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FREE EVENT!

Transition and Recreation Fair

For parents, caregivers, advocates, district case managers & child study teams-anyone working or living with students ages 5-21 that may need transition & recreation services in preparation for life beyond the classroom.

NO REGISTRATION NECESSARY

DATE: Friday, March 22, 2024

TIME: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

LOCATION: The Phoenix Center, 16 Monsignor Owens Place, Nutley, NJ 07110

Transition Services Vendors: Over 21 Day Programs; Support Coordination Agencies; Transportation Options; Guardianship Assistance; DDD/DVRS Recreation Service Vendors: After-school Weekend Activities; Social Skills Groups; Physical Fitness Classes

WE WILL BE OFFERING 2 CEU HOURS FOR ATTENDANCE AT THE FAIR

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR CASINO NIGHT 2024!

FRIDAY, APRIL 26th

6:00 – 10:00 pm

Get ready for an unforgettable night at The Phoenix Center’s Casino Night!

Roll the dice, spin the wheel, and join us for a fun evening of gambling, passed hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, soda, dessert and fabulous prizes!!

Don’t miss out on TPC’s most highly anticipated event of the year.

Get your tickets HERE!

All donations are appreciated. Must be 21 years of age to attend.


Interested in sponsoring?

Please contact Carolyn Sharaway at csharaway@thephoenixcenternj.org or (973) 542-0743 ext. 403. Download our flyer/mail-in form here.

Casino Night 2024 Flyer (preview)

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

ID #: 356-5-34980 | Casino Night License #: 3-24 | 50/50 License #: 4-24

A Journey of Kindness: From The Phoenix Center to Motivational Speaker

Celebrating the Return of a Remarkable Educator to The Phoenix Center:

At TPC, we have been highly regarded as a school that grows great educators. Recently, we witnessed a heartwarming homecoming. Lisa Lyons, who started her career as a teacher at TPC (in the mid-90s), and is now an an educational consultant and a sought-after inspirational speaker came back to share insights that resonate deeply with this year’s theme: kindness. Her journey from a passionate educator to a happiness expert and back to the place where it all began, to speak on kindness, is a story worth telling.

The Roots of Kindness: A Lesson from Childhood

Lisa’s speech began with a simple yet profound childhood memory – a weekly visit to Appollo’s Bakery, in her hometown. It was here, amidst the hustle of a busy bakery, that she experienced a pivotal moment of kindness. A baker who noticed her struggle to be seen amidst taller, louder customers, extended a warm hand of recognition, by asking for her order. This act, small in execution but enormous in impact, left a lasting impression on Lisa, shaping her understanding of kindness.

Kindness: Seeing and Impacting Lives

In her insightful talk, Lisa emphasized that kindness is the art of truly seeing someone, even if it’s just for a fleeting moment. It’s these small acts of warmth and acknowledgment that can turn around a horrible day and have a lasting effect on both the giver and the receiver.

Kindness in Everyday Life

Lisa urged us to find kindness in everyday interactions – a simple smile to a passing stranger, a wave to someone walking their dog, or an acknowledgment of someone who seems to be having a rough day.  Examples like these serve to highlight the universal need for human connection, which exemplify the act of kindness.

The Power of Human Connection

Lisa eloquently spoke about human connection as the cornerstone of kindness. This connection is about recognizing the complex, vivid lives of those around us – a concept beautifully encapsulated in the word ‘sonder’ (from “The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows” written by John Koenig). By understanding and empathizing with others, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more compassionate world.

Transforming Negativity through Kindness

A significant part of Lisa’s message focused on transforming our approach to negative experiences. She pointed out the human tendency to cling to negativity, often overshadowing the positive aspects of our lives. By consciously practicing kindness, even in challenging situations, we can shift our mindset and create a more positive experience for ourselves and others.

Kindness vs. Niceness

A pivotal moment in her speech was the differentiation between being ‘nice’ and being ‘kind’. While niceness is reactive, kindness is proactive and requires effort, understanding, and sometimes, courage. It is about extending kindness without expecting anything in return, even in the face of indifference or negativity. Kindness is a deliberate choice to show encouragement, support or appreciation.

Personal Stories of Kindness

Lisa shared touching personal stories, including a transformative encounter at a hospital while dealing with her own daughter’s illness. The deliberate act of another who showed her support and encouragement made a great difference for her. This experience not only showcased the profound impact of kindness but also highlighted how it can be a source of strength in difficult times.

