June 2025 Newsletter

You are not alone. I’m here for you. We are in this together. ~Unknown

Editorial 

Dear Dawn to Dusk Community,

As we approach the end of the school year, many families are anxious about their loved one’s transition out of the school system and into the adult world and what changes in support and services they will need to be prepared for and adjust. I had the opportunity to attend two events directed towards helping families gain insights into the services and resources they could avail that could help with the transition and beyond.

On Saturday, May 31, I attended the Passing the Baton event hosted by the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD). The event was extremely informative and I learned a lot on various topics and established useful connections with change agents and leaders in our field. The event was kicked off by Jonathan Siefried, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Developmental Disabilities, New Jersey Department of Human Services introducing the role and responsibilities of NJDDD and services available to individuals that are eligible. It was a full day session with presentations on Guardianship, Supported Decision-Making, finance and legal considerations by Gabrielle Bohon, Esq. and Ellen Nalven, Healthcare by Melanie Ayers, DNP, RN, CNE and Dr. Jennifer LeComte, DO, Services and Supports, Community Living, and Transition by Kate De Luca, and Melanie McGackin, Housing options by Patricia Brennan and Dotty Blakeslee and Care Guide by Cathy Tamburello.

While it is recognized that parents, families, caregivers and supporters of individuals with developmental disabilities will always have challenges and specific support needs, it is heartening to see availability of these helpful resources and people. I encourage you to avail these community resources to seek assistance on your unique needs and challenges. You may also reach out to me if you believe I can connect you with the appropriate people or resources to assist with your needs.

I’m also pleased to announce that Dawn to Dusk’s 2025 transition program, GAP 2025 will start on August 4, 2025. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Wishing you good health and wellbeing always.

~Sesh Subramanian

Self Expression Through Creativity

With the rain this month forcing us inside unexpectedly this month, the participants enjoyed some extra creative time making jewelry and keychains during Beads, Buttons, and More, as well as finishing their Artist Study projects for a couple of these impromptu rainy day activity options. The beading activity sessions in which the participants are invited to make what they want, or “free bead” their projects always yield some of the most creative and thoughtful finished projects. 

During a bonus Artist Study session this month, the participants worked in small groups to complete their God’s Eye weaving projects. The participants used colorful yarn carefully woven around a cross-shaped frame of sticks to complete these traditional craft projects. The participants shared ideas for color combinations, helped each other when the yarn got tangled, and even swapped projects to lend their own techniques and artistic perspective to the projects. Seeing the positive interactions and socialization that happens during these activities always drives home to us how crucial creative outlets for self expression can be in building not only confidence in oneself, but in the relationships we hold dear with each other too.

Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing

As the weather continues to warm, our program has embraced every opportunity to spend time outside, and the benefits are undeniable. Whether it’s taking in the fresh air during the community outings to local parks, joining our Walking Club for a few peaceful laps around the building, or simply enjoying the sun on our faces, outdoor time plays a meaningful role in both mental and physical well-being. This month, participants could be found digging in the garden, feeling the texture of soil between their fingers, blowing bubbles in the sunshine, tossing frisbees, or shooting hoops at our basketball court. These moments aren’t just fun; they are also vital opportunities to move our bodies, calm our minds, and connect with one another. 

Leisure and Recreation

May typically marks the unofficial start to summer, but we aren’t talking about Memorial Day… The participants at Dawn to Dusk kicked off the month of May by learning about May Day celebrations across Europe and the many traditions of the various regions. One of the main tenets of a May Day celebration, we learned, was the traditional folk dances that occurred around a MayPole, which is typically a large tree that is decorated with ribbons and surrounding flora. While we do not have a tree like this at the Dawn to Dusk day program, we have something better: some very dedicated and creative staff who built and decorated our very own MayPole! The participants started with the familiar introduction of step-by-step dance instructions, but the addition of the ribbons put a brand new colorful twist on this activity. The participants held the ribbons as they danced, passing over and under each other until everyone met in the middle and the ribbons had been woven into a gorgeous array of color around our MayPole. This was such a fun activity that got us all up and moving, learning about different cultures and traditions, working together and helping each other to follow the steps, and of course yielded lots of smiles, laughter, and learning! 

Community Corner

Community Outings: 

In May, Dawn to Dusk participants had the chance to enjoy a refreshing mix of nature-focused and recreational community outings as we continue to welcome the warmer weather. This month’s destinations included several outdoor locations such as Thompson Park, Sayen House & Gardens, South Amboy Waterfront Park, and Helmetta Park. These peaceful settings allowed for nature walks, meaningful conversations and connections, and exploration of the great outdoors. While not every team visited each location this month, we look forward to rotating all teams through these enriching destinations in the weeks to come!

The participants had a wonderful visit to Abma Farms in Hillsborough where they experienced the Cow Farm and Petting Zoo and also enjoyed the Sensory activities.  

Lunch Outings: 

May also brought some delicious and memorable lunch outings! Participants visited a variety of locations offering everything from classic comfort food to healthier options. Among the highlights was a first-time visit to the Greenery in Monroe, where the staff and community warmly welcomed us and enjoyed fresh, health-conscious meals in a cozy environment. Other stops this month included familiar favorites like Panera Bread, TGI Fridays, and McDonald’s, each giving participants the chance to practice meal selection, ordering and dining etiquette in real world settings. As always, staff encouraged individuals to make their own choices, whether that meant sticking to a favorite or stepping outside their comfort zone to try something new. With a balance of variety and consistency, out lunch outings continue to promote autonomy, communication, and confidence in everyday life skills. 

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.