Blending In Inc. - CLUBS FOR TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS

Non-Profit Name or Cause:

Blending In Inc. Clubs for Teens & Young Adults We help people create and sustain clubs for positive social experiences.

Tell us more about your organization.

Blending In Inc. is a 100% volunteer, nonprofit collaborative social network that helps people have positive social experiences and feel acceptance from peers. We welcome all who commit to our simples rules: Be Really Nice and Have Fun.

We started Blending In in 2017 because our unique and gentle children had very limited positive social opportunities, and many had negative experiences at school. We have started two Teens Fun and Games Clubs, facilitating activities to bring our children joy, and opportunities to form friendships. Most club decisions are made by the teen members; these are their clubs, based on their interests and choices. The name “Blending In” was the idea of a founding club member, who was15 at the time. Our Gear and Friends Circle logo was created by another club member, who was 17 at the time.

How does your organization support those in the special needs community?

Blending In is a collaborative social network committed to creating positive social and recreational experiences. Our Teens Fun and Games Clubs are especially for those on the autism spectrum who are high-functioning, introverts, home-schooled kids, and anyone who wants to have some fun and make nice friends. We are a 100% volunteer organization, funded by donations. We are a registered nonprofit organization, but not a social services agency. We are not licensed to perform any services of any kind.

How can others get involved or support your organization?

Visit Blendingin.org or email dane@blendingin.org 2. Family Outings

What difficulties and/or challenges do you help families and/or individuals with special needs overcome?

We believe socialization is critical for wellbeing, and we know it can be hard to find nice friends sometimes.

Teens Clubs

1. Monthly Library Activities

Parents facilitate discussions and games. We believe the club members should choose most club activities, with some adult support. Membership is free and is required to participate in activities. Minor participants must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We appreciate family donations of snacks, drinks, and sometimes, activity supplies.

2. Family Outings

Parents or guardians coordinate recreational activities in the community. Events are shared on the club’s Facebook page and coordinated through the Quick Club App. Past events included laser tag, park visits, and recreation center visits. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Families cover the costs of participation (exceptions may apply depending on the club’s available resources).

3. Special Events

Parents, volunteers, and/or guests facilitate events, such as arts and crafts sessions, birthday parties, improv fun, or epic games such as Dungeons and Dragons. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

We’ve had members with feelings of social anxiety and awkwardness form positive acquaintanceships and friendships over just a few months. We encourage our members to interact spontaneously, make as many decisions as possible, and to communicate openly, constructively and respectfully to work out problems. We also allow members freedom to do their own thing if they like, such as draw or play on their smartphones. It may take a few visits to get over some anxieties, but over time we’ve seen young people come out of their shells, form friendships, and grow self-confidence.

Upcoming Event:

Indy Teens Fun & Games club coordinators Kristen Dawn and Amy McClellan have planned an outing at Great Times Family Fun Park on Saturday, August 14, from 11am to 1pm. The address is 5341 Elmwood Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46203. Cost for

participants is $21.75 and includes some arcade tokens, go-carts, mini-golf, a slice of pizza, unlimited drinks, and more! Those interested in attending can pay on the blendingin.org home page, and join the club by reading and completing the info on the Join the Club page. Questions can also be asked on the “Inquire or Connect” page.

Any Additional Comments or Thoughts?

As a parent, I grew to better understand the difficulties and negative feelings my child and other teens experienced. So many of these kids just want to have normal, fun teen lives and to blend in with a group. They don’t want to be labeled or have their images on the internet/social media if they are portrayed as anything but normal kids enjoying normal teen life.

Thank you! Dane