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Meet individuals, organizations and companies that strive to provide support for those with special needs
People Know to Meet individuals, organizations and companies that strive to provide support for those with special needs.
Northcoast Corn Creations provides learning environment for students to gain vocational skills outside of the classroom By Lindsey Geiss eenagers Logan, Ryan, Matthew, Antonio and LaShawn work at Northcoast Corn Creations, a gourmet popcorn shop located in Willoughby that provides employment training opportunities for students with autism and developmental disabilities. Fred Frisco is president of Re-Education Services, a special needs school, and Northcoast Corn Creations, and an intervention specialist. He says he developed the shop around three years ago to provide a safe, constructive job training worksite for students who need to learn employability skills outside of the classroom. “I am a teacher who fell in love with empowering others to understand special education as a whole,” he says. “The talk around special education is all about what is next. We want to give them opportunities to want to try to go outside those boundaries. The social skills are a critical piece.” While he had other business ideas, the gourmet popcorn seemed to be a good fit for this learning environment. In the shop, there are many flavors to choose from — if you love sweets, T Fred Frisco is president of Re-Education Services, a special needs school, and Northcoast Corn Creations, and an intervention specialist. He developed the shop to provide a safe, constructive job training worksite for students with special needs. Photo by Angela Gartner try caramel, banana and blueberry, or go for the savory flavors like cheddar and pizza, salt and vinegar, white cheddar and dill pickle. A colorful signature mix, which is inspired by the autism awareness puzzle ribbon, is called “Embracing Autism” and blends the fruit flavors. The teens, who are from school districts around the region, work under the guidance of occupational and speech therapists, intervention specialists, teachers and other support staff, and help to produce and package products, sell the popcorn during store hours and provide customer service for online orders. "Now more than ever during these challenging times it is important to surround our children and ourselves with positive, uplifting, familiar people," Frisco says."Support local business and local families. A little support will go a long way." Kaitlyn Lieb, an intervention specialist at Re-Education Services who works with the students, says they are learning independence and vocational skills, but also the functional curriculum — math, science, reading, social studies — through basic job tasks. “This is their last chance to work on this vocational aspect before they jump into after-school programs,” she says, noting most kids in the program are from ages 16-21. “(The students) are employable, but they just need additional support at the workplace. I think it’s important to have a diverse community in the workplace. They should have all the opportunities that we do — and they would really work hard and do a good job.” Visit northcoastcorn.com for online ordering.
SCORING FAMILY FUN needed something to do indoors for winter.”
WITH BOWLING BUDDIES Jassem was excited at the prospect of social opportunities for her children to connect as a family and with others, so Bowling Buddies was born.
It is fitting that Jennifer Jassem’s “This is the first time I’ve run or moniker rhymes with “awesome,” for started anything,” she admits. “Just that’s how many parents describe because it doesn’t exist, doesn’t mean the bowling club she organized for it can’t. If nothing is available, make it families with special needs. happen.” The Brook Park resident She credits her and mother of four children ability to juggle it under the age of 6 who are all to the help she on the autism spectrum receives from family knows how challenging and a mother’s it can be to find inclusive helper, a 13-yearactivities to engage special old student who needs youth and peers. serves as her extra
Jassem’s four children — set of hands with including the oldest two, a the children at set of twins — attend the home or out in the Lerner School for Autism at Cleveland Clinic. Jennifer’s daughter bowls at Bowling Buddies. community. “I wanted
“I’m guarded with my Bowling Buddies children in new situations,” to be affordable she says. “It’s intimidating to and a stress-free, relaxed jump right in, and it can be environment,” she explains. “I difficult to connect with other hope to take some pressure parents. With four young kids, off parents. The bowling alley I need accountability to do manager has been great to things with each of them.” It took some trial and error Jennifer Jassem work with and gives families the flexibility we need. The to find the right fit. program is noncommittal —
“We tried adaptive t-ball, but the families pay as they show up, so they can program grouped my 4-year-olds with try it without fear.” 15-year-old young men,” Jassem says. “I heard from the parents of a 16-year
They also tried swimming and old boy who were so thankful to have horseback riding; however, the children something to do once another activity have skin sensitivities and issues with ended,” she says. “The young man has a heat outdoors. lot of energy, so he needs a sensory diet
“We were looking for something, to curb his appetite for running. Heavy then we went to a birthday party at a lifting and rolling the bowling ball helps bowling arcade,” she recalls. “At first, with these sensory needs.” my daughter would not approach the Other parents have reported similar games. Then she was on the lane, so benefits and value the practice their we quickly got a ramp, and she loved it. children get with waiting, turn-taking She bowled for an hour!” and social skills.
