There is a small group called Special Community that I wanted to tell you about.  I began this group some 2 years ago now. After many attempts at creating group participation (some would say failed attempts, I think of them as learning attempts) we have been running a few recent groups with new success and greater community support! The current vision of  Special Community is that:

“Together we support the individuals & families with special needs by creating an environment that dares to believe that people with special needs can participate fully in the community at large.”

Really it’s about creating “normal” environments for our children – allowing them to participate in the same types of activities as their peers - as well as providing community and support for their families. So, what I want to tell you is that we have recently run an arts & crafts class that was attended by 4 individuals and are currently running a cooking class that is being attended by 7 individuals with varying degrees of ability. The families and the young adults are having a lot of fun together.  The friendships are forming and the camaraderie is palpable.

We have two upcoming programs in December, so spread the word. We will piggy back onto the arts and crafts on December 10^th with a time of fun, games, Christmas movies, snacks and pizza! We will be at the church from 3:00-7:30p.m. and the cost is $10. On December 27^th we will have a school vacation dinner and fun, 5:30-8:00. Pizza, games, potluck leftover desserts, and discussion about what the kids and the families would like to see us do next. On my list for the future:  sleep-unders, karaoke nights, going to the movies….the lists are endless.

We welcome your attendance to any and all events. You may wonder how we are able to run with such low costs…..well, most of the support adults are volunteers or teens. We do have a paid individual that is provided by Kennedy Donovan Center. The families have also been providing most of the food for the dinners as my arts and crafts budget income didn’t quite cover the expenses. And, of course, First UU Church of Milford and Community Supper allow me to use the kitchen.  Otherwise, what goes out is what came in, or the expense is covered by me. I would be happy to discuss the program in more depth with anyone that is interested. For now, Thanks for the support that we show this group, and my dream; without the space this would not be possible.     Beth Farwell