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 April, Alex Z. celebrated his birthday at Steak N’ Shake with friends and staff from the Autism Day Program. Alex also attended a volunteer recognition banquet for the Huntley Area Public Library with a peer and staff at Pinecrest Golf Club. We have finally resumed weekly fitness outdoors, it has been a pleasant change (from mall walking), Room 2 was able to walk trails at Moraine Hills the last two weeks of April. Room 2 also went to the Riverwalk in McHenry and Barnes and Noble. Room 1 went to a local park, Big R for bird seed and made pinecone bird feeders for Earth Day.
Bridges
Bridges is excited to welcome our newest staff member Emily Mooneyham. Emily has enjoyed being active in the community with our clients and is looking forward to all the community activities that summer will bring! This month in Bridges, clients are looking forward to enjoying some time outside at the Crystal Lake Nature Center and out for picnics. Other community outings will include the movies, bowling, McHenry Library, out to lunch, and volunteering at the Animal House Shelter in Huntley. For cooking class this month clients will be having a Memorial Day grill out!
DT
DT has been enjoying many outings to the Library with Kasey! Clients are checking out books and reading them with staff! Margarita and Christian pulled together some supplies and made rain sticks with clients. Staff are teaching clients the importance of rain and what it does for our environment. Many clients went on an awesome picnic recently and enjoyed a fun day in the sun. Please consider explaining to your family member the importance of staying cool in warmer weather, as it is approaching fast. DT will be having a hot dog lunch day in the upcoming weeks with more details to follow!
DT2
The DT2 program has welcomed three new clients to the agency and the program within the last three months and with more clients doing trials, too! All are having fun and we, of course, enjoy new friends! Garden and fishing clubs are going well, with a lot of interest in both. Garden Club is enjoying planning their garden beds and exploring new and different plants and vegetables while the Fishing club is checking out new spots to find the catch of the day. The Explorer Club continues to be popular and the clients are having a blast outdoors.
SOAR
A group of clients enjoyed a visit to the McHenry Post Office last month, a favorite outing among them. The seniors are looking forward to a mini horse visit this month as well as continued visits from Peter Pan, our favorite therapy dog. The seniors are also busy planning their raised garden bed as well as al fresco lunch outings in the future. We have filled our bird feeders are excited to see what birds flutter past our windows throughout the day.