Jassem wanted to continue the “I’m so thankful for the success of the activity, but the only adaptive league group,” Jassem says. “The interest and she found was in another city and she feedback was a pleasant surprise. What needed something closer to home. initially began as a way to encourage
“I put feelers out on the Connecting social interaction and get my daughter for Kids Parents Facebook page for a off the iPad turned into an inspiration bowling league, and it began with two for me and others. We all need to moms I knew from school and two I met encourage each other.” at a playgroup,” she explains. “Then it For more information on Bowling drew interest from 22 families who also Buddies, find the group on Facebook.
CREATING A COMMUNITY OF INCLUSION AND SUPPORT
Molly Blake at Fairview Park’s Adaptive Safety Town.
Molly Blake is a mother of three and an educational aide for Fairview Park City Schools Early Childhood Developmental Assistance Program (DAP), a special education preschool for children ages 3 to 5 years old with a 50/50 model in which 50 percent of the students enrolled are peer role models.
Throughout her 20 years working with children, Blake has offered support to the special needs community and earned recognition for her efforts, being named Fairview Park City Schools Employee of the Year for 2017. Drawing from her professional and personal experiences, she has been instrumental in bringing inclusive and adaptive programming to families across the community, most notably a model Adaptive Safety Town program.
“My passion is working with children with different — and exceptional — abilities,” Blake says. “I love working with families. In the years I’ve been an educational aide, I’ve become very close with my families and, through that, I would watch them go through their therapies. It’s a 24/7 job to advocate for your children. I felt the resources were there, but sometimes not known about. I volunteered on the Milestones Autism Resources Board
several years ago, and at the Strike it Big event was where my ‘aha moment’ came that we need to do more.”
Blake’s own experience growing up influences her work and parenting.
“I was diagnosed with a learning disability and had an IEP throughout school, so it hits close to home,” she says. “At the time when I was diagnosed, there weren’t a lot of resources for my mother. I remember knowing how different I was and watching my mom struggle along with me.”
“Then, becoming a mother, my son had pretty severe ADD,” she says. “It took me a while to go through the process and learn about medications and fighting for rights in the classroom. Accommodations are necessary. It gives me perspective from both sides — as an educator and parent. I feel like everyone is compassionate, but I can connect a little more — I understand the fight to make it day to day.”
Blake adds, “My oldest started my advocacy, and now my 16-year-old identical twin daughters also take part, volunteering with programming and babysitting. I’m blessed with intervention specialists and teachers who have treated me with respect, as well as supportive administration and families.”
Danielle Danberg, program coordinator for the Fairview Park Recreation Department, collaborates with Blake on programming.
“Molly is fabulous and does a lot with special needs children,” Danberg says. “We knew there was a need when I came on board, and we wanted to start doing more adaptive programming here. We work with the schools, and Molly spearheads the Adaptive Safety Town and our respite nights at the Gemini Center (both of which started about four years ago).”
While many communities offer Safety Town for children entering kindergarten, Fairview Park is one of only a few in the area to offer an adaptive session for friends in grades kindergarten through third, so children with special needs can benefit from repeat participation or take part at a developmentally appropriate time.
Like the traditional program, Adaptive Safety Town is a week-long course focusing on safe choices and practices in the community, including how to act in emergency situations. The curriculum is the same and includes pedestrian safety, school bus safety, seat belt safety, fire safety, water safety, 911 emergency calls and stranger danger.
The experience educates children and first responders alike.
“Our fire/EMS, police departments and bus drivers have their own experience and formal training and are sensory-sensitive and accommodating to the needs of our students,” Blake says. “They are patient and give extra time. Sometimes Safety Town is a child’s first experience ever meeting and being exposed to community helpers because they were fearful before. Here, they can do it at their own pace. Parents have cried while taking pictures. I love teaching them safety skills, but these moments are special. Watching youth volunteers become involved, learn and understand is another rewarding part of it.”
