot, that I can make for people as Christmas gifts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential Resources, Inc. | 34 West St. | Keene, NH 03431
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
