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community
CONNECTED TO PLAY
words Catherine Frederick with Community Connections image courtesy Heli Mistry
siblings, too!) can bowl in a safe environment. Volunteers are there to assist when needed, but mostly, to be bowling buddies to the participants. Beginning April 24, Community Connections and Abstract Dance Company will offer a weekly inclusive dance program for children and youth ages seven to eighteen. One family member (parent or sibling) or a friend is needed to be the dance partner for child/youth for the duration of rehearsals with a recital in June. In
partnership
with
Rise
Counseling
and
Diagnostics,
Community Connections offers a teen/young adult (ages thirteen to twenty-five) support group via Zoom on Tuesdays.
IN 2005, TODD AND AMY DENTON ,
owners of Pediatrics Plus
This program focuses on self-esteem, managing emotions and
Therapy Services, along with staff members, saw that many
thoughts, and building communication through virtual games
children with disabilities did not have the opportunity to
and lots of socializing.
play sports and participate in the arts like their siblings and peers. Recognizing this need, Community Connections, a
For those of all ages who love to fish, don’t miss the Family
501 C3 nonprofit organization, was created to provide extra-
Fishing Derby for kids through adults with special needs and
curricular activities for children with disabilities as well as
their family and friends on April 9! Community Connections
support for their families.
has partnered with The Arc of Fort Smith to host the derby at Carol Ann Cross Park, in Fort Smith. Lunch is provided,
While most of Community Connections’ activities are geared
however, if participants have special dietary needs, they are
toward special needs children ages five to eighteen, some
encouraged to bring their own picnic lunch. Fishing equipment
programs start as young as age three and go to age twenty-
will be provided for those who do not have their own.
five. One of the great aspects of Community Connections is that it is family centered. There are parent/caregiver virtual
All Community Connections' events are free due to the
support groups, family events, and lots of different in-person
generosity of their supporters, but participants must register
sport and arts programs. Siblings can attend the Community
online. In addition to current programs, sports camps will
Connections programs, too!
be offered soon! Programs for soccer, STEM, as well as additional family events like an evening out at a water park
Community Connections first launched in the River Valley in
and an arcade this summer are in the works. Ideas and
2021 and programs now include bowling, dance, teen and
suggestions for future programming are always welcome!
young adult support groups, and a family fishing derby! Community Connections is proud to partner with Arkansas
Community Connections' programs are run by volunteers,
Colleges of Health Education to offer a free bowling program
and more are always needed, and welcomed. You do not
on Monday nights at Bowling World in Fort Smith. Children
have to be an expert in the sport, music or the arts. The only
and youth with special needs ages five to eighteen (and
requirement is that you have a heart for kids!
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