Mainstay’s summer 2025 “Compass” newsletter

In This Edition…

  • Letter From the CEO: Why our Summer Bash was so great!
  • Summer Celebration a Success!
  • Tickets on Sale NOW for Mainstay’s 50th Anniversary “You Make a Difference” Fundraiser
  • A ‘Sign’ of Mainstay’s Commitment
  • Mainstay Home Health Aides Help Seniors Live Independently
  • Maintaining a Strong Mainstay Workforce
  • From the Garden: Dinner Is Served!
  • Thai Peanut Noodles Are a Hit at Mainstay’s Malden House

A group of six people, Mainstay Residents and their family members, stand smiling on the back lawn of a light yellow house on a beautiful summer day.

Letter from the CEO: Why our Summer Bash was so great!

This is an important year for all of us at Mainstay, as we celebrate our 50th year in service to families and their loved ones. We have learned a great deal over the last half century — most importantly, that we are responsible to create a sense of community for the people who live in our homes.

Our summer bash, held on the first day of this glorious season at the cul-de-sac in Norwood, was a smashing success! We had food trucks, we had music and dancing, and we had plenty of smiles. It was, in a sense, the embodiment of what we aim to achieve. Everyone had a great time. The weather cooperated and we have a library of photos that will help us remember the day.

Our work relies on a collaborative effort among families, property owners, employees, friends and volunteers. When it all comes together, it looks like the pictures of our summer bash. We can’t wait to do it again next summer.

We love what we do here at Mainstay. I invite each of you to connect with us and get involved. The more the merrier!

Summer Celebration a Success!

Great food, ice cream, lawn games, dancing, rock painting and more! That was the recipe for a successful “Summer Celebration” for Mainstay residents and their families, held on the first day of summer at the Wilson Street cul-de-sac in Norwood. About 100 people were on hand, including residents of Mainstay Supportive homes in other communities. This was the first summer celebration Mainstay has organized, but won’t be the last.

“We had a wonderful day with our residents and their families,” said Mainstay Chief Operating Officer Susan Horner. “I want to particularly thank our staff members who volunteered that day and made sure everyone had a great time.”

We want to thank our host, DJ Molly from A Touch of Class DJ’s; Birds Nest Italian Street Food Truck; Eileen’s Ice Cream Truck; MTR Party Rentals; and Throne Depot, for providing their services.

 

Tickets on sale NOW for Mainstay’s 50th Anniversary “You Make a Difference” Fundraiser

Thursday, October 23, 2025
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Law Offices of Goodwin Procter
100 Northern Avenue, Boston Seaport

Featuring drinks, appetizers, and a lively panel discussion lead by Mainstay’s CEO, Larry Oaks!

Learn more and buy tickets at Eventbrite!

A ‘Sign’ of Mainstay’s Commitment

If you’ve visited a Mainstay property recently you may have noticed new signs adorning all our buildings. The signs simply state that the building is “Proudly Owned and Operated by Mainstay.”

We take great pride in the properties we own and operate, and we want people to know! Mainstay properties are clean, well maintained and welcoming. We work hard to make sure the building people call home is one they can be proud of, too.

Mainstay Home Health Aides Help Seniors Live Independently

Caring for the elderly can be challenging, but the home health aides who work for Mainstay’s Home-Based Supportive Services Program say their work is equally rewarding.

Read more…

Mainstay staff preparing for summer celebration
Mainstay staff preparing for summer celebration

Maintaining a Strong Mainstay Workforce

Developing and retaining great employees is a challenge in many industries, particularly in human services. Here at Mainstay we are not immune to those challenges and are constantly working on ways to ensure our workforce is skilled, dependable and nurturing. In addition, we want our employees to feel that Mainstay is not only a great place to work, but also a place that will help them develop career skills.

Read more…

From the Garden: Dinner is Served!

Cucumbers, zucchini, carrots and more. This summer, Mainstay residents in Norwood are enjoying the freshest Mother Nature has to offer, right from their backyard.

In the spring, we planted a bunch of different vegetables in the raised beds constructed in 2022. Gardening is a great activity for our residents. They not only get to enjoy the “fruits” of their labor, the fresh veggies help us ensure we are providing healthy offerings at the dinner table.

Thai Peanut Noodles are a Hit at Mainstay’s Malden House!

As any parent knows, cooking for a crowd isn’t always easy. But Brooke Johnson, the manager at Mainstay’s Cedar House in Malden, has a tasty dish that she says is a hit with her residents – Thai Peanut Noodles.

Enjoy this recipe with your family or friends!

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. spaghetti, rice noodles or linguini
  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 2 cups shredded carrots
  • 1 large cucumber
  • 1 bunch green onions
  • ½ cup chopped peanuts
  • Chopped cilantro to taste
  • 6 cups edamame (optional)

For the peanut sauce:

  • 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
  • ¾ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup warm water
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger or 1 tsp ground
  • 2 teaspoons garlic

Directions:

  • Cook noodles according to package directions then drain and rinse in cold water.
  • Whisk together the peanut sauce ingredients in a large bowl until smooth. Add more warm water if too thick.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine noodles, veggies and sauce. Toss well to coat.
  • Top with chopped peanuts, green onions and cilantro before serving.
  • Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.

**Optional – you can add protein such as chicken or shrimp to this recipe as well

Support Mainstay‘s clients and Residents today!

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