To the editor:
There is still time to sign up for Sunday’s Color Run hosted by Project Community!
If you have never heard about this amazing event and organization, let me give you the footnotes. Project Community has been around for 40 years this year, impacting the special needs community through its innovative programs Project CHILDD and You & Me as well as providing teen programming centered around self awareness, anxiety, binge drinking and sexual assault.
Founded by Pelham resident Dr. Anne Frost, Project Community has evolved and continues to be an amazing nonprofit giving directly back to those who need it most. The proceeds from the Color Run help run these initiatives throughout the year!
According to the Project Community website, “Project CHILDD is a community-based outreach program for children and teens with developmental disabilities. Children and teens are given the chance to socialize and to use art to express themselves creatively. Professional art instruction supports therapeutic expression and builds self-esteem. Activities may include creative art therapy, music, yoga and interactive storytelling. A dedicated group of teen volunteers act as mentors, providing guidance and friendship. The program is managed by a registered professional nurse, social worker and community volunteers. Families of the children receive “a gift of time” designed to give them a brief respite from caregiving. The positive impact this program has on our participants and families is immeasurable.”
On a personal note, I joined the Project Community board this year and had the great privilege of getting to know some of the attendees and teen volunteers for Project CHILDD. One teen who has been volunteering for a number of years said, “This is the best way to give my time. The kids that come to this program are so happy to be here, and that makes me happy (that they are happy)!” She went on to explain, “Their pure hearts can never be matched. I wouldn’t want to work with any other kids.” Another teen volunteer explained that getting to know the attendees of Project CHILDD has given him a better perspective of others’ abilities, in the best way. He also described that working one to one with the kids has been the most rewarding volunteer work he has done yet. An elementary-aged student who attends the program said her favorite parts are “the arts and crafts, my friends and snack time!” An older teen who has been attending Project CHILDD for years said her favorite thing to do is “hang with the mentors, who are my friends, and do yoga.”
I hope that you are free this weekend and some of these stories have inspired you to sign up for the Color Run and have a great Sunday celebrating community!
I cannot wait to help out at a chalk station.
Stephanie Otero
448 Fourth Ave