Beaverbrook STEP, Inc.

10/19/2026

In honor of October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we will proudly spotlight some of our individuals who are employed in the community. We hope others will join us in recognizing the value and contributions of workers with disabilities and the importance of inclusive employment opportunities.

Today’s featured spotlight is ⭐️L. Jovani P.⭐️. Jovani has worked at the Watertown Animal Hospital since July 6th 2021. (Jovani remembers the exact day). He dutifully works 4 days per week and almost never misses a shift. Jovani has been tasked with cleaning the different areas of the hospital as well as outdoors in front of the building. His favorite part of work is the changing tasks he has outside as the seasons change. Apart from that, his most favorite part of the job is receiving a paycheck. There is always positive feedback from his supervisors as he works with great pride.

💫 When asked about his work, often one word says it all, “Happy!” 💫

10/17/2026

In honor of October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we will proudly spotlight some of our individuals who are employed in the community. We hope others will join us in recognizing the value and contributions of workers with disabilities and the importance of inclusive employment opportunities.

Today’s featured spotlight is ⭐️ Zach M. ⭐️ Zach has been employed at Wegman’s since 2020 and works 4 days per week. Zach is very proud of all work tasks that he is able to complete. During a given shift Zach might be returning shopping carts with a cart-pusher, cleaning corrals and the front of the building with the Billy-goat blower, wiping down the electric carts and kid friendly carts, cleaning shopping carts and baskets, and helping clean and vacuum inside the store. He even gets occasional tasks to help other departments with stocking and cleaning. Whew, that’s a lot! Zach has enthusiasm and apositive attitude that is infectious. He always lifts the energy in the room, where ever he is.

Zach comments that-
💫 “Work is Amazing!”
and
💫 “Everyone at work is so nice.”

10/15/2026

In honor of October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we will proudly spotlight some of our individuals who are employed in the community. We hope others will join us in recognizing the value and contributions of workers with disabilities and the importance of inclusive employment opportunities.

Today’s featured spotlight is ⭐️Lucy M-F!⭐️! Lucy has been employed at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger for 17 years as a Facilities Assistant. Her responsibilities include sorting, separating, and delivering mail throughout the office. She also ensures that printers are stocked with the correct paper and are working properly. Lucy takes great pride in her work and enjoys being part of the office team and building relationships with her coworkers. Congratulations to Lucy on 17 years of dedication and hard work!

Some quotes from them about their work-
💫 What they like: “I love working and have made many great friends along the way.”
💫What work means to them: “Work makes me feel good and proud of myself.”
💫Advice for others: “If you find a job you love, you will have a successful career”

10/13/2026

In honor of October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we will proudly spotlight some of our individuals who are employed in the community. We hope others will join us in recognizing the value and contributions of workers with disabilities and the importance of inclusive employment opportunities.

Today’s featured spotlight is ⭐️Emily Aussem⭐️ who has worked at Market basket in Waltham for 12 years (starting on September 2014). Her position is Grocery Bagger. Emily is an amazing individual with a big personality and she’s great with customers!

Some quotes from them about their work-
💫 What they like: Emily said that she likes helping people and being a part of something she believes in.
💫What work means to them: Emily said it means that she gets to meet new people, have her independence, and making an income to have money to spend on her own devices.
💫 Advice for others: Emily said to do your research on the job, so you know it’s a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

10/09/2026

In honor of October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we will proudly spotlight some of our individuals who are employed in the community. We hope others will join us in recognizing the value and contributions of workers with disabilities and the importance of inclusive employment opportunities.

Today’s featured spotlight is ⭐️Josh Cadet.⭐️ Josh has been employed at The Peach Cobbler Factory for only a short time having started the end of this September. His position is a Cobbler Krafter and his duties are stocking, labeling, washing dishes, and portioning deserts. Josh is a wonderful and positive young man that is so down to earth.

Some quotes from them about their work-
💫 What they like: “That you get to work as a group and learn new things.”
💫What work means to them: “Being consistent and the interaction of new people and being focused.”
💫 Advice for others: “Be confident and work hard don’t give up on your dreams.”

10/05/2026

As Autumn arrives with cooler breezes, we share photos from when 14 of our Community Advocates Board members enjoyed a wonderful September retreat at Ferry Beach in Maine! Beach walks, a campfire with s’mores, art cabin time, a dance party, a movie night, yoga for all abilities, delicious food, and joy-filled time with new and old friends! All activities you can do on these cooler days. What favorite Summer activity will you be sure to do the Autumn version of? 😎

09/18/2026

We are so proud of Traci Picardi who won Tarrytown's DSP Appreciation award. Traci was nominated by her supervisor (in our individual support residential program) who wrote, "Traci's research for fun events, community activities, and new places for individuals to check out is vital to the community-based nature of our supports. Traci researches, plans, and coordinates activities continually, helping to make sure individuals have fun and meaningful plans every weekend that they were a part of creating. Traci also demonstrates extraordinary dedication to daily operations and supporting individual's activities of daily living. She uses every moment of her shift to work on engaging and including folks as well as making sure everyone's needs are met." Congratulations to Traci, and to our many DSP staff who also demonstrate excellence in the ways they support our individuals! 💖💖💖

09/14/2026

This week is Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week; and words cannot express how much we appreciate this extraordinary part of our team. Our DSPs are at the heart of the work we do. We simply could not provide the quality supports we do without their hard work, dedication, compassion, and care for the people we support. If inspired, please help us celebrate our amazing DSPs throughout the week and make sure each one knows how much they are valued by Beaverbrook STEP and the people we support. 💛🙂

09/12/2026

Blessed wishes to our Jewish friends and family celebrating their season of High Holidays! 🤍

To those in our community curious to learn more, Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year, while Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, considered the holiest day. Both holidays involve special prayers, reflection, and fasting, particularly on Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah began yesterday (September 11) at sundown and ends at nightfall on September 13. Yom Kippur starts at sundown on September 20 and ends at nightfall on September 21.

08/28/2026

Amplifying this announcement and a fun group photo of participants including a few of our folks!

This Monday 8/31 at 5pm is Therapeutic Recreation Open House at the Beech Street Center conference room in Belmont.
Meet the Recreation Therapist for the Watertown Belmont Recreation Departments, Eva Burbidge, CTRS. Eva will discuss Therapeutic Recreation practices and highlight fall adaptive programs and inclusion services. For individuals with disabilities and their families, caregivers and guardians.

Therapeutic Recreation Open House!!!
Monday August 31st
5:00pm to 7:00pm
Beech Street Center conference room in Belmont
Meet the Recreation Therapist for the Watertown Belmont Recreation Departments, Eva Burbidge, CTRS. Eva will discuss Therapeutic Recreation practices and highlight fall adaptive programs and inclusion services!
For individuals with disabilities and their families, caregivers and guardians

{image description: photo of Eva Burbidge CTRS and a group photo of participants}