Leslie Dorsey, a Fairview Park mother of two, praises Blake and values these programs. “We’ve known Molly since my daughter Cailyn, 9, entered DAP when she was 3,” she says. “Molly was a teacher’s aide and one of the first people we met in the district. She was so welcoming and wonderful. Cailyn has autism, anxiety and ADHD. She attended DAP for two years, then kindergarten in the district. Molly is the biggest advocate for all the kiddos. She has the biggest heart and is the kindest person — she’s like an extension of our family. She’s always looking out for the best interest of the kids.
“Safety is always a big concern for us since Cailyn has impulsive behaviors,” Dorsey says. “We did Safety Town for several years. She loves it and still talks about it when we go to the rec. It was a huge help for us to have an adaptive program taught at her level.”
Dorsey adds that her daughter also has attended parent respite nights a few times, saying, “It is nice the teachers and aides get to know our kids outside of school, and it gives parents a muchneeded break. They make it so fun and include siblings, like our 6-year-old son who is a typically-developing kiddo. Including special needs children with peers is a great social experience.”
For more information on Fairview Park’s Adaptive Safety Town and other programming, visit fairviewparkrec.com/ safety-town.
Tammy Goldberg, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW/ Cleveland) employee.
SHOWCASING EXEMPLARY WORK ETHIC
“ I had tears, I was so happy,” says Tammy Goldberg, 23, recalling her first day as an employee of the National Council of Jewish Women/ CLE. “I said, if I get a job, I want to work at NCJW/Cleveland. It was my dream to work there. I don’t want to go anywhere else.”
Goldberg, a Horvitz YouthAbility program participant, was hired by NCJW/ CLE on Sept. 5, 2017. YouthAbility serves disabled and at-risk youth by engaging them in volunteer service, vocational activities, and social enrichment possibly leading to employment.
“One of the best days I’ve had at NCJW/CLE was handing Tammy Goldberg her first paycheck,” Executive Director Mindi Axner said in the employment announcement. “Tammy was one of four who volunteered in the warehouse sorting donations to the Designer Dress Days and Thriftique Showroom over the summer. She quickly stood out as their leader and we really needed help year-round. With Tammy, it was a slam-dunk.”
Goldberg couldn’t be happier, saying, “I love working at NCJW/CLE with Nate and Shirley in the warehouse. I can’t wait to get to work in the morning. My favorite part of going in to work is seeing everyone and doing my job. I hang and sort clothes and help with vacuuming.”
She also helps to unload and sort donations and enjoys seeing the fashions come in. Goldberg’s service in the warehouse helps NCJW/CLE prepare
for its four-day annual clothing and accessory sale — a 50-year landmark event in the community and major source of funding for the organization’s initiatives — as well as keep the Thriftique Showroom resale shop stocked and organized.
“Tammy is dependable and a very hard worker,” says her mom, Caryn Goldberg. “Even as a child, she would do her homework right away. She’s not a procrastinator. She has a great work ethic and loves going to work. When it’s snowing and I can’t get her there, it makes her very mad. She says, ‘I want to be there working!’ She loves it there and the people there, and they like her, too. She also saves her money for when she goes out with friends.”
A 2013 Solon High School graduate, Goldberg also participated in Mayfield School District’s Cuyahoga East Vocational Education Consortium (CEVEC), which gives high school age students from 16 districts in eastern Cuyahoga County opportunities to experience various jobs and careers while gaining real world training at one of over 100 business partner sites. CEVEC also offers job-seeking instruction and programming to support independent living skills.
As part of the vocational programs, Goldberg visited a number of workplaces, including a hotel, assisted living facility, food bank and retail store, but she fell in love with NCJW/CLE right away. Tammy advises students and adults aspiring to work to try things out and get experience.
“I can teach you!” she offers.
The happiness and fulfillment Tammy gets from her work brings her mother joy.
“She loves her job, and I’m glad she does,” Caryn Goldberg says. “It’s nice there are programs out there that can help parents of children with special needs to get them into the working field.”
She urges parents and others to “focus on the needs and strengths” rather than any label or diagnosis.
