| SAVE THE DATE
Best Buddies Women In Leadership Conference August 25th
9:00AM-3:00PM
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| South Shore YMCA’s own Shannon Driscoll will be a speaker and panelist.
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| Autism Eats gives autism families an opportunity to enjoy restaurant dinners without the stress that often accompanies these outings. It is a wonderful way to have a night out with other families in an autism-friendly non-judgmental environment. All are welcome! Where: Harbor Fire Grill, Marshfield When: June 13th Time: 6:00-8:00PM
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| Registration For Summer Programs Begins June 13th
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| Summer program registration begins June 13th for Members and June 16th for Non-members. Click here to view our summer inclusion offerings, and register online.
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| We are looking for feedback about the impact of our programs.
How has inclusion impacted you or a family member? Click here to share your story!
Statements will be used to help spread the word about the benefit and impact that our inclusion initiative is having on our Y community.
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| The South Shore YMCA is proud to offer inclusion supports at our Camp Gordon Clark, Quincy Day Camp and Nature Adventures Camp locations. Families and identified support systems partner together with inclusion staff and the camp director to provide campers with diverse abilities a support plan allowing the opportunity for a successful traditional camp experience. Accommodations and supports include: a proactive, positive and individualized approach to behavior modification, specialized training for all counselors, visual schedules, reviewed expectations and self-regulation strategies used for all campers. For more information, view our brochure, here. To schedule an intake, contact Lisa Drennan, at ldrennan@ssymca.org or (781) 264-9400 ext. 3119.
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| The Y community mourns the loss of an athlete, team member and friend. Jessica “Jessie” MacDonald of Cohasset lost her courageous battle with cancer last month. Jessie was a long time Lobstar team member, an employee of the Health and Well-being Department, a volunteer and friend to all. She was also a Hall of Fame Athlete with the Special Olympics, winning over 100 gold medals in numerous sports. Karen Peterson, Associate Director of the Y's Emilson Branch recalls her memories of Jessie, “I always say that no matter what she was faced with, she always chose to focus on what she could do, not what she could no longer do. Such an inspiration!” See story below for her involvement in the recent Laura’s Love event.
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Hopefish Adaptive Swim - Running Through Summer!
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| This adaptive aquatics program is ideal for children with Autism or related sensory or social considerations. The focus is on water acclimation and basic swimming skills while promoting peer socialization and cooperative interactions. Offered at our Quincy and Emilson Branches on Saturdays for children 3-9 years old. For more information, view our Quincy and Emilson Branch flyers.
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More Summer Time Fun Opportunities
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| A variety of summer classes will continue to run in the summer months. Click here to check out our Summer Snapshot to learn more. Exploring Disney Animation, Adaptive Teen Fitness, and our Building Bridges Adult Social Skills Group are just a few of the offerings!
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Health Education Highlight: LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
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| Participants in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Enjoy a Day of Arts Exploration
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| Over at the Y’s Emilson Branch, participants in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA made their way to Laura’s Center for the Arts for an afternoon focused on creativity. Participants were guided through technique as they brought images of hydrangeas to life with paint. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA provides adult cancer survivors with opportunities to engage in education and physical-based activities including yoga, SkyTrail, nutrition, the arts and more to support them as they attempt to return to their normal life or their 'new normal.’
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| Inclusion Intern Brings Positivity and Value to Y Programs At the Y, we are dedicated to making every member feel welcome and embraced by our community. Our inclusion program continues to make a major impact in our community, leaving a lasting impression on everyone it serves. Not only are the participants changed by these programs, but so too are the staff, volunteers, and interns who make them happen. Taylor Pitts joined our Inclusion Team as an intern, assisting with our Building Bridges Social Skills Group as well as Partnership, and Wheelchair Sports. She experienced firsthand the fulfillment that comes from changing lives. “Taylor’s had a positive impact on all of the members who participated in the programs she assisted with,” stated Lisa Drennan, Association Director of Inclusion. “She has all the qualities we would look for in an inclusion staff member, in fact we are looking to have her join our inclusion team.”
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| The 7th Annual Laura’s Love Memorial Event Draws Biggest Crowd Yet, Raises Nearly $30,000 to Benefit the Emilson YMCA’s Adaptive Programs
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| A wonderful day of fun, impact and camaraderie took place on Saturday, April 8th at the Laura’s Love Memorial Event, which brought together over 130 people – the biggest crowd since the event began 7 years ago. Laura’s Love is held in memory of Laura Emilson-Riekert, whose passion for the Y’s kids and adaptive programs was always evident. Between sponsors, donors, the mixed doubles tournament, raffles, auction items, and the dunk tank – where Carl Dickman braved the frigid water for 27 dunks – Laura’s Love raised $29,990 to benefit the Emilson YMCA’s Adaptive Programs. After a fun start to the day at the Emilson YMCA, attendees made their way to Laura’s Center for the Arts for a reception, where they enjoyed food, drink, an awards ceremony, and a wonderful speech from Herb Emilson. Jessie MacDonald received the newly-formed “Ace” award for her dedication to the Lob-stars program, and Regina & Jim Lawson and Barbara & Charles Kardok received “Unsung Hero” awards for their work “on and off the court” for the Lob-Stars program. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s event such a success!
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| Early Educators Retreat Provides Strategies to Ensure Student Success
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| On Monday, April 17th, Early Educators from across the South Shore YMCA Association gathered for a full-day professional development retreat at Laura’s Center for the Arts. This year’s retreat included a combination of training, resources, and activities, which focused on inclusive classroom environments and exploring ways to partner with families. Understanding the abilities of young children through a parent lens can improve readiness, and allow educators to offer support and plan curriculum that build on children’s strengths. This year’s retreat gave all in attendance the tools needed to ensure a successful classroom experience for all young learners!
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| 2017 Inclusion Awareness Week Showcases Importance of Inclusion at the Y and in the Community
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| The 3rd Annual Inclusion Awareness Week, which took place April 16th– 22nd at the Y’s Quincy and Emilson Branches, featured events, activities and resources focused on educating the community about the importance of inclusion at the Y and within the surrounding community. The first event of the week-long celebration took place on Monday, April 17th, where Laura Jenks, MS, Kids Included Together, facilitated a day camp training which brought together YMCA Staff and other recreational day camp providers – some of whom travelled from as far as Hartford, Connecticut! The training focused on “Creating an Inclusive Day Camp” and explored behavior support techniques and fostering friendships for kids with and without disabilities. Over at the Y’s Quincy Branch on Wednesday, April 19th, community members gathered for the feature event of Inclusion Awareness Week, “Promoting Inclusion Community Forum.” Motivational speakers and self-advocates Jamey Breen and Jessica Simoes shared their stories of how they overcame challenges related to their disability to reach their personal and professional goals, followed by a panel discussion with questions. “I was moved by how inspiring the speakers were,” stated Dolores Rezendes, Director of External Affairs from New England Village. “Their positive message set the stage to opening up the dialogue about the importance of creating an inclusive community.”
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