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October 2023

At the bottom of the page is the digital version of our Newsletter. You can also click on the image below to be redirected to the interactive online PDF. We have also included the articles in this blog for universal text access.


 

Accessible Articles below:


BECKY'S CORNER - A note from our Director


Welcome to October!! Warm weather, ocean, baseball, gathering with friends and family, vacations, self-care and lots of fun. Harbor Supported Living Services has hosted a number of things like beach bonfires and BBQ's and camping in Big Sur. All of the events were well attended and overwhelmingly enjoyed. Our sincere thanks to all of the donors who have contributed to our gofundme so generously to assist people who may not have been able to attend had it not been for those donations.
More than half way through 2023 and things look both bright and challenging at the same time. We are experiencing one of the most impactful shortages of direct support staff that I can recall. Recruitment and hiring is navigated by Jallen Estimo, HR and Scheduling Coordinator, who tirelessly is working to secure talented new members to our teams of direct support staff. If you know anyone who could excel in this work and would enjoy working with a creative and committed community of people please contact Jallen at support@harborsls.org or have them call the office at 831-462-6194. Any referrals are greatly appreciated.
In the words of Van Morrison, “Smell the sea, and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.”

Happy Days to Each and every one of you,
<3 Becky

SPOTLIGHTS FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE

Jamie

Jamie is truly one of the sweetest and kindest people that I’ve ever met, recently we got to spend two magical days at Disneyland. We have made so many wonderful memories over the years. Jamie is one of the most sweet and affectionate people I know. His smile can cheer anyone up, and he is overall just a bright ray of sunshine.
When I worked with Jamie I really enjoyed it because Jamie is a very happy person. I love the sounds that he makes when he gets excited. We would go on walks and he just enjoyed it so much. He would often give me a little hug or a kiss on the cheek which was really sweet..
Jamie is such a sweet and gentle soul and once Fran met him it felt like witnessing the “zing” happen love at first sight for these two peas in a pod. Even though they might not verbally express it, you can feel the energy between these too. Also they both love Batman and couldn’t be more perfect. My fondest times with Jamie are when we go on walks and sing together. I also enjoy playing Batman and Joker with Jamie. Spoiler: He always wins and saves the day! Any time spent with Jamie is so precious and joyful. No matter where Jamie goes his energy and smiles light up the room and make the world a more beautiful place. I’m so grateful to have Jamie as my friend. He is a very special person.


Claire

Claire is a wonderful person and part of the Harbor SLS family. She came into this field with a unique ability to create meaningful connections with the individuals she supports. She is kind and thoughtful in all that she does. Claire is a great person and a very thorough lead staff and very detail oriented.
Claire is an awesome friend and a great person to work with. I love how compassionate she is and admire her kindness. She always seems to know when someone needs support and is willing to offer a helping hand.
Claire is a ray of sunshine. She is so thoughtful and intentional about everything she does. She has formed unique and strong bonds with each of the people she supports, as well as her teams. She is thorough, inquisitive and always finds a way to bring light to challenging situations. I have enjoyed working so closely with her over the years, and have witnessed her grow into her role as a lead staff.
She always thinks of the individuals we support first and provides a unique and creative perspective when working through issues or challenges with people she cares for. I am grateful to work and grow alongside Claire! Thank you for everything you do Claire, and for all that you are! I am grateful to know you.



MASCOTS OF THE MONTH

Bobby's Dog Beanie

Beanie is Bobby's adorable companion. He loves to spend time with his friends Danny and Chris - as depicted in the pictures. Beanie is always at Harbor events and puts a smile on everyone's face! He enjoys playing at the beach and walking Cliffside. He loves to chew up his stuffed animals. Some of his tricks include sitting, standing, and sitting up on his behind. One of Beanie's special talents is climbing on the rocks at the beach!


UPCOMING EVENTS



MUSIC CLASS

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play percussion instruments or brush up on your skills? Megan Oatey will start having percussion classes once a month. Megan will be bringing instruments like maracas, triangles and much more. Megan has been playing instruments for over seven years and she is also looking to brush up on her skills by teaching others and having a great time learning. If you are interested please join us at the Harbor office every Third Friday of the month from 1-2pm

PUMPKIN PATCH

We are planning a fun day at the pumpkin patch on Monday, 10/23/2023! We will spend the day exploring Lemo's Farm & Pumpkin Patch in Half Moon Bay at 12320 San Mateo Rd. The farm is approximately 45 miles from the office and it takes about an hour to get there. Carpooling is highly suggested. We plan on leaving Santa Cruz by 9:30am and getting there around 10:30/11am. Please pack a lunch and snacks to bring as well as water. We plan on being there a few hours, having lunch then heading home. Please RSVP by Tuesday 10/17/23 and let us know if you would like to carpool or drive.

HALLOWEEN PARTY

Please join us for Harbor's 2023 Halloween Movie Night! We will be playing fun games and watching an outdoor screening. Dress up in your most creative costume! Refreshments, popcorn and snacks will be provided. Wednesday October 11th; at 5:30pm Movie will start around 6:45/7pm when it starts to get dark. Bring a lap blanket, flashlight, warm jacket and gloves and a beanie as it gets cold at night. Please try to carpool over as street parking is very limited.

DANCE FOR AUTISM

Its been a long four years but we are back with the biggest dance party to hit Santa Cruz County! Two sessions of dance, second session to be a glow party! Live DJ, Dancing and drums!
When: Saturday Oct 14, 2023 ⋅ 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Cost: $30 per person, $20- for 12 and under. All people with special abilities free of charge Location: Santa Cruz Elks Lodge #824, 150 Jewell St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Please reach out to admin@harborsls.org with any questions!

 

FOLLOW OUR CALENDAR

We have a calendar on our website with current event details. Save it to your bookmarks & reference throughout the month!

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS!

We would love to feature your photos in our upcoming newsletters. Please send any photos via e-mail to:
newsletter@harborsls.org

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

 

Digital Version


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