To learn more about NCJW/ Cleveland its programs, visit ncjwcleveland.org. For more information on the Horvitz YouthAbility Program and CEVEC, visit jfsa-cleveland.org/horvitzyouthability and mayfieldschools.org/ cevec.aspx, respectively.
Lisa Sturgill
FOSTERING INCLUSION AND LOVE
A5-year-old boy practices counting cotton balls and rolling them through a paper towel tube taped to the back deck. Lisa Sturgill, his foster mother, looks on, guiding him with the same patience and love she has shown more than 75 other foster children over the years, in addition to her own four children through birth and adoption.
Sturgill and her husband, David, are known in Lake County as long-standing foster parents for many children with special needs, including medical needs, behavioral needs, PTSD from a history of trauma, and ADHD.
“I’ve fostered for 22 years,” Sturgill says. “My own children are all grown up now. The youngest is 21 and has medical needs associated with primary immune deficiency. I help navigate and assist with insurance and infusion medication to help her lead a normal life.”
She is comfortable providing such specialized care.
As a foster parent, she says, “I’m always learning something different. Right now, we are waiting on an autism diagnosis — it is a long process. (Our boy) has been with us since October. When he came to us, he would squeal and have behaviors. Since starting with a behavior specialist 10 months ago and other early intervention, he has made progress. It’s been eye opening — it takes a community with doctors and preschool teachers to support parents during the ETR (evaluation team report) and IEP (individualized education program) process and more... I’ve learned to navigate and advocate the Americans with Disabilities Act.”
The Sturgills have fostered children from birth through age 19. “Usually, we foster for years,” she says. “It is rare to have a child placed with us short-term. Most are long-term, which is beneficial to work in depth with the school system, so we know the teachers and aides. We can dig in and make a difference.”
Sturgill describes fostering as a team.
“We have a surrogate parent or advocate for the IEP,” she says. “When the child is reunified with the parent, I try to still be part of that village. I work to support the parent and include them alongside with me and the schools and in doctor’s appointments. When the biological parent is part of that system, we create a flow of support for greater success. I look at foster parents as tools and an extra extension of families to help.”
Sturgill’s oldest two children are her biological daughters. She recalls how her family’s fostering journey began.
“My son is my husband’s nephew placed with us after a tragic event,” she explains. “When our own daughter was 7 (she’s now 30), she saw “Feed the Children” on television and asked, ‘Why can’t we help kids?’ And we did. It was that experience that inspired us to get involved in fostering when we were caring for him. We kept that journey going and were blessed with our daughter whom we’ve had since her birth.”
“All these years of raising children, I’ve been able to stay home while David worked in law enforcement, so I could dedicate time to children with special needs and be involved full time,” Sturgill says. “There were times when we would foster five children at a time, (in addition to) our own four. If they had multiple placements or children with medical needs, they would call us. You have to give your whole day to the children and their appointments (doctors, school, etc.).”
David retired five years ago, so Sturgill says they “tag team” foster parenting responsibilities now more than ever. He also gives back to
church and community programs for children, including teaching a kids club once a week, camping with Royal Rangers and doing derby cars with boys and girls.
“I’ve watched him grow and become more in touch with the kids since he is home,” Sturgill says.
“I used to say, when I started, that I wanted to make a difference in a child’s life, but they have taught me — to be flexible and open minded, and that I am human,” Sturgill says. “They make a difference in my life. Sometimes you have to parent children differently because of their needs. Sometimes you have to switch up techniques. All of my children learned from each other.”
She urges others to consider fostering if they are able, saying, “There is always a need for foster parents for all ages.”
Fostering requires licensure and training. According to the Lake County Department of Job & Family Services, children come into the custody of the department due to a crisis resulting in the child being a victim of abuse, neglect or dependency. It is the department’s philosophy that children grow better in families; therefore, if the child cannot be placed safely with a relative, the primary goal is to find foster care providers who are willing to provide temporary care to children while their families are in crisis and until reunification with a family member can occur.
If reunification is unable to occur, children would become eligible for adoption and either remain with their foster parents, who make a permanent commitment to care for the child, or an adoptive home is secured.
For information about foster parenting and adoption in Ohio, visit fosterandadopt.jfs.ohio.gov or your local county’s department of job and family services. For more information specific to Lake County, visit lakecountyohio.gov/lcojfs.
