Participants, their families, and staff form a train, dancing to holiday-themed music from D.J. Marie. The Adults’ & Parents’ Night Out (North) Annual Party was one of several such events Advancing Opportunities held this month.
“We come every year,” said Billy’s mom, Zoya. “Billy enjoys it.” “Good to be here,” said Billy. Alex’s moms said the party “helps get the families together.” The event was one of the several holiday-themed December events our clients and families enjoyed this season.
For our annual Giving Tree, our staff purchased gifts for the group home residents throughout the state.
For the families of Parents’ Night—South, a holiday favorite was back! Families joined in for the Sensitive Santa, held at the Hibachi Grill and Buffet, a popular local restaurant. The children gave their parents a surprise gift they crafted during Super Saturday two months earlier. Earlier in December, they enjoyed making gingerbread houses at the Evesham Library.
Meanwhile, our Passaic and Essex families got together for the annual Weekend Recreation Holiday Party at the historic Little Falls Civic Center. “It makes you feel like family,” said Theresa, Stephanie’s mom. At one point, the live D.J. had to cede the mic to Mandessa, so she could sing her holiday favorites. Inspired, Gino, Emilio, Robbie, Alyssa, and Stephanie all took their turns to share their talent and holiday spirit.
From Weekend Recreation (Passaic and Essex)
Yanilda Valera danced to the holiday tunes with Alyssa (LEFT) and Stephanie (RIGHT).
Mandy (CENTER) and her Weekend Recreation friends danced to a host of Christmas tunes.
The Weekend Recreation Annual Holiday Party was a time for everyone to socialize and share the joy.
Mandy and Robbie entertain the crowd with their Christmas songs.
From Adults’ and Parents’ Night Out (Morris, Sussex, and Warren)
In the northern part of the state, Families and friends from Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties joined one another for the Annual Adults’ Night Out/PNO Holiday Party, with music, dance, and games to the magic of D.J. Marie. Other events included a quiet Arts in the Afternoon, with ample opportunity to create a variety of Christmas and other holiday-themed items, as well as an afternoon of making gingerbread houses. In addition to these activities, our younger individuals (Parents’ Night Out—North) sang songs with Ms. Karen and had the chance to engage in holiday-themed crafts of their own.
Individuals of all ages danced to the Christmas magic of D.J. Marie, while others enjoyed social conversation.
Stephanie and Tim share good times with staff team member Tierney.
Alex T. enjoyed making a gingerbread house, something he says he hadn’t done since his Sophomore year.
Our adults proved you’re never too old to make a gingerbread house.
From our family to yours, a very Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukkah, and a blessed Kawanza!
