December 2024 Newsletter

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”—Eleanor Roosevelt.

Editorial 

Dear Dawn to Dusk Community,

December is a month of reflection and retrospection. It is a good time to think about how the year began, what goals and resolutions we had set at the beginning of the year and how well we did with achieving those goals and resolutions through the course of the year. In addition to enjoying time with our friends and family over the holidays, I believe that taking time for self-reflection, assessment and planning for the future, looking ahead to the new year, helps us become more effective both in our personal and professional lives.  

Personally, I find it helpful to be idealistic or, what some might call, blindly optimistic in setting goals and do the work that is needed to achieve these goals. I like to say, shoot for the stars, even if you fail, you may land on the moon. Or my favorite example of what the US Declaration of Independence states, “All men are created equal and have certain unalienable rights including the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.” While we know and see this is not true in many cases today, we also know and see that we are making progress and are certainly better than where we were on July 4th 1776. In Martin Luther King’s, “I have a dream” speech, he said that he has a dream that one day little black boys and little black girls join hands with little white boys and little white girls as sisters and brothers. Today, with our equal opportunity and inclusion and diversity initiatives, we see men and women, blacks and whites, asians and hispanic, young and old, gays and lesbians and transgender, all working together achieving great things. We are closer to that dream. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about how far we have come. While we are not done yet, and perhaps will never be done, had the Founding Fathers not set those “unrealistic” goals, we may not have achieved the progress that we have thus far.

Looking back this year, at Dawn to Dusk, we began the year with a goal of having some of our participants ready for employment. While none of them are employed yet, we have made significant progress towards the goal by launching our Prevocational Training Program. At this time, ten Dawn to Dusk participants consistently visit job sites twice a week, learning important job skills. While all of them may not want to or aspire to be employed, they are learning and gaining valuable skills. Working towards our larger goal of making our program more Person Centered, we also launched our Sensory Program and GAP (Graduate Adjustment Period) program. 

Looking ahead, in 2025 we are launching our Physical Therapy services in January 2025 and GAP 2025 coming later in the year. While these are just examples, Dawn to Dusk will continue to strive and make our services better, more accessible and available to as many individuals and families that we can serve. As we like to say, our best is yet to come!!!

Thank you for your support and good wishes and wish you all happy holidays and a joyous, peaceful and fulfilling new year.

~Sesh Subramanian

Life Skills and Growing Independence

Life Skills: Table Setting

As we gear up for the festive season, our participants eagerly dove back into the art of table settings during our November life skills sessions, where they refreshed their memories on the essentials of a well-set dining table. Engaging in hands-on activities, they recognized the various utensils required for meal setups, from forks and knives to the subtleties of glassware placement. In addition to mastering these basics, participants crafted festive napkin holders and designed beautiful tablescapes for our Thanksgiving feasts, allowing them to express their creativity and personal style in their arrangements. It was a delight to see their enthusiasm as they recalled skills learned in previous years while enhancing their knowledge with fresh ideas, collaborating to create inviting atmospheres for family gatherings, and learning the importance of placement and aesthetics in elevating the dining experience. Overall, these sessions provided not only practical skills but also fostered a sense of community and joy as we prepared to celebrate the holidays together.

Self Expression Through Creativity

Creative Self-Expression

We’re thrilled to continue our beloved Holiday Card Initiative this year, spreading joy and warm wishes to friends, families, and the community. Each card is handmade with love and care by our participants, who let their creative juices flow to craft unique designs that will brighten anyone’s holiday season. This year, our participants explored a variety of fun and creative techniques to make four distinct styles of cards. They used string art for intricate, eye-catching designs, stickers for playful touches, Q-tips and cotton balls to create snowy winter scenes, stamps for classic festive motifs, and washi tape to add colorful and artistic flair. Each card is a testament to their creativity and dedication to bringing a smile to someone’s face. If you’d like to receive these beautiful handmade cards, please click here to sign up. Cards will be available in sets of 5, and donations are greatly appreciated. Your generosity helps us fund exciting activities for our participants, such as summer trips to Regal Movie Theater, and other enriching experiences at the center.

Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing

Every day, our Health Matters program, led by Nurse Mike, plays a crucial role in promoting the significance of regular physical activity for both physical and mental well-being. Participants devote an hour each day to dynamic exercise sessions that feature a variety of activities, including Yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba, and Pilates. These diverse exercises enhance physical fitness and provide invaluable opportunities for relaxation, stress relief, and personal development. Under Nurse Mike's expert guidance, participants deepen their understanding of how consistent exercise contributes to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. This empowers them to prioritize their well-being and embrace the transformative benefits of an active life. In November, we also introduced a Tuesday afternoon Yoga session led by our Occupational Therapist, Lisa Caruso, who is also a certified Yoga instructor.

Community Corner

Community Outings: 

In November, Dawn to Dusk particpants were excited to return back to the Rutgers University Geology Museum. They were eager to introduce our new friends who hadn’t experienced the museum to all the fascinating discoveries within. To our surprise, there were new additions to the museum, leading to an upstairs area with many new items within earth’s structure, and new discoveries from the ocean. Everyone enjoys exploring ancient fossils and dinosaur bones, delving into the history of creatures that roamed the earth long before us. 

As November ushered in, we enjoyed our community outings. We enjoyed window shopping through the Malls of East Brunswick, Woodbridge, and Quakerbridge, and venturing into the fascinating world of earth sciences with a visit to Rutgers Geology Museum, where interactive displays and educational workshops sparked curiosity and a deeper understanding of the natural world. The South Brunswick Library offered a peaceful retreat, with its extensive resources and interactive exhibits enhancing our participant's love for reading and discovery. 

Meanwhile, at Knob Hill Country Lanes, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as participants showcased their bowling skills supported by staff and cheerful friends. These outings provided a rich mix of educational exploration, peaceful moments, and lively social interactions, making November a memorable month filled with diverse experiences. 

Lunch Outings: 

For the month of November, we are always grateful for the food we are able to have, especially while sharing with friends at the center. Lunch outings are a highlight participants and staff get to share with each other, this month we ventured out to a couple classic joints like IHOP, Chipotle, and Pizza Hut. For our special team-selected outings, Chick-Fil-A, Red Robin, and Olive Garden offer a unique menu that expanded our culinary horizons with crispy chicken delights, gourmet burgers, and classic Italian fare. The choice lunch outings have provided valuable opportunities for our participants to engage in the community, practice menu selection, and manage their budgets in dinging environments. These moments are cherished, fostering independence and enhancing our enjoyment of exploring different flavors together as well look forward to the festive experience of the upcoming holiday season. 

Special Events: 

This November, we dedicated a special month to celebrating and honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. Our Veterans Day celebrations included recognizing the service of our very own Nurse Mike and DSP Jose, as well as honoring the family members of staff who have served in the armed forces. Their dedication and sacrifices inspire us all. In preparation for Veterans Day, participants engaged in a variety of meaningful activities. They learned the history and significance of Veterans Day, gaining a deeper appreciation for the courage and commitment of our veterans. They also practiced flag folding, a symbolic and respectful tradition that taught them the importance of the American flag and its connection to those who serve. The festivities culminated on Veterans Day with a heartfelt patriotic sing-along. Throughout the month, participants learned and practiced patriotic songs, and on the special day, they came together to sing with pride and gratitude, creating a memorable tribute to our heroes. This month of recognition reminded us all of the importance of honoring those who have given so much for our freedom. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices.

Our Thanksgiving Day celebration was a day filled with gratitude, fun, and togetherness! We started with a Thanksgiving-themed Health Matters exercise session, followed by a lively Turkey Trot around the center and would you rather games. Participants enjoyed a screening of the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special before showcasing their skills during the Table Setting activity, creating a beautifully decorated space for our meal. The highlight was our Thanksgiving Lunch, where everyone gathered to share a delicious meal and reflect on what they were most thankful for. The day ended on a high note with Music Mike, who came in on a special day to keep the festive energy going with lively tunes and sing-alongs. It was a celebration to remember, full of joy, community, and holiday cheer!

If you have any questions or suggestions about the Day Program, please contact Emily at: emily@dawntoduskwellbeing.com          

Photo Gallery

Enjoy some special moments and smiles in our photo gallery here.