August 2025 News
Creating Safety Across All Environments
by Kristen Mathews, Chief Operations Officer

In Gentle Teaching, safety is the foundation for everything. It’s not just about being free from harm it’s about knowing deep down that you are accepted, cared for, and never alone.
For the people we support, true safety means feeling at ease in their own home, welcomed in their community, and connected to the people around them. It means having control over their space, being invited into relationships without fear, and knowing that even in moments of distress, they will be met with kindness not punishment.
Creating this kind of safety doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention, patience, and love. This is also not just toward the person receiving support, but toward their teams walking beside them. When everyone feels safe being physically, emotionally, and relationally we can begin to build a culture of true belonging.

Coach Joe Rozell & More Awesome Coaching Available to Eiros Group Customers! Sign Up Today!
Eiros Group has partnered with Coach Joe Rozell to offer health and wellness coaching sessions as a part of Eiros Group's Direct Support Services. Starting in September, Coach Joe will be offering sessions (in person and virtual) covering Nutrition, Physical Fitness, Strength Training, Special Olympics Training, and overall coaching for Social, Emotional and Physical Health.
His personalized sessions are 12 weeks, and are designed to meet your goals, unique needs, ensuring you feel motivated and supported every step of the way.
Joe has over 6 years of training and coaching clients that experience disability. Athletic Trainer for the NFL, NCAA, MLS, UFC, MLB, NHL and more.
We are super excited to have Coach Joe bring his unique and inspiring talents back to Eiros Group! Sign up today! Want to learn more and get signed up? Reach out to VictoriaB@Eiros-Group.com.
Eiros Group Goes to Denmark In September for Gentle Teaching International 2025!

Ever since the beginning of Eiros Group over 5 years ago, leading and living in a Culture of Gentleness has been integral to the core philosophy of Eiros Group. So much so, that we include articles each month in our newsletter, along with direct examples of how a Culture of Gentleness does help improve the lives others.
Gentle Teaching incorporates compassion as an alternative to the reactive and restrictive practices that are commonplace in working with vulnerable populations. All individuals have a right to feel safe and valued, in their homes, with their families and caregivers. At their job, school, or other forms of meaningful activities, in every instance, they need to experience interactions from others that are positive and uplifting.
Gentle Teaching is practiced in many countries throughout the world including the United States, Canada, India, South America, Asia and Europe. This year marks the 24th Annual Gentle Teaching International Conference in Aalborg, Denmark. Each year, this conference brings together professionals and organizations worldwide, that work together to develop, promote and strengthen the values of Gentle Teaching.
Eiros Group is one of the first agencies to provide Supports Brokerage in New Jersey, and one of only a handful of agencies in the U.S. to also weave Gentle Teaching in to our methodology.
On behalf of Eiros Group, our Chief Operations Officer, Kristen Mathews has been selected to present a workshop on how we use a Culture of Gentleness, combined with Charting the Life Course, at the GTI2025 Conference in Denmark in September!
Kristen is an active member of both the Gentle Teaching United States, and Gentle Teaching International groups, and regularly participates in networking and learning sessions. In addition to attending last year's Gentle Teaching International Conference in Regina Canada, Kristen has attended GTI conferences in the Americas and Europe.
We are committed to this international organization so much so that we have exciting news that will be announced in Denmark!
Look for a recap of the program she will be presenting, Gentle Teaching and Building Meaningful Connections, along with even more exciting news in our October issue!
Bekah and The Healthy, Fun Outcomes of Horse Therapy
By Mom, Nikki as told to Supports Broker, Desiree Coyle

Why was Equine Therapy considered a good option for Bekah?
Equine therapy was recommended for Bekah as a means to encourage interaction, socialization, and provide opportunities to get out of the house in a meaningful and engaging way. She has responded positively to the program and truly enjoys her sessions with PATH-certified staff, particularly Kaitlyn. The structure of the sessions and the gentle, calming environment of the farm seem to have a grounding and uplifting effect
on her overall mood and engagement.
What skills does Bekah work on with the horses, and have you observed any positive outcomes?
Bekah participates in a variety of hands-on activities with the horses, which include brushing and grooming their manes and bodies. She enjoys giving the horses affection—offering kisses and belly rubs—and engages in expressive activities such as selecting hair bows from a book and helping place them on the horse’s mane. She also watches as the PATH instructor walk the horse through a maze, with assistance from the SDE when needed.
These interactions have noticeably increased her comfort with both the horses and the staff. She has grown more confident navigating the uneven ground at the farm, something that initially posed a challenge. Bekah's enthusiasm is evident—she gets excited as they arrive, often requesting the car to drive slowly so she can see all the animals. Her joy and growing independence at the farm are clear signs of the therapy’s positive impact.

