SBR Celebrates the Holidays
We had a fabulous time celebrating the holidays in December with the individuals we support. Please enjoy some pictures from our Residential Holiday Party, our Holiday Sing-A-Long, Top Hat’s Special Needs Shindig, and the SFO Speaking for Ourselves Holiday Party. Also, be sure to visit our Youtube Channel, SBR Has Talent, and view all current and past performances by the individuals we support!
SBR to Hold Virtual Town Hall for Individuals and Families
SBR will host a virtual town hall for individuals and families on January 20, 2026, with both afternoon and evening sessions available. Additional details will be shared by your SBR supervisor and via Bamboo. If you would like to attend and do not receive the link, please contact Beth O’Connell at Beth@supportivebehavior.com
Congratulations to Sam Sekula!
We would like to extend our congratulations to Sam Sekula on achieving her one-year anniversary at Shake Shack! Sam is excelling in her position, and the staff and management at Shake Shack support her career goals and appreciate the hard work she brings each day. Way to go, Sam!
Thank you for your hard work and dedication!
We can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for you.
January Birthdays
As we kick off a new year, we’re also celebrating the team members who have January birthdays!
Happy birthday to Jebrel Ali, Jetter Andrews, Tara Bennett, Kimberly Carfagno, Patricia Fries, Wayne Petersen, Vickie Lewis, Natasha Wallace, Fanta Jabateh, Patience Sulemana Nimo, Lubna Manna, Tiffany Siler, Keith Matlack Jr, Marvin Nyanson, Derrick Kennedy, Wendell Fowler Jr, Debra Garcia, Camilah Carter, Patricia Lyons, Michele Blackson, Erica Waller-Hill, Diana Ramirez, Angelica Serrano, and Gwenn Ziegler!
January Anniversaries
Honoring our colleagues reaching major milestones. We’re grateful for you and all you bring to our community!
Cathy Ficco — 15 Years
Joelle Bridges — 5 Years
Donna Smith — 1 Year
Caira Weeks — 1 Year
Mary White — 1 Year
Jamyya Whitmore Lesesne — 1 Year
Speak Out Against the R-Word
Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in the use of the word “retard” or “retarded” in public discourse—from political conversations and pop culture to schools and community spaces. This language is derogatory, harmful, and does not reflect or respect people with disabilities.
We all share responsibility for recognizing that this is an inappropriate choice of words and for removing it from our everyday vocabulary. It should never be used to describe a person, object, event, or situation.
We also encourage everyone to speak up when they hear it used and to suggest more accurate alternatives, such as ridiculous, absurd, outlandish, frustrating, or witless. Resources like Thesaurus.com can help identify stronger, more precise language that makes a point without causing harm.
Are You on the Autism Spectrum, Looking for Love, and Want to be on TV?
The Emmy Award–winning series Love on the Spectrum is currently holding casting calls. If you are interested, please write a brief description of yourself (Beth O’Connell is available to help) and submit it along with a recent photo to production@northernpictures.com.au.
Move Your Way Tip!
It’s getting colder out! Shake off those winter blues by having a half-hour dance party. Set an alarm for 30 minutes, put on your favorite tunes, and dance those feelings away. Remember to keep hydrated, go at your own pace, and most importantly, have fun!
State mail is late or missing!
Many Philadelphia residents have reported delays or failures in receiving important documents from state agencies. These materials include tax information, PennDOT vehicle registration and driver’s license renewals, as well as other essential state correspondence.
If you believe you are missing any documents, we encourage you to contact the relevant state agency directly and reach out to your local state representative for assistance. Not sure who represents you? You can find your state representative here.
County Assistance Offices Now Sending Renewal and Semi-Annual Reporting Information Via Text
If your renewal or semi-annual reporting deadline is approaching, please monitor your text messages closely. County Assistance Offices (CAOs) are sending text message reminders that include reporting instructions and a direct link to COMPASS.
If you are unsure of your renewal or review date or need assistance, please contact your Support Coordinator or your local CAO directly. You can find your local office here—scroll down to select your county.
