Teen Time Gives From the Heart
Dear Soldier,
I can’t express how thankful I am that you have given selflessly your life to defend our country and freedom. How can we ever thank you? My feelings of admiration and some treats and many prayers for you and your families are all I have to offer. I can only hope that one day I too will have the courage and bravery to stand with you in future endeavors.… Read more »
The Simple Pleasure of Playtime
My wonderful son Ryan, like many of his friends, seeks the simple pleasure of playtime. As a parent, you know the vision of childhood play isn’t always so simple. We are always striving to help our children develop good character, manners, kindness to others and to have their needs met by being able to express their feelings to others. There are few recreation activities available to our children to learn these kinds of social skills. Some kids like Ryan, struggle with “fitting in” and making friends.… Read more »
An Animal Lover Learns Responsibility, Sensitivity and Independence
I have two cats as pets and learned that I am an animal lover, so I decided to try horseback riding. Last summer I discovered that I have a passion for horseback riding. I started horseback riding by joining a program through SPARC called Making Strides. I look forward to going horseback riding every Saturday.… Read more »
Ayaan Turns a Corner with Help from Kidz Time
It’s dawn on a Saturday morning. The neighborhood is quiet, except for the chirping of a few birds. From a deep slumber, I hear the hardwood floors down the hall creaking, tentatively. Footsteps, at first hesitant, grow bolder as they approach our bedroom. Then, in a sudden rush of movement, two figures enter our bedroom; they jump onto the bed and begin yelling in unison: “Wake up, wake up… is it time to go to Mr.… Read more »
“I cannot begin to express the joy and happiness Magic of Music brings to Nia and the emotion that brings up in me to see the spark in her eyes and smiles each week she participates.”
- Olga Velazquez
“So glad Gabriella had a positive experience; I know of no better program for kids in our community than SPARC.”
- Bruce Apar, Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation
“We parents do not call or mention it often, but there is definitely a place in heaven for you! And, here on earth, we are so grateful.”
- Pauline
“While busy having fun, Ayaan is learning important skills adapted to his pace, that he absorbs into his abilities. For Ayesha, she see others like her brother, with special needs and children like her, helping, loving, coping and thriving in similar families.”
- Taskeen Hamidullah-Bahl
“Since my daughter started SPARC she is a different person. She is very sociable, looks forward to every week and has made friends that will last her a lifetime. Thank you for making our children feel good about themselves and for such a wonderful staff.”
- Francesca Falciano
“I love SPARC because we do different, cool stuff every time and I love all my friends at Teen Time.”
- Louis Milone, Participant
“It was breathtaking to watch Dom tonight as he persevered getting to the tee to hit his ball, never once thinking about the rough terrain or his walker. He swung and then hit the ball feeling it was the opportunity of a lifetime and it was truly overwhelming for me as his parent to watch!”
- Cindy Lanza
“Rachel’s all about the friends. She gets the opportunity to socialize with old friends she doesn’t see at school anymore and meet new friends at the parties and dances which are great fun for her.”
- Judy Flamm
“What a great opportunity for my son to have his Friday evenings “out” just like typical teenagers!”
- Amy Singer
“Our consumers like to experience new things and visit friends living in other group homes. SPARC programs offer those opportuonities. SPARC staff do a terrific job interacting with the consumers and involving them in activities.”
-Julie Cook, Opengate ICF Program Coordinator