Each month, we receive submissions from Eiros Group Employees, the people we support, and their families, about a variety of topics including services, insights, vacation or holiday experiences, family memories or traditions, favorite recipes and stories about life with disability. If you would like to submit an article, photos or both for consideration in an upcoming edition, please send to: maryb@eiros-group.com We are grateful for all of the contributions to our newsletter!
Come Work With Us ! We have a number of open positions throughout New Jersey! Want to learn more? Click here and apply today!
August Eiros Group
Anniversaries & Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to Lindsay B., Markeise F., Jenifer J., Heidi., Kristen M., Andy M.!
We also want to wish Happy Eiros Group Anniversaries to Katie B., Keyonia B., Paulina C., Jean Marie H., Michele H., Hyacinth L., Manuel M., David P., Debra S., Don W.!!
Thank you to all of you for being a part of our amazing group!!
Attention NJ School Districts! It's Almost Back to School Time! Is Your School Hosting A Resource Fair? Contact Us!

If your district is hosting a Transition or Resource Fair this year or in the Fall, please send us the information so that we can not only attend, but also share the news!
Email us here!

If you have had a change in email addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers or any other information, it is ESSENTIAL that you contact us to make sure it is all up to date. This information also needs to be up to date with Support Coordinators, and on your ISP, if applicable. If you need help, or have had a recent change, please contact your Supports Broker right away!

Arm In Arm in Mercer County:
48 Hudson Street, Trenton NJ
Monday and Wednesday : 9:30AM to 12PM
61 Nassau Street, Princeton NJ
Monday and Wednesday : 11 AM to 4 PM
Tuesday: 1 PM to 7 PM
Mobile Food Pantry
2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township 08648 (Mercer County Library)
Mondays at 2 PM to 4 PM
142 E. Hanover Street, Trenton (located at Trenton Meeting of Friends)
Tuesdays 9:30 AM to 12 PM






Fiscal Intermediary (FI) Transition to Acumen Update
As Acumen Fiscal Agent continues to roll out the program statewide, and receive enrollments, it is important you work with your Support Coordinator, Supports Brokers, Vendors and/or Employees to have enrollment completed as soon as possible.
To assist, Acumen is hosting In-Person Registration Open House events in Paramus, Ridgewood, and Abescon. For more information go to the Acumen-NJ website.
It is very important that you complete an official enrollment with Acumen if you previously had PPL.
If you have not yet completed the application, Eiros Group can help. Our Brokers are trained and ready to help! Contact
KristenM@Eiros-Group.com
What Does That Acronym Mean?
What the acronym? Since the changeover to the new Fiscal Intermediary to Acumen, we have noticed not only that our customers, but many people were unsure what all of the abbreviations meant! We understand! Unless you are actively in the DDD community, you may not know many of them. We have compiled a list of them here. If you have more questions about what they mean, please feel to reach out to us!

The Dog Days of Summer... & More!
While Summer doesn't officially end on the calendar until September 21st, August is the month most associate with the last month of Summer... vacations, beach and mountain trips, lazing by the pool, ice cream and board walks. But we bet you didn't know that August is also Family Fun Month, Golf Month, Peach Month, Picnic Month, Romance Awareness Month, National Eye Exam Month, National Catfish Month and National Pirate Month!
In addition to month long celebrations, each week of August has a great theme. Week 1 is National Simplify Your Life Week, Week 2 is National Smile Week, Week 3 is Friendship week and rounding out the month, Week 4 is Be Kind to Humankind Week.
There are so many ways to celebrate each of the above, from simply going on a picnic, or dressing up like a Pirate (why not?), or eating some peach pie! The better part of these themes is the opportunity to do something different. To try something new. To take a new approach to something. Make someone smile every day for a week. Organize your glasses, cups and mugs. Do you really need 25 mugs? Make new friends, get in touch with friends you have lost touch with, give them a call or plan a coffee outing. Lastly, don't forget to schedule an eye exam!

