May Resource and Advocacy Newsletter

SBR Holds Art Show at Father Judge High School

On Friday, May 8, 2026, SBR held its inaugural art show at Father Judge High School. The event featured 80 artists from around the city and 132 pieces of artwork. Lady Liberty mingled with guests, DJ Blake provided Philadelphia-themed music, and the SBR bell served as the centerpiece of the event.

Special thanks to the students of Father Judge High School and the SBR staff for lending a helping hand. We also appreciated the creativity and submissions from Our Lady of Confidence, Green Tree School and Services, Step Up Academy, Top Hat Dance Studio, Widener Memorial School, The Autistic Art Coalition, Pat Lyons’ Art Class, and Philadelphia Academy Charter School.

Thank you as well to Speaking for Ourselves and Herr’s Has Heart for sponsoring the snacks.

Special recognition goes to all the SBR participants who submitted work, including: Ryan C., Allison R., Adean S., Jonathan R., Lisa F., Matt M., Bobby W., Cheryl T., Jennifer G., Justine L., Michael M., Robin T., Turhan L., Anthony D., and Sam S.

It was truly a wonderful event, and we can’t wait to see what next year’s collaboration has to offer!

Stay tuned for a special newsletter edition featuring highlights from the SBR Art Show!

SBR Family Town Hall is Tuesday, May 19, 2026

SBR will hold its bi-monthly Family Town Hall on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. This virtual event will offer two sessions, available at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. This month’s discussion will focus on Recognizing the Well-Being of the Caregiver.

SBR Park Meet-Ups have Started!

Come out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather! SBR park meet-ups will take place on the following dates in May: May 21 and 26. Check out the SBR Community Calendar or reach out to your supervisor for locations. SBR employees will also receive a text message with details leading up to each park meet-up day.

SBR Community Calendar

Cultivating Community: Six Years at the Glen Foerd Community Garden

The Glen Foerd Community Garden is a volunteer-led initiative located within the historic Glen Foerd estate in Philadelphia. For the past six years, dedicated members have gathered there to build a vibrant hub for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship along the banks of the Delaware River. SBR maintains one standard plot and a wheelchair-accessible raised bed, helping ensure the garden remains an inclusive environment for everyone.

Each week, a dedicated “gardening gang” of SBR staff and participants spends time planting, weeding, and watering. Their efforts focus on a variety of flowering plants, herbs, and vegetables that serve as the heart of garden activities throughout the spring and summer. This weekly commitment does more than just grow food — it also promotes overall well-being. Research shows that gardening can significantly reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels, boost physical strength through functional exercise, and enhance mental clarity through a direct connection to nature.

If you are interested in becoming part of the SBR gardening efforts at Glen Foerd, please reach out to Paula Grochowski, Executive Director of Home and Community-Based Services.

DSP Spotlight— Bibi Arjun

This month, PAR proudly spotlighted Bibi Arjun, a Direct Support Professional and cornerstone of Supportive Behavioral Resources, Inc. for the past 15 years! Prior to her professional career, Bibi was the mother of a “beautiful angel” with multiple disabilities. As a result, she holds herself to the highest standard of excellence, treating every individual she supports with the same fierce protection and tenderness she gave her own child.

This experience has gifted her with a “sixth sense” for the needs of those she serves, allowing her to build a bridge of trust with families. Bibi Arjun embodies everything a Direct Support Professional represents, turning her professional mission into one that changes lives every single day.

Thank you, Bibi, for everything you do. ❤️

SBR Bingo!

Who doesn’t love a good game of BINGO? SBR will be hosting BINGO on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the office. The cost is $2 per player.

Reserve your spot today here.

Move Your Way!

Don’t forget — Chair Zumba is held every Monday at the office! Reach out to your supervisor for times and more information.

Spring is a great time to keep moving! Did you know that a walk through Benjamin Rush Park is 3.09 miles? How far can you go?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

SBR recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month. SBR is committed to promoting awareness, compassion, and support for individuals facing mental health challenges, as well as the well-being of our entire community.

Trained professionals through DBHIDS are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer calls. Callers can discuss their concerns and receive counseling, guidance, assessments, and referrals for treatment or other services if needed.

Help is just a phone call away:

📞 24-Hour Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention Service: 215-686-4420

📞 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
📞 Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454

🌿 Mental health matters every day, for everyone. 🌿

We Are Hiring!

Know someone who would be a great addition to the SBR team? Share this flyer and help us grow our community!

Apply today or learn more about our open positions here!

May Birthdays

We wish the happiest of Birthdays to Rachel Sullivan, Anita Pagan, Rebecca Dever, Akilah Hunter, Jackie Simmons, Angela Amoriello, Paul Kusiak, Regina Moran, Patricia Vertlieb, Sharnelle Blain, Sebastien Kelome, Kathleen Farrell, Helen Stopper, Patricia Zabielski, Rose Depa, Sheila Luke-Bantom, Samantha Torres, Deanna Smith, Bridget Berns, Todd Fetterman, Colleen Snyder, Amy Murphy, and Rikita Baah.

May Employee Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following employees on their work anniversaries:

Shane McClain — 20 years

Andrea Staley — 20 years

Colleen Snyder — 15 years

Jennifer Fenton — 10 years

Jaime McNatt — 10 years

Nyerere Jackson — 10 years

Elizabeth Woodson — 5 years

Michael Agnew — 5 years

Anika Khan — 1 year

Peco Says No to Rate Increases

Peco requested a rate increase recently that would have increased utility costs by approximately $34.00 a month.

After the PUC heard the community concerns, they voted NO to the increase, saving us from increased electric bills.

How to Get Home From the Middle East

Do you have a loved one stuck in the Middle East during this turbulent time? Sen. McCormick shares how to get your loved one home. You can call the departure hotline at: 1-202-501-4444 and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program here.