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Cooking Workshop (and all around fun time) For Special Needs Kids, April 21
Children’s Resources is offering a cooking workshop specifically designed for special needs children on April 21st at 1:15om. This supervised activity will give kids a hands-on cooking and social experience all in one as they learn to make pizza together. The cost is $35 but if you register by April 14th you can receive $5 off.
For more information please email childrensresources@gmail.com or call 212-533-5804. Children’s Resources is located at 125 East 23rd Street, Suite 401.
Electronic Copy of Special Needs Sports and Extracurricular Activities
I sincerely enjoy receiving email comments and questions, and pride myself on replying personally to every last one when possible, even if it takes a week (sorry!). But, I have finally acknowledged that responding to every request for this handout since Friday’s meeting, while not impossible, is a much larger time commitment than anticipated. 5 long days, 1 fiercely dramatic 2 yr old and an equally unpleasant teething 12 month old later, I have officially given up.
So, here is the aforementioned handout, online for your bulk viewing pleasure! If you got an email from me saying “visit thefoorce.com for the handout,” you have arrived at the right post.
CLICK HERE to open Special Needs Sports and Extracurricular Activities in the NYC Area. FYI, this is an electronic version of the main handout distributed at each meeting (see Upcoming Events for future meeting dates). This handout was edited in October 2011 – I usually update the document 3-4 times per year, adding new programs, resources and events as I find them. Despite the abundance of amazing resources here in the city, I try to limit this handout to 10 pages or less, keeping it manageable.
If you see an error, are looking for information not listed, or don’t see a program/event/activity you think should be included, email me or leave a comment below.
First Foorce Meeting October 21, 9am: Extracurricular and Social Activities with Special Guest Speakers
Hooray – the first Cafe 163 meeting is next month and I am finally organized enough to tell you about what to expect! On October 21st at 9am, I can’t wait to welcome two special guests who will speak about some incredible opportunities for special needs students and their families this year.
Ken McGrory is returning this year to talk about the Save Haven basketball league – come hear him discuss what’s new this year! The Champions division is now in its 12th year and is open to all children with special needs. The boys and girls, aged 6 to 22, have different issues including ADD, ADHD, Autism, emotional issues, and various physical challenges. The division is split into four groups, flexibly based upon age, ability, social considerations, maturity and size factors. The division is primarily operated by parent volunteers and buddies. Buddies are volunteers (including high school kids and adults) who come out and work directly with the children in building their skills and their self esteem. The division has grown from its original season of approximately 20 players to over 80 players at this time. It has been a fantastic experience for James, not to mention a way to burn some energy and calories during the colder months.
In addition, I am thrilled to announce that Karen Lewis will be speaking at Cafe 163 for the first time. Karen Lewis is the director of Achilles Kids, a free running, walking and rolling program for children with all types of disabilities that is a part of Achilles International. As director, Lewis is responsible for coordinating year-round Achilles Kids weekend events, managing a large portion of Achilles Kids’ PR for both general promotion and specific events and administering more than 150 school chapters of Achilles Kids in New York, where the organization is based. This is especially family-friendly as many weekend events include typical siblings and parents, too! A great way for everyone to get out and about together on Saturdays, not to mention a way to exercise as a family!
In addition to our two amazing speakers, information will be available for:
Sunday Circle, a 2-hour drop off program filled with fun and exciting activities. Parents have the opportunity to drop off their child and enjoy time out while their child has a blast in a trustworthy environment. Sunday Circles allow you to leave your child in the loving hands of qualified professionals and one-on-one teen friends. FREE
West Side Little League, Challenger division, Spring 2012 (special needs baseball).
Cub Scouts/ Boy Scouts, inclusive environments for special needs boys.
Plus more on peer/buddy programs, art classes, cooking instruction, respite opportunities, exercise programs, bowling, swimming lessons, martial arts, and private/group music lessons for the special needs community.
The meeting on October 21st will begin at 9am and will last approximately 1 hour. As of right now, the plan is to meet in the auditorium of PS 163 on W. 97th and Amsterdam. As always, feel free to email me or leave a comment if you have questions.
There will be special handouts, Foorce slogan contest info (see post), and a 2011 event calendar passed out at the meeting. I’m really hoping for and looking forward to an even bigger turnout than last year, and can’t wait to see everyone again!
The Foorce 
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