Cooking Archives

September 1, 2020July 20, 2022

Center for All Abilities- Chinatown

Do you think it would be FUN to go with other families like yours on a Family Outing? Yeah, Me too! The Center for All Abilities offers Family Support for those with a member who has a disability. Everything you could’ve ever dreamed of is housed within this one organization.

First, let me begin with the youth mentorship program. Adults lead Christian Based discussions on virtues and character-building behaviors. These can be done as a group or one-on-one. Guidance to lead us on the right path to a quality life is always good. Am I right?

Second, there is the popular Blue Hat Vocational Training. Cooking becomes even more of an enriching experience when you do it as a group! Let the teamwork skills begin. We all know how important it is to learn how to work together to get things done. You’ll also learn useful safety skills in the kitchen. In like manner, the cooking process helps you prepare to maybe work in a restaurant one day. Typically this program is for teens and adults. Who knows after joining the program you might even want to open a bakery one day? I just have one request. Please make sure it’s handicap accessible. Wait. Make that two requests. Carry brownies, my absolute fave! Deal?

Of course, the Center for All Abilities also offers therapeutic art and music programs. The beauty of both of these is that a certified trained therapist will meet you at your level of expertise. No pressure or need to worry if you don’t feel you’re that creative. They are there to help. No judgments just good times.

Ultimately the center hopes you’ll choose to become part of their family support programs for those with all sorts of disabilities. I say this because I saved the best for last. They have an Annual Achievement Ceremony! You know the one with the awards and you are beaming all day. That’s right. Every single year they like to celebrate what you and your new friends have accomplished throughout the programs.

Sparkidz Program-Upper East Side

Sparkidz is a Special Needs Social-Recreational Program. Classes are held on Saturdays from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm during the months of September through June. Although activities take place at The Trevor School you do not need to be enrolled there to attend.

Uniquely Art, Music, Theater, Dance, Sports, and Cooking are all offered at the one location. Our favorite subjects under one roof. It doesn’t get better than this. Oh my, maybe it does? From time to time they even take Field Trips. Score!

If I know you, you are probably thinking you might have something else on Saturdays? Despite their sadness, Sparkidz Program understands. Flexibility is yet another positive to the network of trained teachers. Want to take one class or do a half-day? Sure, No problem with both. Suppose you want the whole enchilada? I like your style. FOMO(fear of missing out) is never fun. In that case, signup for a Full Day. Ages 6 on up to 25. Sparkidz is also supervised with a 3: 1 student-teacher ratio thus able to give you extra help if you need it.

https://www.sparkidz.org/

If you want to read about other programs in Manhattan click here and choose your category. https://thedisabilityallynyc.com/category/programs-classes/

May 1, 2020June 12, 2020

Marlene Meyerson-JCC Manhattan-Upper West Side

Did you know that there is an outstanding Special Needs Program at the JCC on the Upper West Side? In fact, it’s called the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. Now I have to pause a moment and tell you about Marlene Meyerson. They named the building after her because she was one of the building’s primary donors for over 20 years. But here’s my favorite part. She’s originally from Galveston, Texas, my hometown. Galveston is not very big especially compared to NYC. So I was extremely excited to find that out one day when I was reading about Marlene.

Anyway back to the Special Needs Program at JCC. The center prides itself on inclusivity and accessibility. And for this reason, there is a vast amount of programming provided throughout the year.

Furthermore, this JCC is home to the Penguins, a Special Olympics Swim team that trains teens and young adults at the center twice a week. Aquatic skills and self-discipline go hand in hand when you are swimming to compete. Coaches continually provide support and encouragement

More examples of social programs for Special Needs Teens and Tweens include Community Cooks, Girls Night Out, and Transitions Lounge. Individuals who are not Jewish or are in a wheelchair are also welcome into this diverse environment of acceptance. Join the Marlene Meyerson JCC community with a click below.

https://jccmanhattan.org/children-families/tweens-teens/special-needs-programs

Hey! Have you watched The Healing Powers of Dude yet on Netflix? Dude is a therapy dog and boy is he cute! See what you think? https://thedisabilityallynyc.com/social-anxiety-on-netflix-category-entertainment-tv-the-healing-powers-of-dude/