Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer—although it didn’t feel like it this year, as New Jersey faced record cold temperatures and heavy rain. 

However, the team members in SERV Achievement Centers’ PAC program weren’t going to let the weather spoil their plans to hold a holiday barbeque for consumers.

On Friday, as storm clouds moved across Mercer County, they decided to take the party indoors. Using only two small electric grills and a crockpot, they cooked up a feast that included hamburgers, sausages, hotdogs, beans, macaroni, and pasta salad.

“Of course, it’s not easy to cook fifty hamburgers and hotdogs with a tiny grill in the breakroom, but I had a lot of fun doing it,” said Stephanie Vil, Assistant Program Supervisor. “I wasn’t going to let the rain stop us from having our barbeque—not on my watch.”

Stephanie coordinated the barbeque with help from Supervisor Michele Stewart and her team members Faith Jalarue, Brandi Green, Darlinkboye Wawood, and Sydnei Griffin.

“This was very much a group effort,” she said, “and I’m so glad we were able to work together to find a solution and make this a memorable holiday for the consumers.”

The consumers in the PAC program laughed, watched movies, and played games together as they enjoyed the delicious meal the SERV team prepared for them. After dinner, they treated themselves to popsicles and ice cream.

The PAC program reopened at fifty percent capacity in late April. Prior to that, as a result of the pandemic, the program had been limited to telehealth services since March of 2020. This barbeque was the first time they had gathered to celebrate a holiday in more than a year.

Stephanie said that she is looking forward to planning another event for consumers soon. “Hopefully it won’t rain this time,” she added.  

As a result of the global pandemic, our nation recently braved one of its darkest springs. Thankfully, though, that darkness has given way to a resurgence of hope and the sights, sounds, and smells of summer.

This notion of summer and renewed optimism has become a primary theme in the artwork of SERV’s consumers. Take a look through their sketches and paintings, and you’ll see the sun sinking into the ocean, its copper-colored glow spilling out across the waves. You’ll hear the birds sing and the boardwalk creak beneath your sandals. You’ll smell the salt in the air, fresh cut grass, and burgers hot off the barbeque. A newfound sense of calmness will wash over you.

“For the consumers, art has been integral to coping with the uncertainty of living through a pandemic,” said Kelly Rufe, Director of SERV Centers in Mercer County. “The COVID-19 crisis is less than ideal, but I’m grateful that it has afforded them the opportunity to develop their creative minds and experiment with different mediums.”

Rufe added that lately, “it’s been exciting” to watch so many of them channel “their hopefulness about summer and the lessening of restrictions” into their artwork. 

Perhaps the most vibrant and colorful project to date—a tie-dye activity—took place last week, at SERV’s Stepping Stones facility.

Coordinator Carly Kleiman assisted several consumers during the activity. Working together, they soaked their old, white t-shirts in rainbow dye, transforming them into swirling masterpieces.

“Although quarantine measures have had many feeling trapped, consumers have staved off feelings of anxiety and boredom by turning to art as a form of self-therapy,” Kleiman said. “Now that the end to this crisis is in our sights, our spirits are high, and we’re ready for the summer.”

The tie-dyed shirts turned out better than expected, according to Kleiman, and many consumers have expressed excitement about wearing them to gatherings this summer once more social distancing restrictions have been lifted.

A package containing dozens of cards arrived at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton on Monday, April 6. On one card, two smiling bumble bees buzzed above a sunflower. On another, rays of sunlight illuminated the words “Stay Strong,” which were scrawled in bold, blue ink.

This was the work of SERV consumers from group homes in Mercer County. Over the past week, these artists have spent their shutdown time hunched over desks, drawing and crafting messages they hoped would bolster the spirits of essential workers and patients dealing with the coronavirus crisis.

Kelly Rufe, Director of SERV Centers Mercer County, oversaw the project, working in partnership with the Medical Center’s Director of Patient Experience, Margaret France.   

“During these challenging and uncertain times, it is important to remember the power of moral support and giving back,” Rufe said.

