On Sunday, April 10, 2011, the Clinton Junior Auxiliary sponsored the first Special Friends Fitness and Fun Day. Clinton area children ages 4-21 who cope with physical or developmental disabilities had the opportunity for a fun, recreational outing with their families.
Held from 2-4pm at the Baptist Healthplex in coordination with the Clinton Therapeutic Recreation Association, Special Friends targeted children enrolled in special education classes. The event offered a mix of basketball, soccer, dance, arts projects, and music led by Kindermusik of Clinton. Junior Auxiliary members were assisted by members of the Crown Club, a service and leadership organization for teen girls in grades 10-12.
Twenty-eight special friends attended as well as numerous family members and friends.
Junior Auxiliary will hold Shining Stars on Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, in Clinton, MS. This respite program serves as a shining example of what JA is all about. Shining Stars is a program offered 3 times a year designed to give relief to parents of children with disabilities ages 6 months to 12th grade. While in the care of the JA ladies and the Crown Club girls, the children participate in indoor and outdoor recreation, music and arts and crafts activities. Once they arrive at the church, parents sign them in and then they get to relax and do whatever their heart desires! Shopping and other everyday tasks can be extremely difficult with a special needs child. Many parents take this time to do things that they otherwise are pressed to do while caring for their child. Not only do our special friends get to interact with one another, but their siblings get to come along as well. Groups rotate to each station and they have a blast together! Some activities include: miniature golf, board and card games, football, soccer and softball just to name a few. Not only do the parents get a day to themselves, but we help to free up some time at night as well. Twice a year, when the children are picked up, each family is sent home with dinner! JA members volunteer to make casseroles that each family takes home in order to help make the rest of the day a little easier. These children are precious jewels and so are their parents. Giving them a break is our pleasure and we look forward to seeing those smiling faces as they have fun and enjoy their day.
Please click HERE for the application to participate.
