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OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE ESSENTIAL!

The Therapeutic Recreation Section has always benefited greatly from the hard work and dedication of community volunteers. Over the past year, we have been fortunate to have many new volunteers express interest in helping out at the Club Managers Association of America Therapeutic Recreation Complex on a regular basis. Many of our new volunteers have been assisting with routine maintenance, office work, recreation programs, and picking up debris around the Complex. Because we’ve had the benefit of so many new volunteers who are excited and willing to help with programming and office work, the Therapeutic Recreation Section has been able to continue to run solid programs and keep the building in top shape.

Josh White is a regular volunteer who you will see around the complex Monday through Friday helping with a variety of projects. Prior to becoming a volunteer, Josh had participated in several Therapeutic Recreation programs. One day, Josh expressed an interest in working at the Club Managers Association of America Therapeutic Recreation Complex. At the time, there were no paying jobs available, so Josh decided to become a volunteer. Since January 2008, Josh has been gradually increasing his workload, hours, and responsibilities. He currently assists with routine maintenance, office work, mailings, customer service, and swimming lessons. He is a tremendous asset to the Therapeutic Recreation Section; without Josh, we would all have to work even harder to complete everyday tasks.

Along with being a reliable and helpful volunteer, Josh is also a very positive and fun person to have around the office. Josh frequently entertains staff with his jokes and stories. All of the Therapeutic Recreation employees have learned a lot from Josh. When asked what he enjoys best about his volunteer job, Josh stated “I like helping you guys out…I like helping the most in the pool teaching little kids how to swim. It’s fun and I’m a people person.” He also expressed pride in his growth related to customer service and other job duties. “I’ve learned to clean and complete tasks without someone looking over my shoulder. I appreciate everything Neil Catapano has shown me.”
Maria Luke is also a program participant who built a relationship with Clerical Specialist Cecilia Grainger and then decided she wanted to contribute some of her time to helping the community. Maria assists Cecilia throughout the week with general office work, including customer service, phone calls, and filing. When asked what she appreciates most about having Maria as a volunteer, Cecilia stated, “Maria is so cheerful and she helps me finish my job on time. It takes a long time to file and with Maria’s help I’m able to spend time finishing my computer work.”

Regular volunteers have also been a great addition to the Therapeutic Recreation Gleneagles Country Club Aquatic Center. Volunteers at the pool assist with pool cleaning, swimming lessons, and customer service. Brad Davis, Valene Torres, Susan Joyner, Taylor Graham, along with many others have helped the pool staff maintain quality programming especially when there are staff shortages. Volunteers who assist with swimming lessons are greatly appreciated. While the instructor is teaching one child the volunteers will help another child practice a skill or keep the child on task which provides a better opportunity for all the children to be successful.
The Therapeutic Recreation Section is very thankful for such amazing and dedicated volunteers. We would not be able to achieve all of our program goals without their assistance. Anyone interested in volunteering can call Cecilia Grainger at (561) 966-7088 for additional information.

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NEW PROGRAMS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH TO SUCCEED

Three new programs were started for youth with physical disabilities in the summer and fall of 2007: Summer Camp, Kids Club, and Martial Arts. The Kids Club and Martial Arts programs take place in the fall and winter/spring seasons. All three programs are designed specifically for youth with physical disabilities; however, if there is enough space available, the programs are also available for other children.
Most of the children who participate in the programs use wheelchairs, walkers, and/or canes to move about, but that doesn’t stop them! By participating in new and familiar activities with youth who have similar needs, the children have increased their confidence, have gained motivation and desire to try new activities, and have overcome fears of failing.

The program staff enjoy having the opportunity to help the children increase their self-esteem and learn how to be more independent. The youth also experience being around peers of their age that can relate to them in some shape or form, bringing them closer together. The youth are positive and an inspiration to everyone they interact with.
Some of the kids, such as Joshua and Thomas from the club, stated that they enjoy activities such as playing in the gym, swimming at the pool, and field trips. The kids love activities that are hands on. The program gives the children the security that is needed to encourage them to go out and be successful with a disability.
Martial Arts classes are taught by certified instructors who are very dedicated to working with youth. The instructors continually find ways to adapt each skill allowing participation by anyone interested in learning. The class not only provides a positive social experience, it also provides an opportunity for each child to work on balance, coordination, building and maintaining muscle, and the opportunity to learn traditional self-defense techniques.
Kids Club is a popular social program that provides an opportunity for youth with physical disabilities to spend time in a social environment with peers who may be experiencing similar physical challenges. The program provides the youth with opportunities to participate in a variety of recreational activities. Activities consist of sports, games, art projects, field trips, and swimming. Last year, the youth had the opportunity to participate in a game of wheelchair rugby. Players from the South Florida Rattlers and Canadian National Wheelchair Rugby teams provided a day of instruction along with the opportunity to play the sport.

Thomas stated, “I love it when we go on trips to places like Fun Depot and all the cool science experiments that we get to try.”

Many of the youth who participate in Kids Club and Martial Arts programs also participate in the Summer Camp program. Summer Camp is similar to Kids Club, however, the Summer Camp program lasts for a full day and the participants attend more field trips. This summer, the program grew and was very successful.
Overall, the new programs provide opportunities for youth to succeed in a variety of activities and realize that with minimal adaptations they can do anything they set their minds to.

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