Last Week's Meeting

Last week we heard from one of our grant recipients, Special Gifts Theatre (SGT), which is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2000 to provide individuals who possess a wide array of special needs (physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and learning) the opportunity to experience the joy and enrichment that theatre arts can bring. The program, though recreational in scope, is educationally and therapeutically based. All of the programs are designed to use the stage as a platform to develop social skills, speech/ language skills, and self-confidence. The theatre arts provides an excellent opportunity for enhancing an individual’s self-esteem and self-confidence; encouraging problem-solving abilities; strengthening listening, focusing, and attention skills; improving communication and fostering cooperation.  Peer mentors are an important component of the programming that facilitate acceptance, understanding, and growth. This unique creative drama experience enables personal growth while breaking down stereotypes related to disabilities within the community at large.

 

Thank you to our speakers Program Director Debbie Taus-Barth and Joe, a participant who told us about his experience with the program.