January 2026 News
Happy New Year! Sharing Best Wishes for Optimism, Grace, Fortitude & Faith.
"The year's first month is like a blank canvas. Let your actions be the brushstrokes that create your masterpiece."
- Unknown
Did You Know? Eiros Group Offers Individualized Support Services and Behavior Services Too!
At Eiros Group, we assist people and their supporters in self-directing services, creating supportive systems and community engagement. We are making a difference for those who live with disability, to create foundations for the future.
We work to follow the persons lead. We meet with the person, find out what their hopes and dreams are, their likes and dislikes, their strengths and areas they wish to improve. We do this as a collaborative process, utilizing several methodologies including our on staff BCBA to also develop Behavioral Supports. All of these are put together in addition to a person’s Individualized Service Plan, to help them create and live their best life!
Behavior Services
Our Behavioral Support Services are designed to help adults with developmental disabilities live safer, more independent, fulfilling lives. Guided by dignity, person-centered planning, and evidence-based practices, our team works collaboratively with each individual, their families, and support networks to develop meaningful strategies that build skills, reduce challenging behaviors, and enhance quality of life. All behavioral services are overseen by a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to ensure clinical integrity and compassionate care. Want to learn more or schedule a Functional Behavioral Assessment? Email us for more information: Info@Eiros-Group.com.
Direct Support Services
Eiros Group’s Direct Support Services focus on helping adults with disabilities live meaningful, self-directed lives with individualized, hands-on assistance that increases independence, choice, and connection to community. Built on person-centered planning, these services support each person’s hopes, interests, and goals. Eiros Group partners closely with individuals and their families to design supports that fit with their lifestyle and priorities, whether in the home, in the community, or pursuing employment and social engagement. To schedule an intake meeting, contact JennB@Eiros-Group.com or visit our Contact Us page.
Eiros Group also offers Supports Brokerage for customers who are in need of guidance or direction with some aspects of their daily lives, including finding staff and housing. Often Supports Brokers may provide services to customers such as Community Mapping, budgeting or other ways that are not as intensive as those who provide direct support.
Want to better understand the services we provide? Click here to learn about
What We Do or
contact ustoday.
Ain't Nothin' Gonna Break Dan's Stride
by Jean Marie Hanna, Supports Broker
When I first met Dan, we discussed his subsidy and reviewed the steps, landscape, and the what, where, and how of the life he wanted to create. The song “Break My Stride” came to mind, as I believe this song captured Dan’s sense of independence and determination.
Dan was very involved in every decision, from choosing where he wanted to live to identifying the type of community that he would feel comfortable in. He was looking for opportunities close to work, in a quiet and safe environment, surrounded by good neighbors. Sounds too good to be true, right?
Within 48 hours, Dan found the right apartment in a great area! The unit was undergoing renovations, which would only add to his overall comfort (new a/c unit & rugs). Additionally, Dan received a furniture credit to help him purchase household goods necessary for independent living.
He moved in November, celebrated Christmas in December and embraced 2026 with his new life and new apartment.
~ Congratulation Dan! ~
Is Self-Direction Right For Us? Join The DDD Family Networking Session on Jan. 27th.
Each quarter, the Division of Developmental Disabilities and New Jersey Human Services host Virtual Networking Sessions designed to help introduce persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families to self-direction for all or some of their DDD services. Pre-registration for the virtual sessions is required.
Virtual Peer-to-Peer Networking Session
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Register for Jan. 14 Peer-to-Peer Networking Session
This session is for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) who are or are interested in self-directing all or some of their DDD services.
Virtual Statewide Family Networking Session
Wednesday, January 27, 2026 from 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Register for Jan. 27 Family Networking Session
This session is for families that are or are interested in self-directing all or some of their family member’s DDD services.
Are you, or someone you know looking for either a way to bring more meaning to their career, or a to join a growing and dynamic group of caring professionals? Then you will want to visit our Work With Us page on our website! It is updated regularly, and because we are growing, we have a number of open open positions throughout New Jersey!. Want to learn more? Click here and apply today!
2026 Pay Schedule
Blue Envelope Program Helps Drivers On The Autism Spectrum
New Jersey's Blue Envelope Program helps drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other special needs have safer, less stressful interactions with police during traffic stops by providing a special Blue Envelope with essential info, like license, registration, insurance, and emergency contacts, plus instructions for officers, making communication easier. Drivers can get these envelopes from their local police departments, and the program provides visual cues for officers to approach the stop with more patience and understanding.