QUILTERS SEW COMFORT
The Fidget Quilt Circle of LifeSpring Community Church in Valley City has hand made more than 150 quilts for children and adults with special needs since 2019. Diane Phelps coordinates members of Members of the Fidget Circle of LifeSpring Community Church the group to fulfill requests from organizations, caregivers and show off their fidget quilt creations with Dr. Kaye Stanley Bryson (top left), MCBDD director of Children’s Services. (Photo Courtesy of MCBDD) other loved ones for blankets free of charge, bringing comfort to all ages. “It began with our Ladies Ministry
Originally developed to help sooth at church,” she says. “Every month, we seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and do an outreach activity or event. We other forms of dementia, fidget quilts looked online for ideas and found fidget have been found to benefit people with quilts. Some of the ladies like sewing autism spectrum disorder, attention and others did not. For those of us who deficit disorder, and other developmental enjoyed it, we wanted to continue. It disabilities. They offer a safe, handskept bugging us — we wondered what on source of comfort to replace other else we could do with this. Initially, they behaviors, such as tugging at clothing were for Alzheimer’s and dementia, and rubbing hands together, while then we found so many other places also promoting fine motor skills and where they could be used, particularly coordination. The quilts allow their children with special needs.” owners to occupy their hands during In addition to many individual times of stress and frustration, or when caregivers, the group has delivered they are restless or anxious. Studies quilts to the Medina County Board of have shown that fidgeting can calm and Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) reduce anxiety. Children’s Services Department for
The blankets are typically 18 by 20 children involved in the MCBDD’s Early inches and fit easily into the lap of a child Intervention, Windfall Preschool and or adult. They contain interactive and Windfall School programs, as well as manipulative materials such as zippers, Life Care Center of Elyria for residents Velcro flaps, ribbons, buttons, snaps, with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, pockets and small toys or mementos Medina County Library, and Cleveland (e.g., a house key) along with different Clinic Emergency Room in Brunswick. textures like flannel and faux fur sewn Upon receiving a donation of 18 directly into the fabric to provide hours of quilts, MCBDD Children’s Services comfort and soothing activity. “Crunchy” Director Dr. Kaye Stanley Bryson said, fabrics, rattles and beads add additional “We are so amazed at the generosity sensory benefits. The quilts are washable of these women. We cannot thank and versatile with the power to awaken them enough for such a thoughtful and old memories. generous contribution to the children
While the Fidget Quilt Circle is a and families who receive our services.” service ministry of LifeSpring’s women’s Phelps says, “It’s a very special group, it is not limited to the church. feeling when you take them out; you The quilting circle is its own entity and know they are bringing comfort and consists of six core members from various some peace, not only to the child or communities who meet regularly, with a adult, but to the caregiver, because couple others who assist occasionally. they help to keep people busy. They
“We are all older,” Phelps explains. “I are used in homes and also reserved can’t do a lot of the physical volunteering for times that pose challenges — for I used to, but I can sew.” instance, when people go out in the car
or to doctors’ appointments.”
A couple of made-to-order quilts were particularly special to Phelps.
“Neil’s quilt was the first children’s quilt we made and my first realization that these could be used with children,” she says. “His mom told us about his love for trains. There was also a gentleman in the Marine Corps — a veteran with Alzheimer’s. When I laid it out to present to him, he stood up and saluted. It still gives me chills that he recognized what was on it and was so moved.
“We have several women who make the base quilt to a specific size, then additional members add the embellishments,” Phelps adds. “We meet in person once a month to discuss plans and share ideas and materials, as well as recipient stories. We bring in our quilts and talk about what worked, new techniques or supplies we found, and how to do things.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group continues to connect via phone or email while Phelps makes deliveries or meets members at the church, practicing proper social distancing, to collect and distribute materials.
“We have found such a need for the quilts, and it keeps growing,” she says. With growing interest comes the need for more materials and helping hands. The group receives donations of materials and members also compile some themselves.
“We received an offer of buttons, lace and more from a family member of a seamstress who passed away,” Phelps says. “We are always looking for more people to join us. We provide directions, patterns and materials. Most of the work is done in your own home at your own pace. There are not a lot of meetings, you can do it anywhere, anytime and with anything — it’s up to your imagination!”
