October, 2023
summer recap issue
Becky
a note from our director
Happy Days to each and every one of you,
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NEWSLETTER
NEW BEGINNINGS!!! That’s what Spring is all about. The first day of Spring was March 20th this year. The sun will begin to warm the winter chills. Flowers will replace the winter rains. Spring reminds us that all is attainable and NOTHING is out of reach. April is the first whole month of Spring and the weather is neither too cold nor too hot. It gives us more time to spend outdoors with people we love. Now is the perfect time to enjoy Spring fun with loved ones. We often need reminders that we can’t pour from an empty cup. Just like flowers, we need to have nutrients and water in order to bloom. So, take care of yourself, give yourself time to grow. And you will find a better version of you waiting ahead. I read this “April Kindness Challenge” and want to pass it along. Smile at a stranger; Write a thank-you note; Bring treats for coworkers; Donate to a good cause; Leave a nice comment online. Which of you will fulfill all of these challenges? The work we do and the lives we lead are both strenuous and rewarding in so many ways. Our community is overflowing with caring and support for everyone around us but we cannot forget to fill our own ‘cup’. We know that completing the kindness challenges above will enrich the lives of others but they also will contribute to OUR best life. At Harbor Supported Living Services we endeavor to enhance the quality of all of the lives we touch including the people that have invited us into their lives to support them, the families of those people, the tireless staff that walk through life with others and the general community we live in. The enhancement of lives around us indeed will enhance our own. The best definition of self-care that I have seen is this: “The active process of making your body and mind a pleasant place to inhabit, by filling your own cup first. This ensures you have enough to give others.” ALWAYS REMEMBER THESE WISE WORDS. There are some special holidays in April that you may not be aware of: 4/10 National Siblings Day 4/22 Earth Day 4/22 National Jelly Bean Day 4/25 Administrative Professionals Day 4/26 National Pretzel Day 4/30 National Honesty Day We all live our lives the way we design and choose to live. Every day is precious and unique and unrepeatable (to quote author Robert Perske). Be responsible for your own happiness because you are the only one who can make it happen. Be inspired and happy!! New beginnings are definitely magical. Trust the magic.
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.”
Rebecca Donofrio
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.
SPOTLIGHTS
from the lighthouse
OCTOBER , 2023
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
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!
Beanie
Bobby's dog
of the month
mascot
FOLLOW OUR CALENDAR!
Upcoming Events
we have a calendar on our website with current event details. Save it to your bookmarks & reference throughout the month!
Harborsls.org/calendar
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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.
Pumpkin Patch
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.
halloween party
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!
dance for autism
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
music class
July through october
celebrations
Nayely Jurado: 7/7 Gaby Martinez: 7/13 Esmeralda Ramirez: 7/13 Frances Berlanga: 7/18 Aracelia Antuna: 7/19 Ashley Silva: 7/21 Megan Oatey: 7/22 Kelly McRoberts: 7/22 Cynthia Velasquez-Gomez: 7/22 Ismenia Mendoza: 7/26 Victor Maziar: 7/29 Cynthia Gustin- 8/1 Peggy Thomson- 8/8 Andrea Escobar- 8/10 Brianna Donofrio- 8/19 Jasmine Orozco-Nava- 8/22 Maria Garcia 9/1 Alana Claeys 9/1 Anya Peskin 9/1 Rebecca Donofrio 9/2 Jaylin Damon 9/8 Maya Garcia 9/12 Jallen Estimo 9/14 Felipe DeLaCruz 9/23 Jon Smith- 10/4 Joe Aguilar- 10/4 Anna Winters- 10/6 Chris Severns- 10/6 Stephen Laughlin- 10/10 Dylan Lindsay- 10/14 Chris Kelly- 10/21 Holly Tate- 10/23 Sandra Lomeli- 10/27 Brittany Amaya- 10/27 Jesse Dreyer: 7/6- 1 year Ashley Silva: 7/14- 1 year Holly Tate: 7/27- 2 years Jesse Henri: 7/19- 6 years Yurida Cebada- 8/4; 1 year Jason Dane- 8/25; 1 year Daniela Verar- 8/29; 1 year Ismenia Mendoza- 8/6; 2 years Bobby Rodriguez- 8/31; 2 years Adair Arreola- 8/28; 3 years Brianna Donofrio- 8/13; 15 years Mary Jane Garcia 9/21- 1 year Joe Aguilar 9/13- 2 years Andrea Escobar 9/5-5 years Kelly McRoberts 9/11 9 years Jon Smith 9/4- 9 years Cynthia Gustin 9/30- 10 years Sofia Perez; 10/4- 1 year Felipe deLaCruz; 10/8- 4 years Peggy Thomson; 10/8- 4 years Stephen Laughlin; 10/10- 4 years Stephanie Urbina; 10/10- 4 years Gilbert Madriz; 10/14- 4 years Felix Vayssieres; 10/16- 4 years Jennifer Escobedo; 10/18- 4 years Jo Midkiff; 10/31- 4 years Connie Ponce; 10/2- 16 YEARS!
