"Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times." -- Unknown
The world of parenting can be crazy, full of soccer clubs, math competitions, piano lessons and more. Parents of children with special needs have an additional challenge. They have to figure out where to look for welcoming, quality programs with the extra support that their kids need in order to participate.
That's why we are particularly excited about a special effort at our soon- to-open new Highline YMCA, which will provide a support system and a gathering place for this amazing community.
We have heard loud and clear that while these families want programs that help their children develop individual skills, even more important is a place where their kids and teens can interact with their peers and be accepted for who they are. That goal is guiding us through the process of developing specific programs for this important segment of our community.
As a result, we will be offering a wide range of programs including Zumba (dancing), pickleball and family cooking classes. We also intend to offer family seminars on a variety of topics such as self-esteem for youth and stress management for parents.
Swimming will be a big focus here at the new YMCA so we will be offering lessons for youth/teens. In addition, we plan to coordinate monthly field trips that could go everywhere from Safeco Field to a pumpkin patch or bowling.
We'll also offer a cooking class just for teens and young adults to help prepare them for independent living, and coordinate a parent advisory group that will determine program needs and resources for families that we can provide.
We have many partners in these efforts including a number of local families. One family that stands out is that of JoAnne and Curtis Thelin of Normandy Park. The Thelins have been working for more than five years, along with the Highline YMCA's Dave Will, to give kids in the Highline area an alternative to existing competitive sports programs.
JoAnne Thelin says she started to reach out to other parents when her son, now 15, was in elementary school. He wanted to be involved in sports, but she realized that because he has Down syndrome, he would need a different approach than what was available.
JoAnne came to the Highline YMCA and asked us to help her create a new program.
"I wanted a place my son could go and still feel part of a team," she said. "We wanted it to be inclusive for many kids. It is not just about kids with special needs. It is more of an intramural sports opportunity and has become a great network."
JoAnne says the activities began as "specialty skills clinics" on Saturdays, open to all. Over the last six years the group has grown and the "Red Hawks" now have official jerseys and a team identity; approximately 15 kids show up on Saturday mornings throughout the school year.
The kids have a wide variety of disabilities but that is irrelevant when they play sports. The program starts up again in the fall with indoor soccer at the new Highline YMCA. JoAnne says she and the other parents are thrilled about the new YMCA and all the opportunities for their kids to get involved and make new connections.
"We don't like to label the kids or talk about special needs all the time," she explains. "We just know we have kids who like being active, like playing sports and being with their friends.
"Don't think these kids aren't competitive, they are. But on our team, teamwork and fun will always come first."
The new Highline YMCA is set to open this fall .We would like to hear from you. If you have ideas on how our new Highline YMCA can better support this community, send your thoughts to Shelly Skaro, Senior Program Director, at sskaro@seattleymca.org.