Residents at Seven Hills Pediatric Center recently enjoyed an immersive camping adventure designed by the Therapy Department. Using the center's sensory room, staff transformed the space into a realistic campsite, creating a unique opportunity for residents to explore the sights, sounds, textures, and excitement of camping in an accessible environment.

The experience featured:

• Roasting marshmallows over a toy campfire
• Exploring the smells and textures of s'mores ingredients
• Activating campfire sounds and camping songs using adaptive switches
• Alternative positioning techniques that simulated sitting beneath the stars

The activity provided a fun and engaging way to encourage sensory exploration, communication, and participation while ensuring all residents could fully enjoy the experience. It was a creative example of how therapeutic recreation can bring new adventures to individuals of all abilities.

Seven Hills Adult Residential Services recently hosted its second annual Clothing Swap at Hope Avenue, bringing together staff and the people we support for a day centered on generosity, sustainability, and community.

The event was inspired by Brittany VanVleck, who recognized an opportunity to address two important issues: reducing clothing waste and helping individuals access affordable clothing options. Community members donated gently used items, creating a welcoming space where participants could find clothing they needed at no cost.

The Clothing Swap delivered more than just clothing. It fostered dignity, independence, and community connection while demonstrating the impact of people helping one another.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Brittany and everyone who donated, volunteered, and contributed to the success of this meaningful event.

Open Door Arts, a program of Seven Hills Foundation, continues to be recognized as a leader in disability inclusion and accessibility.

A recent feature from the Onion Foundation highlighted Open Door Arts' work helping arts and cultural organizations become more accessible through its Cultural Accessibility Peer Learning Cohort and expert-led workshops.

Beginning in September 2025, Open Door Arts partnered with 28 Onion Foundation grantees throughout Maine, providing practical strategies and tools to strengthen accessibility in key areas, including:

• Staff training
• Communications
• Organizational planning
• Community engagement

Over the course of the ten-month cohort, participating organizations gained knowledge and resources to remove barriers, create welcoming environments, and ensure people with disabilities can fully participate in cultural experiences.

The recognition underscores Open Door Arts' growing impact beyond Massachusetts and demonstrates how accessibility strengthens arts organizations, communities, and opportunities for belonging.

Congratulations to the Open Door Arts team for advancing inclusive practices and creating lasting change across the region.

Last weekend, more than 120 former staff members and alumni of Crotched Mountain School & Village gathered for a special reunion in Carter Hall.

Despite windy weather conditions, attendees filled the room with laughter, memories, and heartfelt conversations as they reconnected with friends and colleagues from across the years. Guests were welcomed by a poster created by current students, helping bridge the past and present of the campus community.

Many attendees shared how meaningful it was to reconnect and learn about the impactful work continuing on campus today. The reunion served as a powerful reminder of the lasting influence Crotched Mountain School has had on generations of students, staff, and families.

Thank you to everyone who helped create a warm and welcoming experience for returning guests.

Staff members from the North Central and North Quabbin Family Support Centers participated in the North Central United Way's Day of Caring 2026, dedicating their time and energy to support a local nonprofit organization.

The day began with a kickoff breakfast at Great Wolf Lodge before staff traveled to High Ridge Harmony Farm, a therapeutic horse farm in Westminster, Massachusetts.

Volunteers worked alongside other community organizations to complete several improvement projects, including:

• Pulling weeds and maintaining flower gardens
• Painting and decorating farm areas
• Moving hay in preparation for winter
• Using farm equipment to improve drainage conditions

The experience provided opportunities for teamwork, collaboration, and service while directly benefiting an organization that supports others in the community.

The day concluded with a thank-you barbecue, where participants reflected on their accomplishments and the positive impact they had made together.