STRIVE

Join us for the STRIVE for 5 5K Road Race and Fun Run on Sunday, July 12 at Foden Road in South Portland! The Kids’ Fun Run kicks off at 8am, with the 5K/Walk at 8:30am, rain or shine. There are virtual options as well for those who can't attend in person! 🤩

🥇Entry is $30 on or before 7/10, and $35 on 7/11 and 7/12; kids 12 and under are free with an adult. All participants get a race shirt and medal! Full race info and course map at pslstrive.org/STRIVEforFive.

🥞Back for year two is the Pancake Breakfast immediately following the 5K! Refuel post-race with pancakes, bacon, assorted fruits and more! $3 for runners/walkers and $6 for anyone else! Message us here with questions!

ID: the first flyer has an image on the STRIVE for 5 start line in the middle with the STRIVE logo in the top right. The second flyer is blue with information about the upcoming pancake breakfast. There is a cartoon image of pancakes in the center

It has been an exciting and meaningful time here at STRIVE U as we celebrate the accomplishments of our residents and look ahead to the next chapter in their journeys.

These recent photos from the Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) graduation capture just how special this milestone truly is. Surrounded by peers, staff, and supporters, our residents celebrated the hard work, persistence, and dedication that brought them to this moment. From proud smiles to caps in the air, each image reflects a major achievement and an important step forward.

Graduation marks more than the completion of a program, it represents growth in independence, confidence, and life skills that residents have been building throughout their time at STRIVE U. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished both in and out of the classroom.

As this chapter comes to a close, an exciting new one is already underway. Our soon-to-be graduates have begun moving into their apartments, taking meaningful steps toward greater independence. This transition is a huge milestone, and residents are embracing the opportunity to apply the skills they have worked so hard to develop; managing their own spaces, building routines, and continuing to grow within the community.

Congratulations to our graduates. We are so proud of you and all that lies ahead!



ID: photos of the graduates in their caps and gowns

✨Car Wash for a Cause! 🧽✨

Come support STRIVE's Aktion Club and roll up for a summer-ready shine! For a donation, we’ll have your car looking spick-and-span in no time!

📅 Dates: June 9, June 23, July 7, July 21
(Dates may change due to weather)

⏰ Time: 3:00 PM
📍 Location: STRIVE (Foden Road)

ID: blue background with pink soap clouds and a blue car on the bottom. The STRIVE logo is in the bottom right

Don't forget that STRIVE 25 is tonight! We can't wait to see you 😎

STRIVE 25 is a social event for people 25 and older. STRIVE 25 meets the first Thursday of each month, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at STRIVE's Foden Road location. Members are welcome to come to make friends, sing karaoke, play games, and have fun!

ID: STRIVE 25 participant and staff standing back-to-back in matching STRIVE shirts

Join Disability Rights Maine and STRIVE for a movie night on Tuesday, June 9 from 6pm-8pm at Foden Road! We'll be showing "Patrice: The Movie" followed by a talk led by Youth Self Advocacy Trainer Jaheim Franklyn.

This event is free and open to the community! Message us here with questions

ID: pink background with the STRIVE logo in the left and the Disability Rights Maine logo in the top right. There is a picture of Jaheim on the bottom right

Did you know that it's Say Something Nice Day?

Kind words go a long way in building connection, confidence, and belonging—all things we value here at STRIVE 😊 A simple compliment or welcoming message can change someone's whole day.

How will you spread a little extra positivity today? Let us know in the comments below!



ID: STRIVE participant smiling and creating a heart with his hands

✨We wanted to recognize our May Employee of the Month! Congratulations to Macy Carver who was nominated for the great work she does every day! 🤩

Below is one of her nominations:
"I would like to nominate Macy Carver for Employee of the Month! Macy has worked very hard to navigate several complicated situations this month and has been a strong and consistent source of support for her caseload! Macy collaborates well with the people she serves and their planning teams to problem-solve and find positive solutions. She has developed good rapport with her caseload and though these situations can be stressful, Macy maintains a positive attitude and is supportive of others, both in and out of the office. We are so grateful for Macy’s hard work, kindness, and dedication!" We're grateful to have you on the team, Macy!

ID: photo of Macy standing outside in the snow with a polar bear mascot

Check out these exciting June opportunities at STRIVE! Visit our website to find more information about each program and register now 🩵💙

ID: carousel of program flyers