Changing lives. Our programs impact our special needs young people by encouraging them to exceed the expectations of those around them. We strive to see their development increase.
After less than a month being in our programs, parents will share how we impact their young person, how their abilities are increased and becoming more independent.
A few testimonials:
Our interns worked with Anthony who tends to be by himself and not interact with his peers . At the end of s 5 week period Anthony on his own initiated conversation with staff by asking her how was her trip. She had not told him she was going out of town. He also said he was happy to see her.
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Another Clubber, Nikki, will only talk about family's birthdays.
Interns were able to get Nikki to hold a conversation on several different topics like what she did over the weekend, breakfast, books, pets, and Disneyland.
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I can't thank you enough for allowing Shannon to enter the summer program at The Club House for Special Needs. As you know with my mother passing away in March this has been a huge transition period for Shannon. Not only loosing my Mom, but leaving her home and friends to live with me along with all the new rules and expectations.
I have seen a spark of independence as she has gained confidence in her new environments. This is in part due to the structure at Club House and you and Jessica making sure they are doing all the things that they are capable of doing, teaching them respect for others and holding them accountable for their actions. As we discussed in our very first meeting, Shannon is capable of so much more than she has been allowed to do in the past. It make me so happy to see her growing!
Our Needs
Scholarships for 5 young people for one year: $24,000
Expansion: Land is ours!!!!! 2.852 acres with half of it being with lots of trees. A third of trees will remain and the open area is where we'll be building. Slogan: RISE to the Challenge. Building a 22,000 sq.ft. facility with a full gymnasium. It will provide for teens and young adults on one side and adults on the other side. $4M - $5M needed for this capital campaign. "We believe WE can do this!"
History
We started as an after-school program with 4 young people in 2006. We leased a1727 sq. ft. portion of a commercial building and grew to 12 young people [capacity] . Our young people continued to age -later we opened as an All Day Program. We now needed to expand to a larger facility.
In 2013 we raised $100k in 3 months and put down a deposit for a 7,151 sq. ft. facility. Our very own building [and the banks]. The community called it a "A GOD THING" - a nucleus of 12 people and their families/friends raised $100K in 2 1/2 months. We grew from 12 teens and young adults with intellectual/physical challenges to 41 in 2 months. Amazing!
THE PROBLEM
Our young people continue to age - 13 to 43. That's a huge age span. We need to expand again but this time to build a SECOND facility to break up the group to denote students vs adults. We would still offer what we already offer but include a full gymnasium.
We are unique being an unstructured environment, lots of color and murals, allowing our youth freedom to be themselves, and more. Our special needs people are, just that, people and need to be treated as people and not some lesser individuals.
We are expanding to provide for our aging population because they have no place to go. We can continue to support and help them expand their life and educational experience: Education, Socialization and Independence.
MISSION STATEMENT: The Clubhouse for Special Needs provides a safe and fun place for teenagers and adults with intellectual/physical challenges. It provides opportunity for education, socialization and independence in a recreational atmosphere.
NOTE: All funds raised will be used according to the needs of the organization particularly but not limited to: scholarships and expansion.
Our verse: "...exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think..." Ephesians 3:20a.