September 2020

Another Good Day

"It’s another good day in the Leight house,” according to Joe. Joe has lived with his Lifesharing family, Ann, Ed, and their grandkids for the past 14 years, and he is always full of smiles. Although he has faced troubles and difficulties in his life, today Joe has a safe and happy home where his optimism can flourish. Joe, who is retired, enjoys spending his time watching superhero movies, reading comic books, going for walks with Ann, and going out with Ed for an ice cream or Wawa sandwich. Joe’s inescapable positivity can brighten any grey day! For Joe, it’s always, “another good day.”
Thank you to the Leight family for opening your heart and home through Lifesharing.

A Day in the Life

For years I have been asked, “What is the role of a Direct Support Professional?” I always find myself trying to summarize this into a succinct, clear, and concise, job description that captures it all. But in reality, what I’m trying to describe is anything but succinct. It’s perplexing. How do I describe my day when I’m providing something different to each person? The needs for each person are so unique. How do I capture the love and emotion that is called for each day? So instead, I’ve decided tell you a story of an average Tuesday.

Ben and J Host "Back to School" Panel

This month, as schools across Pennsylvania open, parents and staff are weighing the consequences of in-person instruction versus virtual learning. For students with specialized needs, including those on the autism spectrum, there are additional fears from parents and teachers around regression.

The Ben and J Show, a weekly webinar on autism awareness sponsored by Access Services, gathered a diverse group of teachers, specialists, students, and administrators to address these concerns.

Adapting the Sensory Room Experience

Since the day our doors opened, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) have been a critical part of providing services. Our recent affiliation with ALTEC, now a division of Access Services, has provided additional, valued DSPs to our workforce.
Chrissy is one of these respected Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and has been working in ALTEC’s sensory room since 2014.

100 Care Kits

On Wednesday, September 2nd , volunteers assembled 100 care kits for those experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County.

The kits included basic medical supplies, snacks, and seasonal items such as bug spray, sunscreen, and cooling towels. These kits will be distributed by our Homeless Street Outreach program.

Volunteer Search!

We recently partnered with New Life Youth & Family Services, allowing us to expand our services for abandoned, abused and at-risk children.
The property, located in Schwenksville, needs some light landscaping work (mulching, weeding). We invite you to participate alongside leadership at Access Services, with lunch provided!
Right now, social events are limited. An outdoor volunteer opportunity is a great way to give back, alongside others, while remaining physically distant and outdoors.
When: Saturday, October 10th from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM  

P.S. No landscaping experience necessary - we will provide instruction before getting started.

Too Much to Ignore

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  It’s tempting to ignore this given how many “awareness” dates fill up our calendars.  However, suicide touches too many of us to let this month pass by without serious reflection.  I once polled those at my church regarding how many had either thought of ending their life or known someone who had.  The vast majority of the congregation responded that they fit at least one of these categories.  Therefore, consider today how you might use this month to start a conversation in your faith community about suicide.  It’s a reality that impacts too many of us to ignore.

Contact our Chaplain and Director of Intersect, Dave Eckert at 215-540-2150, x1286 or email DEckert@accessservices.org.

Do You Have a Minute to Win It?

You can help bring autism awareness to the community AND have fun doing it!

Please join us on Thursday, September 10 at 7pm for a virtual fundraising event featuring ten rounds of the Minute-To-Win-It games for the entire family, sponsored by Arlington Heritage Group.  

What is Minute-To-Win-It? Contestants take on a series of 60-second challenges using objects found around the house.  If the challenge is completed in a minute or less, the contestant wins a prize.

For the $10 entry fee, you can play in one round. If you would like to add a commercial about your organization product or services, the cost is $20.  Register by September 8 at www.accessservices.org/benandj/ to participate. We will let you know in advance what to have on-hand to play.

The proceeds from this event benefit Access Services’ Ben and J Show, a weekly webinar designed to keep the conversation about autism going by featuring guests from all walks of life to promote autism awareness.  Learn more about Ben and J by visiting our event registration page.

For in-kind donations, please contact Linda at 215-540-2150, 1357 or email LWasilchick@accessservices.org.

Work With Us!

Part-time Direct Support Professionals for our Lifesharing Team in Glenside, Willow Grove and Horsham.
Assist individuals with developmental disabilities in the community, including individuals’ own homes or in their natural family homes. Support these individuals through a variety of tasks and activities, using creative problem solving and strong interpersonal skills. Attend necessary meetings related to their support activities.

Open Your Heart and Home by Becoming a Foster Care Provider

There are approximately 15,000 children who are currently in foster care in the state of  Pennsylvania.  Each and every one of them deserve a safe, nurturing and caring home where they can thrive.  Access Services’ Foster Care program exists to equip foster parents to provide these healing homes for children in Pennsylvania who are temporarily unable to remain with their biological families. Please consider opening your heart and home to a child or children who need it most. Competitive rates, training and ongoing support are provided, with long-term and short-term options available.
• Our foster parents choose who they will take into their homes
• We have a reputation of being a supportive organization
• Competitive rates and training provided
• Short and Long-term options available