South Shore YMCA November Inclusion Highlights

Share Your Y Story
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 Y 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.
Have You Seen Our Webpage Lately?
Check out the new format of the South Shore YMCA's Inclusion Page. See what’s new, check out our snapshot of offerings, look back on recent newsletters and more! Share our webpage or this link to a friend and they can join our email distribution list to stay updated on what’s going on at the SSYMCA!
Community Happenings
Join the Team!
Milton Gobler 5k
Benefiting Team Best Buddies
11-19-16
8am Registration, 9am Start
For more information, click here.
Save the Date

Autism Resource Center of ARC of the South Shore Announces:
November 16th: Aldous Collins Band at Tinker's Son
November 19th: Quincy College hosts a Disability Services Open Forum
Autism Awareness Scarves
The new Autism Resources Center is proudly offering these brightly colored, puzzle piece scarves that symbolize the mystery and complexity of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  To learn more, click here.
New! Lobstars Junior Tennis Clinic
Learn to play tennis and meet friends with the same interest.  This NEW beginners tennis clinic is ideal for children ages 8-11 years old with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Starts Tuesday November 15th at our Emilson Branch. For more information, click here. 
Don't Miss Out - Introduction to Paralympic Sports
This Sunday, November 13th from 3-6pm at our Quincy Branch
  • Get individualized instruction in running, rowing, wheelchair tennis, golf, archery, biathlon, boccia and wheelchair softball, plus group clinics in wheelchair basketball, soccer and running for amputees
  • Learn about winter and spring sport opportunities across New England
  • Meet Rio 2016 USA team members and other local Paralympians
  • All Ages & Levels Welcome
For more information, click here or contact Joe Walsh at joe.walsh@adaptivesportsne.org or 617-982-2736. Register today at www.adaptivesportsne.org.
Winter 1 Featured Classes
There’s still time to register for our winter session offerings! Click here to register online. Classes begin the week of November 13th.
Quincy Branch:
Hopefish Swim - Saturdays at 12:15pm or 12:55pm for ages 3-9
Building Bridges: Teen Social Skills Group - Fridays at 7:00pm for ages 12-20
Building Bridges: Social Skills Group - Saturdays at 11:00am for ages 7-9 and Saturdays at 9:30am for ages 10-12.
Emilson Branch:
Hopefish Swim - Saturdays at 12:10pm or 12:45pm for ages 3-9
New! Lobstars Junior Adaptive Tennis - Tuesdays at 3:30pm for ages 5-11
Building Bridges: Social Skills Group - Saturdays at 9:30am for ages 7-9 or 11:00am for ages 4-6 and Wednesdays at 5:15pm for ages 10-13
Exploring Disney Animation - Sunday, December 11th at 3:00pm for ages 18+
For a full listing of all our inclusion offerings, click here.
Health Education Highlight
SSYMCA Staff Support Falls Prevention Day
South Shore YMCA Staff travelled to the State House on Monday, September 26th to participate in the Massachusetts Falls Prevention Coalition's 10th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day event. The South Shore YMCA was one of thirteen organizations chosen to have a display table present during the event, where a variety of resources were available for attendees to learn about programs offered at the Y that are dedicated to reducing risks for and preventing falls, including A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi and Fall Prevention. SSYMCA Staff on-site engaged attendees about the Y's fall prevention offerings and benefits, helping guide interested individuals towards the programs that best fit their needs and interest.
Inclusion News
Athletes Participate in Wheelchair Basketball Clinic at the Y’s Quincy Branch
On Wednesday evenings, the basketball court at the Y’s Quincy Branch is lively with athletes of all ages and abilities participating in a new Wheelchair Basketball Clinic that was launched early October. Made possible through a partnership with Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers, this clinic offers drills, skill development opportunities and friendly competition in a fun and supportive setting to anyone interested in learning wheelchair basketball.
Having learned wheelchair basketball in school and played on a team, Jim Moore, a participant in the clinic who uses a wheelchair, was excited to utilize this opportunity to revisit the sport he hasn’t played in over 10 years. “What I appreciate more this time around is not necessarily just the sport of basketball,” stated Jim. “It’s more about the chance to socialize and feel like part of a team again.”
“This program is bringing awareness to the community,” stated Allie Cain, Recreational Therapist from Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers. “It’s not just for the person who uses a wheelchair, it’s also a sport for able bodied people.”
As our Y Association continues to grow, we are continually expanding our inclusion initiative so that all our members are equally a part of our community. As Lisa Drennan, Association Director of Inclusion at the South Shore YMCA put it, “our goal is to be able to continue to offer wheelchair basketball on a regular basis after this clinic has ended.”
All New ‘Exploring Disney Animation’ Now at the Y’s Emilson Branch
As our South Shore YMCA Association grows, we are continually expanding our inclusive programming to better serve our members with disabilities, partnering with community organizations with a shared vision of inclusion to bring our programming to everyone on the South Shore. This October, the Y’s Emilson Branch and the Arc of the South Shore’s Autism Resource Center have partnered to launch ‘Exploring Disney Animation,’ a new opportunity ideal for individuals ages 18+ with Autism Spectrum Disorder to be part of an interactive club where each date they will explore the animation behind a selected Disney movie.
“The Arc of the South Shore’s newly launched Autism Resource Center is thrilled to partner with the Emilson YMCA, an organization known for its outstanding inclusive programming,” stated Janine Birmingham, Autism Program Coordinator, Autism Resource Center. “Our first shared pilot program, ‘Exploring Disney’ is geared for young adults on the Autism Spectrum and uses the passion of Disney to explore themes, feelings and social situations while applying them to everyday life. We are certain this program will be meaningful and quite popular! In addition to this partnership, the ARC’s Autism Resource Center will offer support and services to individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder on the South Shore.”
For more information about this exciting program, contact Janine Birmingham at 781-974-4602, or click here. 
South Shore YMCA Volunteer Opportunities Provide Real-World Work Experience and Job Skill Development
Every Friday morning, Steve Flavin, a volunteer for the Y’s Inclusion Team, arrives at the Y’s Emilson Branch ready to help with any task presented to him. A Y Volunteer since July, Steve spent the summer volunteering at Camp Gordon Clark in a variety of capacities, including working directly with campers needing social and emotional or behavioral support in indoor specialty camps.
“Steve comes into the Y ready to work hard every Friday,” stated Emmy Casagrande, Inclusion Coordinator at the South Shore YMCA. “No matter what the task, Steve consistently gives it 110% effort. He has been especially helpful with assisting me in planning activities for our Exploring Disney Animation offering.”
A student at Coastal ABA, Steve continues volunteering at the Y during the school year, helping with a variety of both administrative and creative tasks, such as organizing, and planning and creating fun activities for events and classes.
“I have really enjoyed volunteering at the Y,” stated Steve. “I am interested in expanding my duties and skills. I come to volunteer here with a sense of pride as I enjoy volunteering with the children and great staff at the Y.”
powered by emma
Subscribe to our email list.