PA ABLE ACCOUNT Changes the Age of Onset of Disability Requirement.
Thanks to the federal ABLE Age Adjustment Act, individuals who became disabled before age 46 now qualify for an ABLE account. ABLE accounts are a powerful savings tool, allowing individuals to save a substantial amount of money without penalties during SSI and Medicaid financial reporting.
SBR recognizes this as an important savings opportunity for our staff and offers a competitive employer match. If you or a loved one meets the ABLE account eligibility requirements, please contact Human Resources to learn more. Additional information is available at www.paable.gov.
It’s Tax Time!
Do you live full-time in the same home as the individual you support? If so, your paychecks from SBR—and potentially from other agencies—may not be taxable. You can learn more about how to exclude these payments from your taxable income here.
Please proceed with caution and consult a qualified tax professional before making any changes, especially if you typically qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit and SBR is your only source of income. In some situations, it may be more beneficial to report your income from SBR.
LIHEAP Applications Are Now Open!
Feeling the stress of high energy and gas bills? LIHEAP grant applications are now open and can be applied toward PECO and PGW bills. Visit www.compass.dhs.pa.gov to review eligibility requirements and submit your application before the April 10, 2026 deadline.
House to Vote in Early 2026 to Extend Accountable Care Act (ACA) Subsidies
We extend our thanks to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick for voting to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy provisions. His vote, along with the support of other Pennsylvania Republicans, offers renewed hope to the approximately 500,000 Pennsylvanians who rely on ACA subsidies currently set to expire on December 31, 2025.
This support now moves the issue to a full House floor vote, which could occur as early as January 6, 2026. We encourage you to contact your representatives to express your support for maintaining ACA subsidies and to affirm that everyone deserves access to affordable health care. You can find your state representative’s phone number here.
Do You Have a Healthcare Plan Through Pennie?
If so, you have until January 15, 2026, to enroll or make changes to your coverage. You can complete the process here.
PA Unveils New Benefits Tracker
You can now track your PA LIHEAP, SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid applications through a new, easier-to-use platform—without logging in to COMPASS. The new website can be accessed here.
Dexcom G6 and G6 Pro Android Users: Important Information
URGENT RECALL NOTICE: A recall has been issued for the Dexacom G6 and G6 Pro Dexacom devices utilizing Android software. This recall is URGENT and requires all users to update their software IMMEDIATELY. To update your device software please follow these instructions:
- Open the App Store and search for Dexcom G6 app.
- Install latest Dexcom G6 app version.
- Open Dexcom G6 app.
Contact Technical Support at 1-844-478-1600 for further assistance.
Note: Users will no longer be able to use app version 1.15.0 after October 6, 2025.
PA Property Tax and Rent Rebate Applications for 2025 Open January 15, 2026
Visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/incentives-credits-and-programs/ptrr for details on eligibility, required application materials, and tips to get a head start on your application.
Important Dates
January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
January 5, 2026 – 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
Advanced Waiver for Siblings Webinar
January 6, 2026 – 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Waiver Basics Webinar
January 7, 2026 – 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Caregiver Support Group
January 12, 2026 – 6:30 PM–8:00 PM
Advanced Waiver Basics for Siblings Webinar
January 13, 2026 – 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Waiver Basics
January 16, 2026 – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Long-Term Planning
January 19, 2026 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
January 20, 2026 – 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
SBR Virtual Townhall for Individuals and Families (See Bamboo for link)
January 20, 2026 – 6:00 PM–7:00 PM
SBR Virtual Townhall for Individuals and Families (See Bamboo for link)
January 20, 2026 – 6:30 PM–8:00 PM
Caregiver Support Group
January 22, 2026 – 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
Transitions Through the Lifespan
January 26, 2026 – 6:30 PM–8:00 PM
Sibling Good Life Group
January 27, 2026 – 10:00 AM–11:30 AM
Using LifeCourse to Problem Solve
January 28, 2026 – 10:00 AM–11:30 AM
Using LifeCourse to Problem Solve, Part 2