Patrice the Movie Nominated For An Emmy Award!
Congratulations to Patrice and Garry! Fantastic news!
Added on Patrice: The Movie Facebook Page on July 15th, "We’re beyond thrilled to announce that we are nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Exceptional Merit In Documentary Filmmaking!! We couldn’t be more excited and grateful for all of the amazing people who put their love and talent into this film. We had such an exceptional team of disabled and non-disabled creatives pouring their heart and souls into this project for years and we are so honored to have their hard work recognized!! Patrice is already picking out her outfit!!"
Read more about their movie in our
Eiros Group May issue! Bravo and best of luck Patrice and Garry!!
The New Jersey Hearing Aid Project (NJHAP) offers free refurbished hearing aids for individuals that meet program eligibility. The Hearing Aid Project is an innovative initiative launched by the New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH), in partnership with Montclair State University (MSU).
Program Eligibility:
- Age 65+ or are disabled receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
- New Jersey resident
- Income for 2025 is no greater than $53,446, if single or no greater than $60,690, if married.
Find Your Happy Place
This annual guide includes information about the County’s accessible beaches, walkways, ramps, parking, curb cuts and surf chair availability. It also provides detailed information about 2025 beach fees, lifeguard hours and amenities as of the time of publication. Click here to view the guide

Accessible NJ: Mobility-Friendly Beaches on the Jersey Shore
Discover some of the best wheelchair-accessible beaches in NJ for an unforgettable coastal getaway. With an array of inclusive amenities such as ramps, boardwalks, nonslip beach mats and accessible parking, these beaches ensure everyone can bask in the sun and enjoy the serene ocean waves. Visit New Jersey guide is here.
Upcoming events throughout NJ

Below are upcoming activities or events throughout New Jersey! If you are hosting a similar type of event, and would like it included in our newsletter, please send to maryb@Eiros-Group.com
*Please allow 2 weeks or more advance notice. Thanks!
NORTH:
Passaic County Fair
August 14: 6-11pm.
Middletown Grange Fair
August 13 to 17: 10am-5pm
August 23: 12-5pm
Fall Festival Flower and Craft Fair
August 30: 9am-5pm
August 31: 10am-4pm
Cirque de Paris - Rockaway
September 4 to 14
Show times vary, please check website
September 18 – 28
Show times vary, please check website
CENTRAL:
Free Princeton Airport Tours
Free airport tours every Tuesday through August: 1030am
Sourland Mountain Festival
August 16: 3-8:30pm
Jenkinson's Board Walk Movies on the Beach
Tuesdays in August: 8:30-11pm
NJ Clearwater Festival in Asbury Park
August 30: 12-8pm
WomanSpace Community Appreciation Day
August 31: 12-4pm
Access for Reel Adaptive Fishing Tournament
September 20: 11am-5pm
Explore, Experience & Create at WheatonArts
April through December
Open Thursday through Sunday
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine
The 49th Anniversary IAATO Italian Festival
August 6 through 10
Weds thru Saturday - 4 to 11 pm
Sunday - 4 to 10 pm
Glassboro 20th Annual Car Show & Food Truck Festival
August 29
5 to 8pm
Wildwoods Boardwalk Craft Shows
August 9: 9am to 5pm
August 10: 9am to 3pm
August 29: 9am to 5pm
August 30: 9am to 3pm
Sahara Sam's Guest with Disabilities Pass
Indoor/Outdoor Water park
Open all summer
Please check with vendor for hours
Adventure Aquarium Celebrate Shark Adventures
All throughout August
ONLINE:
Transition to Adult Life Webinars presented by NJ DDD
Dates are ongoing throughout 2025
If you are hosting a similar type of event, and would like it included in our newsletter, please send to
maryb@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.








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