September 2025 Newsletter

The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.                       ~Steve Jobs

Robert Shines at the Puzzlympics!

Our very own Robert proudly participated in the Puzzlympics, a competition organized by the South Brunswick Public Library. It was a fantastic event, and Robert truly stood out as he collaborated with his Dawn to Dusk teammates as well as other teams who joined in to cheer him on and complete the puzzle together. Watching him in action—an absolute genius at puzzles—was both heartwarming and inspiring. We are so proud of his accomplishment and the joy he brought to everyone around him!

Life Skills and Growing Independence

In August, participants focused on building essential life skills that will be especially important with the colder months ahead. During small group sessions, participants practiced using zippers, buttons, and snaps, strengthening both their independence and their fine motor coordination. These activities helped improve finger dexterity through grasping, pinching, pulling, and aligning movements that support daily dressing tasks. With fall and winter approaching, the ability to manage jackets, sweaters, and layered clothing becomes even more important, and these sessions laid a strong foundation for success. Staff supported each participant with encouragement and step-by-step guidance, helping them gain confidence through repetition and hands-on practice. It was wonderful to see their determination and pride as they mastered these everyday tasks and took another step toward greater self-reliance.

Self Expression Through Creativity

In August, participants embraced their artistic side once again with a country flair. As part of our month-long celebration of Western-themed fun, they got creative during tabletop sessions by decorating their very own cowboy hats. Using markers, crayons, and colored pencils, they brought each hat to life with bold and colorful designs. From there, participants personalized their creations with decorative touches like buttons, foam stars, shiny stickers, felt shapes, rhinestones, and even mini rope trims. Each cowboy hat reflected the unique personality of its maker, and the joy in the room was impossible to miss. This activity encouraged fine motor coordination, supported decision-making, and gave everyone a chance to express themselves in a playful, hands-on way. It was the perfect fit for our country-themed August and a highlight of our creative calendar.

Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing

This August, participants enjoyed the return of beautiful weather and made the most of it through our Walking Club. Taking walks around the building has become a favorite way to get fresh air, stay active, and soak in some vitamin D from the sunshine. One full lap around the building measures approximately 0.2 miles, and participants are encouraged to walk at their own pace—some completing one lap, others reaching two, three, or even more. These walks offer more than just movement. They build stamina, encourage social interaction, and create moments of calm and connection with nature. Whether walking solo or chatting alongside a friend or staff member, the Walking Club continues to be a joyful and beneficial part of our wellness routine.

Leisure and Recreation

August brought hands-on creativity and themed excitement to our activity schedule. One of the standout projects this month was a fabric quilt collage, where each participant selected patterned fabrics and cut them into unique shapes to layer onto 8”x8” pieces of cardboard. The goal was to create individual quilt squares that, when placed together, formed a larger patchwork-style collage. Each square reflected the participant’s personal style, and the final product looked like a rustic, colorful quilt inspired by traditional country designs. It was a great opportunity to practice design skills, visual planning, and fine motor coordination through cutting, layering, and arranging. 

Alongside our creative projects, participants also enjoyed Western-themed games that brought laughter, energy, and friendly competition. In our lasso game, participants used yarn-tied rings in three sizes and stood behind a blue tape marker to try their hand at tossing each ring onto posts. The yarn gave the experience a fun cowboy feel while making the rings easier to grip. Each person had multiple chances to aim, adjust, and succeed, with staff adjusting distances for accessibility and enjoyment. We also set up a ring toss game using curtain rings and cowboy hats placed on a table. Participants slid the rings along the surface, trying to land them in the hats, with two stations running at once to keep the momentum going. Whether trying their best at lasso toss or perfecting their ring slide, participants had a fantastic time playing together and embracing the spirit of the Wild West.

Community Corner

Community Outings: 

In August, participants explored a variety of beautiful and engaging locations during their community outings. Some teams visited the peaceful Sayen House and Gardens, where walking paths and floral landscapes offered a calm and sensory-friendly experience. Others spent time at Village Park and Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, enjoying open space, fresh air, and scenic views. These park visits provided wonderful opportunities to stay active, connect with nature, and share meaningful moments with peers and staff. On days that called for indoor exploration, some teams visited the Princeton Shopping Center, where they enjoyed browsing stores, window shopping, and spending time in a bustling but manageable community setting. Each outing supported social development, environmental awareness, and comfort in navigating community spaces.

Lunch Outings:

While July’s lunch outings served up both flavor and life skills, offering participants the chance to explore, August lunch outings were full of delicious variety and great practice in real-world dining skills. Teams visited familiar favorites like Popeyes, Perkins, and CAVA, where they had the chance to order independently, practice communication, and enjoy meals in a social setting. As part of our Lunch Choice outings, teams selected locations that reflected their group interests, with some choosing classic sit-down spots like Olive Garden and TGI Fridays. These outings continue to be a wonderful way for participants to build confidence in public spaces, learn more about budgeting and meal etiquette, and celebrate their ability to make choices and enjoy new experiences.

Special Events:

This month, a group of participants enjoyed a special outing to Sweet William and Thyme, a cozy and beautifully curated flower shop in Jamesburg, New Jersey. With the guidance of the kind and welcoming shop staff, participants created their own flower arrangements, choosing from an assortment of fresh seasonal blooms and learning how to build balanced and colorful designs. The experience offered a peaceful, creative atmosphere that blended sensory exploration with artistic expression. One of the most beloved surprises of the visit was a gentle drop-in from the shop’s resident cat, a well-known furry friend who comes and goes as they please. The participants were delighted by the visit, adding an extra layer of joy and connection to an already wonderful day. It was a lovely example of community engagement at its most personal and memorable.

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.