Winter Weather, Emergencies & Being Prepared For It All
Winter in New Jersey is a time of unique beauty and unique risks. Most of the state's weather forecasters are expecting this winter to be a much more active one, and that we should be prepared!
If their predictions are even close, we could see several snow storms with decent accumulations, along with high winds, potential blizzard conditions, ice, and even possibly some power outages! SO, be prepared!
There are programs such as Register Ready NJ and the Special Needs Registry specific to your county, whose primary purposes are to ensure that 911 operators, first responders, and law enforcement officials anticipate the needs of individuals with disabilities in the event of an emergency, what needs they may specifically have (such as assisted technology or other devices, etc.), and also if there are any additional people that need to be contacted. Many counties also have local additions or partnerships, so checking your specific county's Emergency Management or Prosecutor's Office website for local details or registering at the state portal is the best approach
After registering, contact your local Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) to learn how staff use Register Ready and what you can do to enhance your own preparedness.
To learn more about Winter Weather Hazards and How to Prepare for Winter Emergencies, visit the NJ Office of Emergency Management here. This link does a great job in explaining the unique winter weather threats that we could face, along with weather terms and most importantly, winter safety!
The most important part is to be alert, be prepared, and stay warm! Happy Winter everyone!
Division of Developmental Disabilities: Transition from School to Adult Life Virtual Welcome Sessions
Division services are available to people 21 or older who meet all other eligibility requirements. The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) welcomes and encourages individuals and their families to attend one of their virtual Quarterly Transition Welcome Sessions, held the first and fourth Thursday of the month in October, January, April, and July. These sessions are an opportunity to learn more about what DDD has to offer and how to prepare for adult life. For more information, please see the links below for each flyer.
Next Session will be held on January 8, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Register for this session
The next Evening Welcome Session with Topic Breakouts will be Thursday January 22, 2026 from 6-7:30pm.
January Eiros Group
Anniversaries & Birthdays!
No January birthdays this time, but just wait until February!
Happy Eiros Group Anniversaries to Emily, Markeise and Grace!
Thank you for being a part of our amazing group!!
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Friday February 13, 2026 is
A Night to Shine! Worldwide!
Friday February 13th! Join a Night to Shine!
Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs. Night to Shine is a free event for people with special needs, hosted by local churches around the world. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older.
Members of our teams will be attending
Night to Shine events throughout New Jersey. Visit the Night to Shine website to register and for more information. Night to Shine is Worldwide on Friday, February 13, 2026.
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:
Newark Winter Village
Mulberry Commons Park
Trivia Night
Tuesday, January 6: 7:30-8:30pm
Twelfth Night Party
Saturday, January 10: 4-8pm
Super Pet Expo
Friday, January 9: 3-8pm
Saturday, January 10: 10am-7pm
Sunday, January 11: 10am-5pm
Rahway Soup Stroll
January 10, 17, 24 ,and 31
Family Fun Night
Wednesday, January 14: 7-9pm
Watchung’s Texier Open House
Sunday, January 18: 2pm-4pm
MLK Day of Service After School All Star Kits
Monday, January 19: 9am-10:30am
Game Nights
Tuesday, January 23: 7-9pm
New Jersey Film Festival
Sundays between January 23 through February 22
Dessertopia
Saturday, January 24: 11am-6pm
CENTRAL:
Princeton Farm Market
Thursdays 10am-3pm
Polar Bear Plunge
Saturday, January 10: 10am-1pm
Festival of Trees
Until January 11
Princeton History Walking Tour
Saturday, January,11: 2pm-4pm
MLK Day of Service: I have a Dream Walk
Monday, January 19: 10am-12pm
MLK Day of Service: Empower Her Kits
Monday, January 19: 9am-10:30am
Garden State Comic Fest
January 24-25
SOUTH:
Winter Sowing
Camden County Environmental Center
Saturday, January 10:10am-12pm
Hope Mobile Food Distribution
Keegan Rec Center
Saturday, January 10: 10-11:30am
Wild Con
Saturday, January 17: 10am-5pm
MLK Day of Service
Monday, January 19: 10:30am-12pm
MLK Day of Service Ocean City NJ
Monday, January 19: 9am-noon
Country Line Dancing
Tuesday, January 20: 11:30am-12:30pm
Fire and Ice Festival
Saturday, January 31: 10am-4pm
VIRTUAL:
Coffee Talk for Caregivers
Monday, January 20: 10:30-11:30am
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.
