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LifeStream Day Program Quarterly October 2024
Welcome to the third issue of our Day Program Quarterly newsletter, designed to keep you up to date on the many events, activities and happenings at LifeStream’s Day Programs
A R T S H O W
Third Annual LifeStream Day Program Art Show
LifeStream once again partnered with the New Bedford Art Museum to highlight the artistic gifts of the individuals we support at the Museum’s third annual art show titled “Living Your Best Life in Art.” The event opened with a reception on October 10th. The artwork will be on display through November 8, 2024.
“This event offered us the opportunity to expose the Greater New Bedford region to the abilities of the individuals we support as they express themselves through art,” said Den DeMarinis, Director of Day Services. “We are extremely thankful to the Museum for the opportunity to showcase their creative talents.”
S T A F F S P O T L I G H T
Staff Spotlight on Jen Claudino
As a former pre-school teacher and director of a day care center, Jen Claudino was well prepared for her job as Program Manager for the Beacon Street Day Program which supports thirty-eight individuals with autism. “I supervised 100 children at the day care center, so this is much less hectic,” laughed Jen.
The Beacon Street staff work as a team to help individuals set both daily and long-term goals. Activities include menu planning and cooking, arts and crafts, communication skills, exercise and outings. “Every day is different, which they love,” said Jen. “The consistency of having the individuals here Monday through Friday is key to the success of this program. It is so rewarding to see their progress and play a role in their growth and accomplishments. When you work together this closely, it really feels like a second family.”
After graduation from New Bedford High School, Jen attended Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island where she received a bachelor’s degree in biology. She resides in New Bedford with her two sons.
Individual Spotlight
Say hello to Virgina K! Viginia has been a participant in the LifeStream Day Program for four years and she is very proud of how long she has been here. Virginia volunteers at P.A.C.E., a local food bank in New Bedford where she helps greeting customers with her warm smile and getting their bags prepared for food. Virginia doesn’t skip a beat when it comes to being on time and ready to go for a job she loves! She makes sure to wear her volunteer P.A.C.E. shirt as well as her comfortable sneakers.In her free time she enjoys working on latch hook rugs and
displaying them for peers and staff to appreciate. Virginia is an intelligent woman with a sharp mind. At the age of 76 her memory skills are amazing. She keeps her brain sharp by joining trivia groups as well as memory match games with her favorite instructor, Laurie Grace. She is a joy to be around and beloved by all.
Day Services doing their part for the holidays
Individuals and staff members for all three Day Programs are getting into the holiday spirit by collecting donations of non-perishable food products between November 1st and 18th. We will then deliver the donations to the P.A.C.E Food Pantry or First Unitarian Church in New Bedford. “The individuals love this annual activity and are very excited to receive the goods, pack them up and deliver them,” said Den DeMarinis, Director of Day Services. “They do this work with a smile on their faces, knowing what a difference they are making for the lives of others”.
In Loving Memory
The opportunity to work closely with the individuals we support is what many of us enjoy most about working at LifeStream, which is why it is so difficult when they are no longer with us. We cherish the time we had with them, and the memories we will have forever.
● Kenneth A.
● James A.
● Ron V.
Upcoming Day Program Closures:
Thursday, November 28th, Thanksgiving Day Observation
Friday, November 29th, Day after Thanksgiving Observation
Wednesday, December 25th, Christmas Holiday Observation
Wednesday, January 1st, New Year’s Day Holiday Observation
Meet the Rest of Our Team!
Den DeMarinis,
Director of Day Support Services
508-993-1991, ext. 2111
508-951-2847
Loren Gastall,
Assistant Director of Day Support Services/Mill Road Program Manager
508-993-1991, ext. 4123
508-742-8793 (cell)
Jennifer Claudino,
Beacon Program Manager
508-991-1991, ext. 4100
774-366-5688 (cell)
Vanessa Machado,
Welby Program Manager
508-993-1991, ext. 1026
508-402-1943 (cell)