“Our consumers in Mercer County wanted to thank the heroes on the frontlines for all they are doing. They also hoped their cards would bring smiles to the faces of the patients who are suffering.”

Lately, Rufe has been paying close attention to the emotional well-being of consumers as they cope with the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Though some consumers have expressed anxiety and distress, she said, the staff has helped to alleviate many of their concerns through activities and insightful conversation.

“It’s difficult to comprehend the enormity of the coronavirus pandemic and the impact it continues to have on all our lives,” Rufe said.

“Whether it’s watching a movie, completing a crossword puzzle, or getting out for a walk and a little fresh air—sometimes we need to break from the reality of our situation, and even the simplest things can provide some respite.”

In the coming weeks, Rufe plans to arrange several new activities for the consumers in Mercer County. One in particular that she is excited for is a trip to a drive-through Tulip Trail at Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge.

As part of their efforts to support consumers struggling with stress and anxiety in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SERV team members at the Scotch Plains Group Home and Cluster Apartments have launched “Seven Days of Calm,” a mindfulness training exercise that takes place every Tuesday and Thursday.

Leading the training are RPMs Lindsay George and Stephen Welch, along with RSCs Elaine Adams and Ramona Curry.

“A great rule in life is to regularly check in with your own feelings. If you are feeling uninvolved, bored, or not connected with the residents, the chances are the residents are not feeling connected, either,” said RPM Lindsay George. “There were growing concerns about the well-being and self-care of the residents because they were home all day, and it seemed like everything was changing very fast around them.

“So, during the initial phase of the pandemic, the suggestion came up for staff to meet with the residents more frequently to provide supportive services in small group sessions, and the residents were given the opportunity to take part in a mindfulness exercise called the seven days of calm.”

All five of the residents at Scotch Plains Group Home have attended the training. Twenty-one consumers from the Cluster Apartments regularly participate, as well.

Each session, the consumers learn a new skill. This includes breathing techniques, mental noting, living in the moment, and getting out of auto-pilot, among other things.

The training has been a huge hit thus far, according to George. “Mindfulness is a skill that can be practiced and used by anyone,” she said, “and this training has proven to be effective with enhancing self-awareness, attentiveness with time, and responding to the presenting moment, space, and present situations.

“The consumers have come voluntarily and have been very engaged,” she added. “They’ve even requested for staff to continue the sessions.”

One consumer in particular, Kathy K., has found the mindfulness training especially helpful as she focuses on her emotional well-being during the pandemic.

Ever since her first lesson, Kathy has incorporated mindfulness into her daily routine. She noted that the skills she learned in the training have guided her daily as she makes decisions such as what to eat, what to wear, and what to do. This helps her remain calm and focused, she said.  

Meet Stanley, SERV’s newest resident. He stands approximately 7 ½ inches tall, wearing red and yellow shoes, with his green button-down shirt tucked into orange slacks, his polka dot tie done up in a Windsor knot, and his brown hair parted in a neat style.

This colorful paper cut-out is based on Stanley Lambchop, a character in the popular children's book series  “Flat Stanley” by author Jeff Brown. In the stories, Stanley is pancaked by a falling bulletin board and then goes on many adventures. He sneaks under doors, sails like a kite on the breeze, and is mailed in an envelope to far-off destinations.

Now, Stanley has found his way to SERV, and the children in the DCF program are sending him on new adventures.

“After reading the books together, the children and staff in SERV’s DCF program decided to participate in the Flat Stanley Project,” said Kristina Escobar, SERV’s Director of Behavior Support Services.

“Right now, with everything that’s going on in the world, it’s important to stay positive and find creative projects to occupy our free time. This hands-on activity is a great way for the children to connect with other consumers and stay busy during this crisis.”

On Monday, the children in SERV’s DCF program mailed Flat Stanley to another group home. They are asking the consumers who receive him to take pictures and then write a positive letter before sending him to the next home. 

“The children are so excited to discuss, track, and write about their flat character's journey and adventures,” Escobar said. “We will keep the project going until Stanley visits every SERV location, and we hope everyone welcomes this opportunity to connect with us.”