During the winter recess at The Guild School, residential students enjoyed a busy break participating in enriching activities held at the school, in the residences and at locations around Eastern Massachusetts.

Highlights included an exotic animal visit and a New Year’s Eve party at The Guild; a trip to see Disney on Ice; attending the La Salette Christmas Festival of Lights and Zoo Lights at the Stone Zoo; and making gingerbread houses at the residences.

What began as an educational lesson in The Guild School’s Bridge classroom grew into a collaborative class project to support individuals impacted by the Merrimack Valley gas explosions.

Whenever Jesse P. is near a pond or lake, he enjoys tossing in a rock or stick to honor someone close to him. “This one is for Mommy. This one is for Daddy. This one is for Calvin (his younger brother).” As he recites names with each throw, he also includes members of his Guild for Human Services’ family.

When my son, Korey, was born 19 years ago, I knew very little about parenting a child, let alone a child with special needs. What I did know, and learned very quickly, was that I loved Korey with all of my heart – the same way all parents love their children.

I enjoyed being a new mom, although the expected early milestones – talking, sitting up and walking – were delayed and required early intervention. It was soon apparent to me that this journey would be different than I expected.

The Guild’s new Coffee Shop opened for business on Aug. 27, and students have been serving staff members beverages and baked goods for an hour every weekday since. Students operate the cash register, prepare food, fulfill orders and make deliveries around the school.

Jesse H. is happy again.

After Jesse suffered a seizure in 2011 at age 14, his parents, Carole and Dan, witnessed a dramatic change in his temperament. The seizure slowed his brain function and left him unable to handle his schoolwork, making him frustrated and increasingly disruptive. When he was released from the hospital after a particularly violent episode in 2014, he came directly to The Guild for Human Services as a residential student.