The Lasting Impact of Kindness

Concluding her speech, Lisa encouraged everyone to practice conscious kindness. By being intentional and fully aware of the impact our actions have on others and choosing kindness, we can make a significant difference in the world.

A Full Circle of Inspiration

Lisa’s journey from The Phoenix Center to becoming an inspirational speaker and educational consultant and returning to share her wisdom is a testament to the incredible caliber of educators nurtured at our school. Her message of kindness aligns perfectly with our theme of the year and reminds us that the simplest acts can have the most profound impacts.

Her speech is not just a narrative; it’s an invitation to embrace kindness in our everyday lives. It’s a reminder that The Phoenix Center is more than a school; it’s a launching pad for individuals who can go on to make significant contributions to the world, always carrying with them the values and lessons learned here.

Celebrating TPC’s CFL Program: Students Cook Up Heartwarming Thanksgiving Feasts

We’re excited to share some incredible news about The Phoenix Center that’s been making waves on both newjersey.com and a special TV segment!

Our students, aged 5-21, showcased their talents and life skills as they took on the challenge of making Thanksgiving stuffing. The heartwarming scenes were beautifully captured, emphasizing the dedication of our team and the immense progress of our exceptional students.

At The Phoenix Center, we’re not just a school; we’re a community committed to the educational, behavioral, and therapeutic needs of our students. The recent features highlight the vibrancy, inclusivity, and positive impact we’re making on their lives.

But that’s not all! Our very own Ashley Agresti, the guiding star of our Consumer Family Life (CFL) program, is featured on ONNJ in a special segment. She’s not just a star within our community; she’s now shining for the world to see!

As we celebrate these moments of recognition, we want to express our gratitude to everyone who makes The Phoenix Center a place of growth, learning, and community.

Link to print article on northjersey.com below:

https://www.northjersey.com/picture-gallery/news/2023/11/20/nj-special-needs-students-make-thanksgiving-stuffing-gain-life-skills/71655227007/

TPC Holds Ribbon Cutting, Welcomes Donors to Newly-Renovated Kitchen & Enriched CFL Program

TPC Holds Ribbon Cutting, Welcomes Donors to its Newly-Renovated Kitchen and its Enriched CFL Program As Part of Our Commitment to Community, Collaboration and Inclusivity for Students with Special Needs | Nutley, NJ (October 23, 2023)

Columbia Bank and the DeMattheis Family joined administrators and teachers at The Phoenix Center in Nutley, NJ, at the unveiling of the schools’ newly-renovated teaching kitchen on October 13, 2023.

According to Julie Mower, Executive Director of The Phoenix Center. “Our motto, ‘preparing students for life beyond the classroom,’ has never felt more tangible than today. After the splendid unveiling of the newly renovated teaching kitchen, we can proudly say that our Consumer Family Life Skills (CFL) program is set to provide even richer experiences to our students.”

The renovations of the teaching kitchen were funded by the Columbia Bank Foundation and the DeMattheis Family, transforming the 312 square-foot space into a modern facility that fosters self-reliance, promotes life skills, and prepares students at The Phoenix Center for both home life and potential employment in the culinary world. As part of its Vocational Restaurant Program (VRP), students run “Restaurant Day” once each quarter when they prepare scrumptious salads and pasta lunches for the entire school. This endeavor, entirely student-run with the unwavering support of school staff, is a testament to the program’s success.

At the heart of this transformation was a compelling speech during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This teaching kitchen truly is the heart of our school community,” said Ashley Agresti, head of the CFL Program. “It is evident in the thoughtful design choices – an expansive island and a farm table to accommodate varying student heights, ample cabinets for easy access to tools and ingredients, and a soon-to-be-installed Smart Television for interactive lessons.

“It’s where students learn not just about food but also about perseverance, relationship-building, service, and confidence. This kitchen reinforces concepts of healthy choices, understanding dietary restrictions, and mastering the nuances of texture and taste. Beautiful moments are crafted within the confines of this kitchen, which students can then apply beyond its walls.”

Ashley Agresti (TPC)

Pictured in the first photo are representatives from both organizations (from left to right): Mayra Rinaldi (Columbia Bank), Ashley Agresti (TPC), Julie Mower (TPC), Julie Holland (Columbia Bank), Frank Aghasi (Columbia Bank), and Dennis Gibney (Columbia Bank). The second image features Jon DeMattheis (The DeMattheis Family), Carolyn Sharaway (TPC), Ashley Agresti (TPC), Julie Mower (TPC), and Steve DeMattheis (The DeMattheis Family), underscoring the combined efforts of families and institutions in serving the community.