Lasagna Love Gives Back to Individuals in Need

by Scott M., Customer and Desiree Coyle, Supports Broker

With the support of his Support Broker, Desiree, Scott completed an online referral form through Lasagna Love. By the end of May, he received a generous, homemade lasagna
from a local Lasagna Love volunteer. The volunteer coordinated directly with Scott via text to arrange a convenient delivery time. The only requirement was that Scott be present during the scheduled delivery window.

Scott is thoroughly enjoying his lasagna and expressed his gratitude for the warm, comforting meal. With just a quick reheat, it provided a delicious and satisfying dinner.

Lasagna Love is a neighbor-to-neighbor movement that supports individuals and families in need by delivering home-cooked meals made with care. To learn more or to request a meal, visit: https://lasagnalove.org/request-a-meal/

June Eiros Group

Anniversaries & Birthdays!

Happy Birthday  to Johnathan B., Emily B., Garryan, Mary B., TomTom J., Minha L., Kelsey M., Terry Moore and Merle S.!

We also want to wish Happy Eiros Group Anniversaries to Hayley C., Samantha D., Dina D., Gayleann G., Aniyah I., Kristina L., and  Laura S.!



Thank you to all of you for being a part of our amazing group!!

Attention NJ School Districts!

Trauma-Informed Supports In A Gentle Teaching Framework: Insights from Karyn Harvey, PhD.

When we consider trauma-informed care, we think about healing—not just for those we support, but for the entire community of care. At the Gentle Teaching International Conference, I had the privilege of discussing how trauma-informed practices align with the Gentle Teaching framework. Together, these approaches create environments where safety, connection, and empowerment foster true healing.

From Pigeons to People: A Journey Toward Understanding

My journey in this field began in an unlikely place: training rats and pigeons in a behaviourist framework during my graduate studies. It was there I first realized the profound limitations of treating people like variables in a controlled experiment.

Years later, working in human services, I saw this approach mirrored in how people with disabilities were often labelled and managed. Behaviors were targeted, but stories were ignored. Interventions were implemented, but connection was neglected.

It wasn’t until I met John McGee, the founder of Gentle Teaching, that everything clicked. He reminded me of something vital: people need to feel safe, loved, and understood before they can thrive.

The Unseen Stories of Trauma

Trauma is pervasive in the lives of those we support. From experiences of neglect and abuse to the systemic trauma of institutionalization, the stories I’ve heard over my career are both heartbreaking and illuminating.

For example, James was labelled as “non-compliant” because he refused to shower. Only by listening to his story did we uncover the source of his behaviour: nightly hose-downs during his years in an institution. Similarly, Rashida’s cutting wasn’t “attention-seeking,” as staff believed—it was an expression of her pain from years of abuse and rejection.

These stories remind us that behaviour is communication. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with this person?” we must ask, “What happened to this person?”

Listening as a Tool for Healing

Listening is the foundation of trauma-informed care. It’s not just about hearing words—it’s about validating experiences and creating space for people to feel safe sharing their truths.

One of the most transformative examples of this was Tamika, who expressed her longing for a boyfriend during her annual person-centred planning meetings. For years, her team overlooked this desire, focusing instead on “practical goals” like cooking. When her loneliness led her to a dangerous situation, the response was to restrict her independence rather than address the root cause.

Only when someone truly listened and validated her desire for connection did Tamika begin to heal.

Key Principles for Trauma-Informed Care

1. Assume Trauma: While not everyone has PTSD, many have experienced trauma. Assume a trauma history and approach interactions with empathy.
2. Focus on Relationships: Healing happens through connection. Relationships—both professional and personal—are central to recovery.
3. Support Staff: Caregivers often carry their own trauma, compounded by vicarious trauma. Supporting their well-being is essential to maintaining a culture of gentleness.
4. Celebrate Joy: Happiness is a healing force. Celebrate achievements, foster connection, and encourage meaningful purpose in the lives of those we support.

To read the rest of Karyn Harvey's presentation at Gentle Teaching International 2024, visit Creative Options Regina (COR)

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

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! 

The NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities’ “Employment First” Page Updates and Resources

The Employment First page on the NJCDD website has been recently updated with information intended for individuals living with disabilities who are interested in working! Now, along with information about Employment First in New Jersey, the page features plain language information and links related to:

• Individuals seeking employment – Seeking Employment
• Benefit Resources as they relate to work – Benefits Resources
• Transitioning to employment from high school – Transition to Employment

Click below for the entire NJCDD ‘Employment First’ page and the NJCDD homepage.

EMPLOYMENT FIRST

NJCDD.ORG

NJ Transit Announces a New Online Resource!

NJ Transit through the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals
with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families has announced a new section of their website that offers a number of transportation resources. These include following:

• Access Link
• Community Transportation
• New Jersey Travel Independence Program (NJTIP)
• Modvicare

To learn more about each of these transportation options and more information, visit this page, or go directly to nj.gov and under Resources By Age: Adults and Their Families > Transportation Resources

New Jersey Partners in Policymaking Deadline for Applications Is June 27!

New Jersey Partners in Policymaking is a leadership development and advocacy education program for adults with developmental disabilities (over age 21) and family members of children and transition age youth available through collaboration between The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development, and Disability Rights New Jersey.

The goal of this program is to prepare the next generation of disability advocates to work toward meaningful change in our state. The Boggs Center is committed to building a diverse group of participants that is reflective of the needs, geography, experiences and backgrounds of New Jersey. Through participation in in-person and virtual educational leadership development sessions and completion of on-line assignments, selected participants learn about best practices and important areas for advocacy from nationally-known experts.

Upon completion of the program, participants will have developed the knowledge and skills needed to:

• Advocate for opportunities and supports that promote self-determination, independence, and inclusion in all aspects of community life
• Be members of advisory board and committees
• Work alongside policymakers and state agencies

Deadline for applications is JUNE 27, 2025

New Jersey Partners in Policymaking Flyer Here

Use this Application Form to apply. If you need assistance to complete the application, or would like to complete the application by phone, contact Jaime Zahid (jaime.zahid@rutgers.edu; 732-966-0305).

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:

Union Township Juneteenth Festival
June 14: 12 to 6pm

Jenkinson's Boardwalk Father’s Day Specials
June 15: 12 to 8pm

Argos Farm Blueberry Festival
June 20-July 7: 10am-3pm

Asbury Tattoo Fest
June 25-27

CENTRAL:

Six Flags Grad Night

June 6: 8pm to 1am

Juneteenth Stories of Freedom

June 21: 12 to 4pm

Rocks, Ribs & Ridges

June 27 through 29

Review website for daily times & events

Ducky Derby Rubber Duck Races

June 28: 11am to 4pm

Firefly Festival

June 29: 4-9p

SOUTH:

Burlington Amphitheater

Free weekend concerts starting at 6pm

NJ Renaissance Faire
June 7 and 8

Mercer County Cultural Festival

June 7: 11am to 7pm

Princeton Symphony Yoga Garden

June 8: 9am
June 15: 9am

Westfield Juneteenth Celebrations
June 14: All day

Lead Fest Mercer County State Fair

June 27 through July 7: 5 to 11pm

All Sports Museum featuring South Jersey Professional Sports Memorabilia

Thursday: 10am to 3pm
Friday: 10am to 3pm
Saturday: 10am to 3pm

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.