Crotched Mountain Students Build Job Skills Through Community Partnerships

How does Crotched Mountain School & Village prepare students for work and greater independence?

Crotched Mountain School & Village helps students develop vocational skills through hands-on responsibilities at community partner sites and on campus. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, these experiences highlight how people with disabilities contribute to workplaces and communities while preparing for adult life.

Students gain experience at the Francestown General Store and The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, help prepare for social groups at the Peterborough Town Library, work at the Greenfield Recycling Center, clean windows at the Keene Family YMCA, and participate in vocational programming at the Cheshire Children’s Museum. An on-campus office-cleaning program provides additional opportunities to practice workplace skills.

Through these purposeful learning experiences, students take responsibility, build confidence, explore their strengths, and experience the satisfaction of contributing to their communities. Each opportunity supports the development of skills for greater independence.

Dynamy Internship Year Shares Gap Year Insights in NJ Family Magazine

How can a gap year help young adults prepare for college, careers, and independent living?

Dynamy Internship Year helps young adults ages 17–22 explore career interests, build confidence, and develop practical skills through professional internships, independent living, life skills workshops, and individualized advising. Founded in 1969, the program offers a structured opportunity to discover personal strengths and prepare for life after high school.

Dynamy and Director of Admissions Stephanie Kozlowski were recently featured in NJ Family magazine’s Big Book of Education article, “Is a Gap Year Right for Your Teen? What Parents Need to Know!” The article explores the benefits of an intentional gap year, with Stephanie addressing common misconceptions and explaining how time before college can support personal growth and long-term goals.

The feature introduces more families to Dynamy’s approach to helping young adults navigate the transition to college, careers, and adulthood.

“Not every graduate needs another classroom. Sometimes, they just need an opportunity to discover what they’re capable of.”

— Stephanie Kozlowski, Director of Admissions

Hope Avenue Day Habilitation Celebrates a Year of Independence and Choice

How does Hope Avenue Day Habilitation support participants’ skills, interests, and personal goals?

Hope Avenue Day Habilitation supports independence and personal growth through individualized daily routines, therapeutic activities, cooking groups, and community outings. Since transitioning from Adult Day Health on October 1, 2025, the program has helped participants practice skills, explore interests, and work toward goals that reflect their abilities and preferences.

To celebrate its first anniversary, Hope Avenue hosted a Day Hab Collage Project. Participants selected and arranged magazine images representing their interests, favorite activities, choices, and goals, with staff providing support tailored to each person’s needs. The finished artwork reflected participants’ personalities and emphasized the importance of their voices in shaping daily experiences.

The anniversary celebrates a year of skills practiced, choices made, and connections formed. Thank you to the participants and staff whose contributions continue to make Hope Avenue a place for independence, inclusion, and meaningful engagement. Happy first anniversary!

Adult Residential Services Halloween Party Brings Residents Together

How did Fifth Mass celebrate Halloween with the people supported by Adult Residential Services?

Seven Hills Adult Residential Services hosted a Halloween party for approximately 25 attendees, bringing people supported together for an afternoon of friendship, dancing, and seasonal fun.

Guests enjoyed food, festive Halloween music, creative costumes, and opportunities to spend time with friends. The celebration offered a welcoming setting to connect, share laughter, and make memories.

Thank you to our team for organizing a celebration that brought people together and made the Halloween season special!