January 2026 Newsletter

Growth never happens by accident. It is built brick by brick in the quiet practice of persistence, perseverance, grit and consistency. ~Unknown

Editorial

Dear Dawn to Dusk Community,

As we step into 2026,  we want to extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone for good health, happiness, and well-being in the year ahead. May this New Year bring peace and fulfillment to the individuals we support, their families, and to all of our dedicated support professionals, care providers, and staff who make our work meaningful every day. Thank you for the compassion, commitment, and teamwork you bring to all that you do!

December 19th marked our Q4 2025 Training Day. After the initial hour of introduction, updates, and reminders, our learning and discussion topics centered around Behavioral Support Strategies and Handle With Care® Verbal De-escalation and Personal Defense System Training.  Our Handle With Care® certified instructors, Jayshree Krishaswamy and Gardy Marius, kept our entire team of 48 coworkers fully engaged and engrossed throughout this meaningful day of learning and team building.

Our quarterly training days—held once a quarter, typically on the last Friday of March, June, September, and December (with an exception in December based on the holidays)—have proven to be extremely beneficial and have become an integral and essential part of our culture. Over the years, we have seen our coworkers attend these important events with genuine enthusiasm and a clear intention to learn, grow, and continuously improve.

We are also pleased to announce that we will be opening our second location in Hamilton, NJ, in late Spring/early Summer 2026. After five consecutive years of stable and consistent growth, we were ready when an opportunity presented itself following Easterseals’ decision to close their Day Habilitation Program in Hamilton effective January 16, 2026.

Dawn to Dusk Wellbeing Center’s Hamilton location (over 10,000 Sq. Ft.) will open after completing a renovation project, scheduled to begin on February 1, 2026. We are designing the new space to closely mirror our current location. We will continue to keep you informed as progress is made and when we are able to offer tours and begin accepting referrals.

As our current Dayton location continues to grow and expand services, we are excited to add this second location to our growth story and are deeply grateful to each of you for being part of this journey.

Onwards and Upwards!

~Sesh Subramanian and Anandi Nagarajan

Life Skills and Growing Independence

Building Independence

Throughout December, participants continued working on building independence through hands-on life skills, with a focus on gift wrapping as a functional and seasonal activity. Participants practiced folding paper neatly along crevices, aligning edges, and securing corners, which encouraged attention to detail and problem-solving. Using scissors to cut tape and carefully folding and smoothing paper supported the development of fine motor skills, hand strength, and bilateral coordination. With staff support and step-by-step guidance, participants demonstrated patience and persistence as they worked through each part of the task. Many showed increased confidence as they completed their wrapped gifts, taking pride in their finished work. This activity provided a meaningful opportunity to practice independence, follow multi-step directions, and apply everyday skills in a purposeful and rewarding way.

Self Expression Through Creativity

Creative Self Expression

Creativity was in full bloom as participants rolled up their sleeves for a festive paper poinsettia project. Working with folded paper, beads, and wire, participants carefully shaped and layered petals, watching their poinsettias come together step by step. The process encouraged focus and patience while strengthening fine motor skills through folding along creases, pinching petals into place, and securing each layer. As the flowers took shape, participants showed pride in their work, expanding the petals and adjusting their designs to bring each poinsettia to life. Finished creations were used to decorate gift-wrapped presents, brighten holiday displays, and serve as special keepsakes, making this project a joyful way to celebrate creativity and seasonal cheer.

Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing

Participants took part in Health Matters sessions focused on supporting both mental and physical well being through guided movement and exercise. Staff led and modeled each activity, offering clear demonstrations and encouragement to help participants feel confident and supported. Exercises were adapted so participants could participate either standing or seated, promoting accessibility and success for all. These activities emphasized body awareness, focus, emotional regulation, and building healthy routines as participants prepared for the new year and continued working toward overall wellness.

Leisure and Recreation

This month, participants took part in hands-on activities that introduced meaningful cultural traditions while encouraging connection and shared enjoyment. They learned about Las Posadas, a celebration rooted in hospitality and welcoming others, and brought it to life by playing Pirinola. This traditional spinning game supported turn taking, counting, and social interaction, while participants practiced patience and fine motor skills and celebrated each other’s successes. The space was filled with excitement as participants cheered one another on and stayed engaged together. Participants also explored Hanukkah by learning about the Festival of Lights and its messages of perseverance and hope. Playing dreidel added a fun and interactive element as participants followed directions, waited for their turns, and enjoyed friendly group play. These activities created moments of laughter, learning, and connection, while supporting communication skills and fostering a warm, inclusive group experience.

Community Corner

Throughout December, participants enjoyed a wide variety of community outings that encouraged social engagement, independence, and seasonal exploration. Teams visited familiar favorites such as Hobby Lobby, South Brunswick Library, and Plainsboro Library, where participants practiced community navigation, choice-making, and leisure skills. Seasonal outings were a highlight this month with visits to Spirit Christmas, allowing participants to enjoy festive sights while working on flexibility, patience, and social awareness in busy environments. Community exploration continued with trips to Quaker Bridge Mall and Princeton Market Fair. Several teams also participated in team choice community outings, giving participants the opportunity to practice decision-making, planning, and group collaboration.

Lunch Outings:

December lunch outings gave participants meaningful opportunities to practice ordering, money management, communication, and dining etiquette in real-world settings. Teams enjoyed meals at Taco Bell, Singa's Famous Pizza, and Jersey Mike’s, along with a popular stop at The Diner Jamesburg. Additional lunch outings included Denny’s and Burrito Bowl, as well as team choice lunches that allowed participants to take the lead in planning and decision-making. These shared meals supported independence, confidence, and positive social connections throughout the month.

Flower Shop Visit: 

Participants took part in a community outing to Sweet William and Thyme, where they explored a variety of colorful blooms and learned how floral arrangements are created. With guidance, participants selected flowers and worked together to create a simple, decorative arrangement, practicing choice making, fine motor skills, and creativity. The experience encouraged sensory exploration through sight and scent while promoting social interaction and confidence in a real world setting. Participants were proud of their finished arrangements and enjoyed bringing a touch of beauty back with them.

Holiday Card Making:

As we welcomed the new year, participants were excited to revisit one of their favorite creative projects, our Holiday Card Initiative. Card making has become a beloved tradition, and participants enjoyed jumping back into the process of creating thoughtful, handmade designs. Using paint, cutouts, stickers, and coloring materials, participants explored different techniques while expressing creativity and personal style. These activities supported fine motor skills, choice making, and sustained focus, while also encouraging participants to create with purpose and care. Each card reflected the time, effort, and pride participants put into sharing kind messages with friends, families, and the community. We look forward to continuing this meaningful initiative and spreading joy through creativity in the months ahead.

If you have any questions or suggestions about the Day Program, please contact maureen@dawntoduskwellbeing.com  

Photo Gallery

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