The group is open to anyone of any age and ability, adds Phelps, saying, “If you can sew on a button, you can make a fidget quilt with us.”
If another organization wants to start a similar quilting circle, Phelps is happy to share her expertise and offers her group as a model.
To request a fidget quilt or donate materials, visit fidgetquilts.lifescc.net or email Phelps at fidgetquilts@lifescc.net.
Eliana Turan, development director, LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.
COURAGEOUSLY ADVOCATING FOR ALL
Eliana (Ellie) Turan is development director for the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland and an active member of Cleveland’s civic community. As a self-described civil rights fighter, transgender woman and member of a minority group not well understood, she advocates for ways to eliminate discrimination and stigma, while promoting awareness and understanding, especially in the workplace. Through her writing talents and philanthropic involvement, she courageously helps those most at risk in the community.
Turan is an ally to the LGBTQ+ and special needs communities alike. As a collegiate tutor for Lorain County Community College, she supported students with autism and various learning needs. She describes the individuals she has worked with on the spectrum as “free thinkers and innovators who are creative and true to themselves.”
There are additional considerations when LGBTQ+ and special education needs intersect.
“The intervention should focus on the disability aspects to get needs covered as part of disability treatment, as there are little protections for the LGBTQ+ community under law,” according to local special education attorney Kerry Agins, Esq., of Agins & Gilman, LLC. “We are seeing a lot of need, particularly for social emotional supports to be created as well as safe places, safe people and working through self-esteem issues. That is primarily where we see the need to focus intervention,” she says.
“I think corporate culture needs to look at nonconformity — whether that be with gender, social interaction, thought or anything — as a positive, a great asset for any organization or community,” Turan says. “We need to start building a culture of curiosity and acceptance — a collective mindset of different people in boardrooms and classrooms — where being different is valued and welcomed. Meeting and interfacing with individuals with different life experiences helps us grow and advance. We are better together.”
Turan stresses the importance of finding support and making connections. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides educational information, including definitions, at healthychidlren.org and guidance for parents and clinicians through a gender-affirming approach.
For additional LGBTQ+ specific resources and support, including information on programming and events, visit lgbtcleveland.org.
CREATING A SAFE SPACE FOR ALL
Kristen Pepera and Lisa Pepera are licensed professional clinical counselors who are passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ youth community. They believe everyone deserves a place to feel safe and be themselves. Their nonprofit, Colors+ in Fairview Park, offers mental health services for anyone age 6 and older, as well as youth center programming for LGBTQ+ youth and allies age 10 and older. Kristen is executive director and Lisa, a Fairview Park native, is clinical director.
While providing intensive mental health services and outpatient work in various residential, school and home settings for nearly a decade, the couple saw a gap in services for the LGBTQ+ community.
“There was nothing specific for them,” Kristen Pepera says. “It was something youth were asking for, but there were barriers, like transportation to access support. We decided we wanted to do something to address the need in the future.”
Personal experiences also helped the couple realize what was important to them and how to give back.
“After our first son was stillborn and we had our second son, we wanted to be able to be at home for him more and create an environment for youth,” Pepera says.
They opened Colors+ in 2019.
“Through a holistic mind and body approach, we try to help youth strengthen their sense of self and community to feel healthy and empowered, so they can grow as individuals and give back to themselves and the community in general as a whole.”
Pepera says the intersection of the special needs community and LGBTQ+ community is undeniable. Research shows people in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to have a disability than the general population. An estimated 3-5 million LGBTQ+ people have disabilities. More than one-third of LGBTQ+ adults identify as having a disability, and they face unique challenges, including limited access to services, bullying and exclusion, barriers to employment, discrimination and more.
Pepera notes invisible disabilities like mental health (depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.), autism, ADHD and dyslexia add another layer of potential challenges and fear about disclosure. According to Respectability.org, “the consequences of stigma, bullying and rejection can literally be life and death.” The Trevor Project reports LGB youth are almost five times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth.
Kristen Pepera LPCC-S (right), and Lisa Pepera, LPCC-S, directors of Colors+ Counseling, LLC.
