Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN Greater DC)
WISH LIST: $100: allows 1 child with significant disabilities to splash in the pool at KEEN Swim; $500: enables 2 athletes to sing and dance at KEEN Music; $1000: lets 4 athletes enjoy the fun and games at KEEN Sports
It was clear from the beginning: children, teenagers, and young adults with profound disabilities--autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental disabilities, and other severe health problems--needed some help. Existing organizations focused on medical, vocational, and occupational needs, but no one offered exercise and recreational programs designed explicitly for young people with severe intellectual and physical disabilities. So KEEN stepped into the breach, committed to serving, at no cost to participants, the very hardest to serve--those on the severe and profound end of the disabilities spectrum who are often left out of community sports and recreational activities. Young people are matched one-on-one (or even two-on-one) with trained volunteers who now number an extraordinary 8,500 to experience basketball, play tennis, enjoy water activities in an indoor pool, play soccer, bowl, and just have fun. Kids gain skills, confidence, and self-esteem, and adult volunteers gain a whole new perspective on life: they become committed to the full inclusion of people with disabilities. KEEN's current goal is to add a new program in DC (currently there are 14) and to expand further into Northern Virginia. The number of children on the waiting list continues to grow: your generosity means opening doors to everyone who wants to play.
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