Birthdays
harborversaries
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Featured Background Art: AI generated designs by Andrea Smith
Leroy's adventures.
captured moments
summer recap
The superhero festival.
Jamie always goes on walks and takes a lot of pictures!
Chris K. takes advantage of the beautiful summer weather.
Kevin loves to spend time outdoors.
From left to right: Chris S., Janie, and Leroy relax via lounger, pool, and couch!
So many smiles this summer! From left to right: Janie, Jamie & friend, Dean, and Jamie
Danny always goes on adventures around town - The arboretum, Wilder Ranch, and car shows were just a few!
On the left, Leroy devours the delicious barbeque food! On the right, Harbor friends relax on the sandy beach.
A beautiful day for the annual beach bonfire and BBQ! Robyn and Nicole.
From left to right: Tina, Janie, Kathy, and Susie all pose for the camera with their biggest smiles!
Hiking adventures & such! (Left to right) Top Row - Shanie, Lucy, Danny, & Megan; Bottom Row - Megan, Shanie, & Danny
Annual trip to big sur
Camping
The weather was ideal for swimming in the river! (Left to Right) Top - Sky, Ryleigh, Phoenix, & Iain; Middle - Nicole, Mary, & Danny; Bottom - Claire, Brianna, Bobby, & Beanie
Top - The kids set up a lemonade stand; Middle - Craig & Dana assist Susie and Leroy in song; Bottom - Anjali, Ryleigh, Brianna, Dean, Jamie, and Anjali.
Everyone hanging out around camp.
Matt was the beloved brother of Susan Williams who has been receiving services from Harbor Supported Living Service since 2000. Matt was an extraordinary man, husband, father, grandfather and brother. His 'dash' was spent in the most loving and generous way even during the years he was tirelessly fighting cancer. He was offered love and support from a large number of people who joined hands around him to buoy his spirits. He also had a strong belief in a higher power and is now experiencing the reality of that belief. None of us who knew Matt will ever forget him. Susie and a number of her support staff traveled to Kuaui to attend a celebration of Matt's life and to share memories. There was a paddle out to spread his ashes in the ocean that he loved so deeply. Many tears were shed, smiles flashed and kind words spoken by people who cherished Matt throughout his life. Please remember his sister, Susie, and his wife, Gabey, and daughters and grandson, Micah, in your thoughts and prayers. Matt, thank you for being just exactly who you were–honest and real !! YOU will not be forgotten.
Matt Williams 6/5/68-3/24/23
In loving memory...
By Linda Ellis
The Dash Poem
I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend He referred to the dates on the tombstone From the beginning...to the end He noted that first came the date of birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years For that dash represents all the time That they spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved them Know what that little line is worth For it matters not, how much we own, The cars...the house...the cash. What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash. So, think about this long and hard. Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left That can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough To consider what's true and real And always try to understand The way other people feel. And be less quick to anger And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect And more often wear a smile, Remembering this special dash Might only last a little while So, when your eulogy is being read With your life's actions to rehash... Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent YOUR dash?