Aspire Living & Learning

Voices of U.S. (Unified Speakers) Self-Advocacy Group Anniversary Meeting
2023-09-20 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Aspire Living & Learning Bel Air Office, 2109 Laurel Bush Road, Bel Air, MD, 21015
You’re Invited to Celebrate 7 Years of Self-Advocacy! Join the Voices of U.S. Self-Advocacy Group as we mark seven years of progress, unity, and empowerment for people with disabilities.
Enjoy the opportunity to connect with community members, share impactful success stories, gain valuable resource information, and experience a surprise visit from the Baltimore Orioles mascot.
RSVPs are encouraged, but not required. Let us know you’re coming by RSVPing here!

Connecticut Self-Advocacy Group
2023-09-19 17:30 - 19:00, 2023-08-15 17:30 - 19:00, 2023-07-18 17:30 - 19:00, 2023-06-20 17:30 - 19:00, 2023-05-16 17:30 - 19:00, 2023-04-18 17:30 - 19:00, 2023-03-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Aspire Living & Learning CT Office, 1125 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT, 06514, United States
Self-Advocacy is speaking up for yourself to make choices about what is important to you. Join the Connecticut Self-Advocacy Group at Aspire to:

Meet new people and have fun.
Learn about your rights and responsibilities.
Learn to speak up for yourself.
Get support from other people.
Become more active in your community.

Meetings take place in-person every month on the third Tuesday from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM beginning March 21st. All are encouraged to attend and bring with them any personalized supports including support staff. Pizza will be provided. If you have special dietary needs, please plan accordingly.
Please RSVP at: https://form.jotform.com/230645914614052

Virtual Self-Advocacy Group
2023-08-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-07-20 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-06-15 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-05-18 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-04-20 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-03-16 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-02-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Learn how to be an effective self-advocate! Self-Advocacy is speaking up for yourself to make choices about what is important to you. Join the Self-Advocacy Group at Aspire to:

• Meet new people and have fun.
• Learn about your rights and responsibilities.
• Learn to speak up for yourself.
• Get support from other people.
• Become more active in your community.

Meetings take place each month on the 3rd Thursday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Join the monthly virtual meeting via Zoom at zoom.us/j/97792997983

Wayback Burgers Fundraiser
2023-08-15 16:00 - 20:00 | Wayback Burgers Bel Air, 5 Bel Air South Parkway, Bel Air, MD, 21015, United States
Come help raise money and support Aspire Living & Learning by dining at Wayback Burgers on Tuesday, August 15th! From 4 PM to 8 PM, 15% of all purchases made during this timeframe will be donated to help fuel the work of empowering neurodiverse adults to grow, develop, and unlock their potential. No flyer is needed, just show up and enjoy a delicious meal!
Advance orders can be called into 410-569-2711 beginning at 4 PM.

Wayback Burgers Fundraiser
2023-07-18 16:00 - 20:00 | Wayback Burgers Bel Air, 5 Bel Air South Parkway, Bel Air, MD, 21015, United States
Come help raise money and support Aspire Living & Learning by dining at Wayback Burgers on Tuesday, July 18th! From 4 PM to 8 PM, 15% of all purchases made during this timeframe will be donated to help fuel the work of empowering neurodiverse children and adults to grow, develop, and unlock their potential. No flyer is needed, just show up and enjoy a delicious meal!
Advance orders can be called in to 410-569-2711 beginning at 4 PM.

Aspire Maryland Open House
2023-06-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Aspire Living & Learning Bel Air Office, 2109 Laurel Bush Road, Bel Air, MD, 21015
Join us at Aspire Living & Learning’s Open House event! Experience an engaging and informative day where you’ll witness Aspire’s exceptional programming in action, explore our state-of-the-art facilities, immerse yourself in our vibrant community participation program, and discover exciting career opportunities.
We are proud to open our doors to all visitors who are curious to see firsthand how Aspire serves children and adults who are discovering their passions, unlocking potential, and thriving. Whether you’re a prospective participant, a family member, a community member, or a potential employee, this event is tailored to provide valuable insights into our organization and the transformative work we do.
Engage with our knowledgeable staff, who will be on hand to answer your questions and provide valuable information about various roles, qualifications, and the rewarding experience of working with us. Learn about the professional development opportunities we offer and the supportive work culture that distinguishes us as an employer of choice.
RSVP Now!

