Take a look at what’s been going on and what’s coming up soon in our day programs including the Autism Program, Bridges, DT, DT2 and Soar. This collection of updates comes from Kelly Zimmerman our Day Program Coordinator.
Autism Program
In October, the entire Autism Day Program went to Spirit Halloween Store, Von Bergen’s Pumpkin Patch, Burger King, and McDonald’s together. Room 1 also went to Jewel and Walmart for weekly cooking class items and Dollar Tree for craft materials. Room 2 went to Five Below, Emricson Park, Barnes and Noble (Ben’s birthday pick), walking for fitness at Springhill Mall and Moraine Hills, McHenry Library and weekly grocery shopping at Walmart.
In November, the Autism Day program sold out of their Hot Cocoa mix at the annual craft year for a second year in a row! Weekly cooking classes made fall favorites including: pumpkin fluff, fall trail mix, apple empanadas and mashed potatoes and stuffing for Thanksgiving. Room 2 continued weekly Monday mall walking at Springhill Mall, weekly grocery shopping, library trips and we went to Olive Garden, Party City, Target and Petland. Room 1 shopped for craft items and decorations at Dollar Tree for craft fair and went to Taco Bell and a pet store.
Bridges
In November, the clients celebrated and discussed the many things they are thankful for. They also cooked a Thanksgiving feast together! Clients continue to volunteer at the animal shelter, go to the library and participate in Health Matters class. A very special thank you to Maria, from the DT program, who has been instructing our Spanish classes. Thank you, Maria, we are thoroughly enjoying it!
Christmas time is finally here, it’s our favorite time of the year! This month, besides our usual visits to The Animal Shelter and the library, Bridges will be having a Christmas party at Nick’s Pizza, visiting Menards winter wonderland and walking the beautiful Woodstock square to look at festive decorations. We are also looking forward to seeing the movie Ferdinand on the big screen. Bridges wishes everyone the happiest Christmas and blessed New Year!
DT
DT is excited to begin fall decorating! Clients have made some cool fall decorations to deck out the classrooms. Clients continue to enjoy movie outings, library groups, lunch outings and more! Kevin Canto has taken charge of Adventure Club occurring every Tuesday and also Sports Club every Wednesday and Friday! We would like to welcome Larissa to DT1!
The program is also sending several clients with Kevin Canto to the annual Windy City Bulls game on December 6! We will be sending clients to movies, Culver’s, the YMCA for some basketball fun and much more. Clients will be going over Christmas wish lists, and beginning to decorate the halls and classrooms full of Christmas cheer. They will also be creating some fun Christmas art work to send home as well.
DT2
The DT2 program continues to lead the agency with volunteer hours and hours in the community in general! The clients of DT2 were able to log over 80 volunteer hours last month, what a tremendous effort they are showing! The Explorer Club is going strong and all are experiencing that to the fullest! Currently, clients are working on craft fair items, including the AIM group. Be sure to check out what we have to offer at the craft fair on 11/17.
From holiday baking to Christmas art and everything in between, the clients are having a blast doing everything Christmas! All are looking forward to hosting the annual Client Christmas Party and are busy getting the space to look the part! Wish list items include new Christmas tree ornaments, markers and gift cards to local restaurants and entertainment areas.
SOAR
The seniors are also gearing up for the holidays. The program smells of Douglas fir and glitter is plentiful! We welcomed new staff, Gezelle, to the program last month. Gezelle comes to us from the Schroeder group home and is a favorite of the clients. We are looking for craft material donations including; glitter, tissue paper, glue, construction paper, markers and more!
The clients of SOAR are getting their fill of cute and cuddly by volunteering twice a month at On Angel’s Wings animal shelter in Crystal Lake. They love brushing and playing with the cats and even sweeping and vacuuming at the shelter. The SOAR program wrapped up fall internships with McHenry County College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program students last month. It was nice to meet them and we look forward to the next group! We also welcomed students from Catholic Central High School in Burlington last month. The seniors very much enjoyed the get-together and showing the kids who is boss in a Wii bowling competition!
