Family Circle's Sunday Respite Program added an Adaptive Aquatics instructor and more extensive Music Therapy and Art Therapy in June, thanks to a grant from the Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family Foundation.The two-year grant provides $30,000 per year to expand recreational opportunities for young adults with disabilities."We are very excited to be able to respond to parents" requests for aquatic therapy in our Sunday Respite program," said Doreen Cummings, one of two Family Circle coordinators. Adaptive Aquatics is more beneficial than unstructured water play, she said, because it improves strength and mobility.
The Shapiro grant also pays for additional supplies and instruction for art and music therapy sessions, and increases program capacity.Presently, up to 15 individuals can participate in the three-hour sessions held at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center in Newton, MA. Families must make advance reservations and pay a nominal fee.
Jewish Family & Children's Service of Boston operates the Sunday Respite program for H.A.L.O.'s Family Circle and was responsible for obtaining the grant. Contact Family Circle at (781) 647-5327 or familycircle@halofoundation.org
