South Shore YMCA January Inclusion Highlights
Happy New Year!
Share your inclusion goals for 2017.

What offerings are you most looking forward to? What else would you like to see at the South Shore YMCA? Share your thoughts by emailing ldrennan@ssymca.org.
Save the Date
Inclusion Awareness Week 2017
This year we will celebrate our inclusion initiative at the South Shore YMCA the week of April 16th – 22nd.  Look for more information about the events and offerings featured that week coming soon!
Share Your 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 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.
Register Today For New Classes Beginning This Weekend!
Adaptive Teen Fitness Pilot Program 
There’s still time to sign up for this new and exciting program just for teens! Get a jump start to a healthier you in 2017, grab a friend and join in on the fun. This class will explore circuit training, cardio and strength elements in a fun and engaging setting. Ideal for teens ages 13-21 with developmental disabilities, this offering will also review class etiquette and strategies that will help prepare students to appropriately integrate into typical fitness classes at the Y or other group fitness settings. Click here to learn more.
Exploring Disney Animation
In partnership with the Autism Resource Center, our popular Exploring Disney Animation class will be offered on select Sundays beginning January 8th at our Quincy Branch for teens ages 13-18 years old. Our adult group will continue with differing Sundays beginning January 15th at our Emilson Branch in Hanover. For more details, click here.
No Joiner's Fee January 1-31, 2017
Since 1892, we’ve been committed to helping the South Shore live healthier. Whatever your health & wellness resolution may be for 2017, the Y is here to help you stick to it. Visit a South Shore YMCA Branch to join today to take advantage of our January Membership Special: no Joiner's Fee January 1-31, 2017! Join our community today to take advantage of all the great benefits of Y membership and start your journey to a happier, healthier you! Click here to learn more.
Winter 2 Program Registration Begins January 17th
Winter 2 Programs begin January 29th!
Check Out Some of Our Featured Offerings:
Hoopstars
The South Shore YMCA’s Co-ed Unified Basketball Team is back for their 3rd season! We are seeking team players ages 18+ with and without disabilities,  who will practice together for 8 weeks then compete in a tournament against other unified teams from local Y’s.
Hoopstars at the Quincy YMCA
Hoopstars at the Emilson YMCA
Wheelchair Sports in Partnership with Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers
2017 is the year to try a new sport! Athletes of all ages and abilities are welcome to join our Golf or Basketball clinics at our Quincy Branch, or our Tennis clinic at our Emilson Branch in Hanover. For more information, click here or contact Lisa Drennan ldrennan@ssymca.org.
Hopefish Adaptive Swim
This adaptive aquatics program is ideal for children ages 3-9 years old 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. All participants for this program must go through the Aquatics office to register.
For a full listing of Winter 2 programs, click here. For inclusion offerings during the Winter 2 session, click here.
Did You Know?
Building Bridges Social Skills offerings are available at the South Shore YMCA for ages 4 years old through adult. These offerings have a focus on teaching participants functional social skills to help access the Y independently.  Ideal for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD or anyone who could benefit from social skills coaching. Interested in trying out a class? Contact Emmy Casagrande at ecasagrande@ssymca.org or 781-829-8585 x 8349 or to learn more.  
Health Education Highlight:
Parkinson's Indoor Cycling
For individuals with Parkinson’s, this 10 week class will provide each participant with specific balancing, stretching and indoor cycling to benefit the effects on aerobic capacity, muscular strength, gait, balance and motor function. Two levels of this class are available: Level 1 takes place Thursdays from 10:45 - 11:45am and Level 2 takes place Tuesdays from 10:45 - 11:45am. Come cycle with us! For more information, contact Kristen Noonan at knoonan@ssymca.org or 781-829-8585 extension 8300.
Inclusion News
Best Buddies Open House at the Y's Emilson Branch Brings Together Leaders From Local Chapters
High School Leaders from four local Best Buddies Chapters and Jessa Fries, Program Manager at Best Buddies Massachusetts, convened at the Y’s Emilson Branch on Tuesday, December 6th for the Best Buddies Open House event. BESTBUDDIES® builds one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, through school and community friendship programs that provide socialization opportunities.
Leaders had the opportunity to tour the Emilson Y facility and learn about the wide variety of programs and services offered. “Tonight was about exploring ways in which a buddy pair or high school chapter can utilize the many assets that our association offers to help members of their program meet their community and enrichment goals,” stated Lisa Drennan, Association Director of Inclusion at the South Shore YMCA.
From group exercise classes to youth and teen-focused programs to sports and recreation opportunities, the Y’s Emilson Branch is full of programs and services that promote learning and growth, and foster community.
"My students seemed excited to return with their buddies and chapters,” stated Jessa. “Our Best Buddies chapters are always looking for fun and creative ways to get out into the community, hang out and get to know each other more. I can't think of a better place than the Y.”
State Street Early Learning Center Employee Brings Positivity and Excitement to the Classroom
Every Monday, Shannon Driscoll, Preschool Teacher’s Assistant at the State Street Early Learning Center, engages her preschool class in a variety of fun activities and helps her co-workers with any task. An asset to the classroom, Shannon began her time at the State Street ELC in 2014 as a volunteer, and by the end of 2015, became an employee. “She has brought a level of excitement and passion that the children, families and staff benefit from,” stated Kristine Swan, Associate Director of Youth Development, South Shore YMCA.
When asked about a moment she was most proud of, Shannon stated “there was a preschooler who didn’t really talk a lot. I spent time doing activities with her and now she is talking more, especially to me."
Shannon has Down Syndrome, but as she says, “I think of it as ‘Up Syndrome’ because I like to think positive. You should always look up, not down.”
For inquiries regarding these or any other inclusion programs at the South Shore YMCA, contact Lisa Drennan, Association Director of Inclusion, at ldrennan@ssymca.org or visit our website.


South Shore YMCA 91 Longwater Circle Norwell, MA 02061
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