Pepera highlights the organization’s National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health (2019), which provides insights into the challenges these youth across the country face every day, including suicide, feeling sad or hopeless, discrimination, physical threats and exposure to conversion therapy. The landmark study found 39 percent of LGBTQ youth and more than half of transgender and non-binary youth report having seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months.
“Within the last year, almost three out of four youth have felt sad, hopeless or depressed, isolated from peer groups, afraid to disclose, being bullied or not accepted at home and school,” Pepera explains. “Not ‘coming out’ for fear or worry of pushback leads to suicidal thoughts, too. We talk with youth, and they are very open. Fifteen years ago that would not have been the case, but now they are talking about it together and sharing in a way that is healthy, knowing they are accepted and loved here.
“One of our biggest concerns is mental health and the autism spectrum,” Pepera adds. “We see a significant overlap in this community with the transgender and gender expansive community.”
These youth have found a safe space in Colors+.
“For the individuals we have on the spectrum,” she says, “other youth don’t treat them like they are different or have a disability. Rather, it is one more personality trait — one more part of the person we accept, respect and protect. We talk about loving ourselves and self-esteem.”
All Youth Center programs are run or supervised by a mental health clinician for a layer of protection and expertise if they need help or specific resources. Programming includes weekly evening drop-in times for ages 11-19. Parent permission is not required; however, they ask some basic questions at sign-in.
“Youth can socialize and share experiences, eat, play games and create art. They value interacting with one another,” Pepera says.
All events are free with the exception of the Movement Mondays partnership with an area fitness studio ($5 per visit). In the future, the Peperas hope to offer gender expansive play groups for ages 10 and younger to give every child an opportunity to meet someone similar in identity and for parents to meet other parents.
A growing number of youth are utilizing Colors+ services regularly. Many walk or bike to the facility. While the majority are from Fairview Park and Lakewood, others come from Rocky River, Lorain, Elyria, Amherst, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, and as far as Valley View and Brunswick. What began with two or three youth at a time has steadily increased to an average of between seven and 11 children coming to drop-in hours each week. In 2019, from April to
December, the center received 160 visits from almost 50 children, and this year most are repeating and coming back in increasing numbers. The group quickly outgrew its initial 250-square-foot space and now utilizes one more than 3.5 times larger.
Colors+ has continued to deliver mental health counseling services to clients and youth center programming during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We use a telehealth platform that is HIPAA compliant and secure for video calls. All but one client decided to continue,” Pepera says. “Many of our youth center programs became virtual. Youth ages 11-19 can log in to a secure chat room, and they can use video as well. Dungeons and Dragons events, for example, went from once to twice a month. It presents youth an opportunity to role play personality traits and characteristics to grow confidence in real life.”
Pepera recognizes additional challenges for the LGBTQ+ and disability communities during stayat-home orders and physical social distancing.
“During these times, some kids have to ‘go back into the closet,’ so to speak, if they feel it is not a safe environment and parents are not accepting or they have no access to data plans, internet or school to connect to supports,” she says.
Pepera offers valuable advice to parents and family members: “I recommend four things: talk and listen, provide support, stay involved, and be proactive. Parents always ask if they are doing enough. Research shows that when even one adult uses the right pronoun with them, the instance of suicide is cut in half. It’s not what you are doing; it is that you are there. They feel safe to talk and be themselves.”
Visit colorsplus.org, call 330-529- 5667 or email kpepera@colorsplus. org for more information about mental health services, individual or parent support groups, and other youth programming.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide and in need of immediate support, call the TrevorLifeline for LGBTQ+ youth at 1-866-488-7386 or select TrevorChat online to connect with a counselor. You also can reach the Ohio Crisis Text Line by texting “4hope” to 741 741.
Angela Gartner contributed to this article
Planning Now For Future TRAVEL
Whether it’s fun in the sun or R&R in the woods, family time is the best time.
By Heather Tunstall
Family vacations are a time for exploration, discovery and quality time together — and planning is half the fun. Planning in the next months or years might look a little different for all families. However, future travel doesn't necessarily have to take a backseat — sometimes even going out of town is needed. Also, there are many ways to safely travel, whether going on a day trip, renting an RV or even heading to a local outdoor attraction.
Safety and continuity of care and routine are important for all families traveling with kids, but especially those with special needs, and a lot will depend on the unique needs of each child, according to Jennifer Brady, developmental specialist at the County of Summit DD Board and mother to a child with special needs.