Aspire Career Fair & Hiring Event
2023-05-25 14:30 - 17:30 | Aspire Living & Learning Hamden Office, 1125 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT, 06514, United States
If you’re looking to start a rewarding career that makes a difference in the lives of many, then Aspire is the perfect place for you. Join us at the upcoming career fair to learn more about Aspire as an employer and to explore career opportunities at our organization. We’re currently hiring Direct Support Professionals, Behavior Analysts, and Program Managers at programs located throughout Connecticut.
Please RSVP so we can have materials prepared for you. Once you hit submit, be sure to check your email for confirmation and an application to fill out prior to the event.

Aspire Career Fair & Hiring Event
2023-05-24 16:00 - 19:00 | Wallingford Public Library, 200 N Main Street, Wallingford, CT, 06492, United States

Connecticut Nonprofit Rally & Lobby Day
2023-05-24 10:00 - 14:00 | Connecticut State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, 06106, United States
Join Aspire at the capitol in Hartford on Wednesday, May 24, for Nonprofit Rally and Lobby Day, starting at 10 AM. Leaders from the Aspire community will be there at 9 AM to gather before going through security in the Legislative Office Building and proceed to the State Capitol South Lawn. See map for the meeting location (red X) and parking options. If arriving after 9 AM, proceed to the Capitol Building South Lawn and look for Aspire in purple shirts (Need a purple Aspire shirt? We’ll have one available for you). And please feel free to call or text Lisa Mierek, senior director of program operations, the day of the event to ensure you connect: (860) 780-4436.
Background: Connecticut’s legislature is developing the state’s budget for the next two years. Unfortunately, the budget proposal by the Appropriations Committee does not adequately fund services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
On May 1, Connecticut’s Office of Policy & Management and the Office of Fiscal Analysis reported that the state’s tax system is generating a surplus of almost $3 billion. Aspire and other service providers took more than their share of the burden during the lean years, losing 46 percent of their buying power to inflation.
In order for the budget to reflect the priorities important to our community, a 9% increase is needed. In a time of surplus, this is the moment to fund services fully.
Without additional funding, providers will be forced to reduce services to account for the inflation we have already experienced. Steps that some service providers are taking include closing programs, reducing the scope of services offered, and delaying much-needed innovations. Aspire is working hard to avoid such extreme measures. These outcomes are a disservice to people with disabilities, whose choices are shrinking and whose needs go unmet when no provider is available.
Cuts are also a disservice to the hardworking direct support professionals who do this essential work every day, who saw us through the pandemic, and who are the backbone of the system. We are already facing an unprecedented workforce shortage—funding that does not keep pace with costs is pushing the system to the brink.
If you can’t be there in person, contacting your legislators with your concerns is a great way to support a meaningful increase in funding. Legislators count every call, every email, and every visit from a constituent. Be counted! You can find your legislators and contact information here. Let them know the impact this funding makes in your life and the lives of the people we serve.

Wayback Burgers Fundraiser
2023-05-16 16:00 - 20:00 | Wayback Burgers Bel Air, 5 Bel Air South Parkway, Bel Air, MD, 21015, United States
Come help raise money and support Aspire Living & Learning by dining at Wayback Burgers on May 16th! From 4 PM to 8 PM, 15% of your purchase made during this timeframe will be donated to help fuel the work of empowering neurodiverse children and adults to grow, develop, and unlock their potential.
Advance orders can be called in to 410-569-2711 beginning at 4 PM.

POSTPONED: PEP Spring Fling Cookout
2023-05-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Eight Point Sportmen’s Club, 147 Beaman Road, Sterling, MA, United States
Please note the PEP Spring Fling Cookout has been postponed due to inclement weather.
Please be on the lookout for an updated event date and information.
For questions, please contact:
Brad Battersby, Program Director
Ph: 978-868-8527 or bbattersby@allinc.org

Empowered Expo
2023-04-22 08:30 - 13:00 | Bel Air High School, 100 Heighe Street, Bel Air, MD, United States
This FREE conference for teens and young adults with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans, and their families, who are planning the journey from high school to adulthood. Aspire is proud to be an exhibitor at the event – so be sure to stop by our table and say hi to members of Aspire’s Day Options team.
Learn more about the event on Harford County’s website, HERE!

