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!

Bekah and The Healthy, Fun Outcomes of Horse Therapy

by 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!

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!

Last year in Regina Canada, Eiros Group's Kristen Mathews attended the Gentle Teaching International Conference  in Canada.

This year, Kristen has been invited to participate as a presenter the Gentle Teaching International Conference in Denmark in September! We are incredibly proud of her and cannot wait to hear all about her trip and presentation!

For those who may have not met Kristen yet, here is a little more information about our Chief Operations Officer. Kristen has been working in the sector since she was a young adult having over 10 years of professional experience in the field. She is blessed to have a wonderful brother, Richard, who experiences a developmental disability. Richard has been living independently in his own home since 2012 and continues to live his life to the fullest. He is a touchstone for Kristen, as she understands what is possible for others to lead a boundless and fulfilling life.

Eiros Group is one of the first agencies to provide Supports Brokerage in New Jersey. For the last 5 years, Kristen has worked with the team to navigate this exciting area of supports for individuals across New Jersey. Through Supports Brokerage Eiros Group is able to help people thrive in the home of their choice, with supports that they select and manage for themselves.

She says she is grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside CEO and Founder, Jennifer Brown, in assisting people find their way to a life of their choosing in their communities.

Look for a recap of the program she will be presenting,  Gentle Teaching and Building Meaningful Connections, in our October issue!

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! 

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

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!!

Enjoyed this newsletter? Share it with your friends! Like, share, comment and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @EirosGroupNJ. Didn't get this in your inbox? Don't miss the next one! Sign up at the bottom of this page.