“Travel with any child can be tough, but creating memories with family is so important and fairly easy to do with a little planning,” she says. “The trip doesn’t have to be a big one; start small and more local to see how your child does. Remember to think how children will react to being in a car for long periods of time. If you know your child will hate that, maybe plan something closer to home.”
A vacation can be anything that your kids will love — including something as simple as taking walks somewhere beautiful or swimming in a hotel pool. Think about what is best for the whole family and remember that children often think things that are simple or out of the ordinary are great fun.
“Sometimes, simple is best,” Brady says. “Staying in one location and not moving around a lot during your vacation can be good for children that are resistant to change. For instance, staying at a campground would allow multiple activities while sleeping in one spot. Vacations to family members’ houses or with your extended family is another great way to get out of town and still have access to support.”
Once you’ve got a destination or activity in mind, it’s time to start thinking about the details.
Give it Time With travel planning, it's a good idea to think ahead — and even provide something families can look forward to an upcoming trip.
“Parents with children who have special needs should focus on planning as much as they can well in advance of their trip,” says Helena Farkas, social
worker at Milestones Autism Resources. “Taking the additional time to plan can make for a successful trip and reduce stress for everyone. The more you prepare ahead of time, the more likely you are to have a smooth time away as a family.”
Depending on your child’s personality and how they prefer to process information, involving them early in the planning can help to build anticipation and excitement, and ease any anxiety about leaving home.
“If you have a child with sensory issues or perhaps one that has difficulty with changes in routine, it is helpful to prepare the child as much as possible beforehand,” Brady says. “I have helped parents prepare little picture books of what to expect on their travels, like who they are going to see, where they are going, etc. Kids can even take these printed books with them during the trip as a reminder of what will be happening.”
Brady recommends searching sites such as summitdd.org for “social stories” or “social scripts” to find good examples of lead-up activities and conversations. In addition, a Google search returns easy, basic stories you can print to help explain what is going to happen if this is the first time you’ll be taking your child on a vacation.
Research Your Destination Before you start booking accommodations, dig into the facilities and the surrounding areas to make sure you’ll have access to everything you need. Consider booking accommodations that provide a minifridge or full-size refrigerator so you can order familiar groceries from a local store for easy meals during your stay.
The type of accommodation will be important for many families, as well.
“If your child has a physical disability, accessibility will need to be forefront in your mind,” Brady says. “How will you be able to get in and out of places and where will you be able to change a diaper? Will a rental house be able to support equipment?”
Make sure you are staying near appropriate medical facilities if your child has certain medical needs. Similarly, consider having necessary prescriptions filled by national pharmacy chains to make it easier to transfer or fill them away from home.
“Plan where hospitals and pharmacies are along your route and once you get to your destination,” says Haley Dunn, teen/adult manager at Milestones Autism Resources. “Be mindful of medication schedules and try to stick with them.” Tap Into Resources To help with planning, there are a number of resources available that are tailored to families with special needs.
“If your child has a developmental specialist, an RSS (referral support specialist) or an SSA (service support administrator), they are a good place to turn,” Brady says. “Not only do we have the background and knowledge, but many times, we’ve known your child for quite a while and can help work through parts of a trip that may be more challenging.”
Check in with your child’s doctor about where you are planning to travel, how you plan to get there and what you might need in order to keep your child healthy on your trip. You should have their current medical needs, medications, and health plan documented and kept in an easily accessible place in case of emergency.
There are many certified travel agents who have experience with arranging special needs travel. You can ask if they can coordinate “accessible travel,” if needed.
Some companies exist solely to plan and facilitate trips for families with special needs, including Beyond Our Boundaries, a Canton-based recreation service company for adults with developmental disabilities. For older children and adults, organizations such as this are great resources and options for traveling and encouraging an active social life.
And don’t forget to get a little help from your peers. Facebook parent support groups can be great resources for families, giving you local tips and information from parents in the area to which you’re traveling. There also are a number of travel clubs, which help provide trips.
Finally, have fun. In these uncertain times, a vacation can mean going away, but if you can't get away now, plan. Also, try some of the virtual travel opportunities as a family. It's important, and the memories you make of the time spent together exploring will last forever.
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