Humagalas April 17th Fundraiser
2023-04-17 16:00 - 22:00 | Humagalas, 16 Bel Air S Pkwy, Bel Air, MD, 21015, United States
Join us for a fundraiser at Humagalas on April 17th to help fuel the work of empowering neurodiverse children and adults to grow, develop, and unlock their potential. Humagalas will be donating 20% of all purchases during the event time to Aspire Living & Learning. No flyer is necessary to ensure your purchase will benefit Aspire!
In addition, for the entire month of April, Humagalas will be donating $3 to Aspire for every “BBQ Chicken” pizza and “The Wakey Wakey” burger sold.

Chipotle Fundraiser
2023-04-05 16:00 - 20:00 | Chipotle, 5 Bel Air South Parkway, Bel Air, MD, 21014, United States
Calling all burrito lovers,
Make dinner a selfless act by joining us for a fundraiser to support Aspire Living & Learning. Come in to the Chipotle at 5 Bel Air S Pkwy in Bel Air on Wednesday, April 5th between 4:00pm and 8:00pm. Bring in this flyer, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 33% of event sales subject to a $150 minimum will be donated to Aspire Living & Learning.
NEW! ORDER ONLINE FOR PICKUP
Use code BJYHVHG in ‘promo’ field before checkout. Orders placed online or through the Chipotle app for pickup using this unique code will be counted. Remember, delivery orders or orders placed at a different time/location than the scheduled fundraiser will not count.
Learn more and download the flyer, here.

Humagalas April Charity of the Month Fundraiser
2023-04-01 - 2023-04-30 | Humagalas, 16 Bel Air S Pkwy, Bel Air, MD, 21015, United States
For the entire month of April, our friends at Humagalas are donating $3 to Aspire for every “BBQ Chicken” pizza and “The Wakey Wakey” burger sold.
Aspire Living & Learning is a private, non-profit human service and educational organization. At Aspire Living & Learning, amazing things happen every day. Relationships are formed. Lives are transformed. Through connection and self-discovery, neurodiverse children and adults are discovering their passions, unlocking potential, and thriving.

Becoming a CCH Provider Informational Webinar
2023-03-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Just like you, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) want to pursue their dreams and be fully included in community life. The Community Companion Home (CCH) Program in Connecticut makes access to that support a reality. CCH providers open their homes to adults with IDD and welcome them as a member of their household. They empower them to connect with their communities and pursue their goals by supporting their individual needs while including them in daily life.
If you’re interested in becoming a CCH Provider, Aspire is here to help you every step of the way to ensure you’re prepared to open your home and provide support to someone with IDD. Join this upcoming webinar to:

Learn more about the program from Aspire staff.
Understand the licensing process and receive information about programmatic benefits, including the tax-free compensation received.
Get answers to your questions

Register now at info.allinc.org/en-us/cch-webinar.

Get Connected: Special Needs Resources Fair
2023-03-25 09:00 - 13:00 | St. Elizabeth School, 801 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21218, United States
The Get Connected: Resources Fair will bring together Central Maryland families who are looking for services, products, and/or agencies. Whether you are looking for resources or looking to participate as an exhibitor, you will benefit from this one-stop informative event.
The Special Needs Resource Fair, hosted by St. Elizabeth School, brings together therapists, experts, consultants, products, and services that foster happy, healthy, and productive lives for those with special needs.
Come visit Aspire Living & Learning at the fair to learn more about how we support neurodiverse children and adults who are discovering their passions, unlocking potential, and thriving.

Connecticut Parents & Guardians Partnership Meeting March 2023
2023-03-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Aspire Living & Learning CT Office, 1125 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT, 06514, United States
Parents and guardians affiliated with Aspire Living & Learning programs in Connecticut are invited to join us to hear program updates, give your input and feedback, and build a solid partnership in an effort to strengthen the services and improve outcomes for the people we support.
