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
April is Autism Awareness Month and the program has been busy spreading the word in P. East! In March, Room 2 happily volunteered to help assemble lunch bags for the Crystal Lake food pantry. Everyone enjoyed bowling at Raymond’s, having Shamrock Shakes at McDonald’s and going to PetSmart. Clients continued their weekly outings including mall walking at Springhill, shopping at Walmart or Jewel and library trips.
Bridges
Bridges is excited to welcome its newest staff member–Hannah Jackson. Hannah has enjoyed spending time with the clients out in the community and has brought many new community ideas to the program! This month, Bridges clients are looking forward to spring and celebrating Earth Day. A highlight will be going to the Crystal Lake Nature Center to learn about all the life that is on Earth and how we can best take care of it! Other outings will include going out to lunch, bowling, the movies, library, and volunteering at the Animal House Shelter. Clients are also hoping for warm weather so we can start up our exercising outside!
DT
DT1 welcomes Whitney, who transferred from Schroeder Group Home. Whitney is excited to bring her skills to the program. Clients are looking forward to spring so they can head out on multiple community activities such as hikes, picnics and river walks. Clients have been participating in multiple art projects with Maria and Margarita and their art is hanging for all to enjoy!
DT2
We have much to look forward to this month! Two of our favorite groups will start back up for the spring and summer seasons; fishing club and garden club. Both clubs will go out on Fridays and are excited to get things rolling! We have a very special visitor lined up this month, Carol Swinford and her team from The Shades of Blue Ranch will be visiting P-Central on Thursday, April 19. The staff in the program have planned fun Earth Day activities for Friday, April 20, be sure to attend! We have welcomed several new clients to the program that are a great fit, please welcome Terri, Diane and John to the DT2 program.
SOAR
SOAR clients stayed busy during the month of March. Last month the seniors worked on leprechauns, chicks, and bunnies. A few SOAR clients enjoy attending mass on Mondays at Holy Apostles in McHenry. Other outings included included going to the movies, volunteering at the library and animal shelter, delivering flowers to the seniors in the community, enjoying lunch out, exploring the Volo Auto Museum and attending a play at the local community college! To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, SOAR clients were treated to a special lunch and green ice cream floats! Along with the hopes for warmer weather in the near future, everyone is talking about the upcoming post office tour which will take place towards the end of April!
