A Summer of Fun

Although summer is usually a time for slowing down, the people served by our Disability Support Services were busy having fun! In June, Children’s Aid hosted a carnival for 250 people who attend the STRIVE day program and live in our community residences, with live music, games, food and entertainment — including a stilt walker and plate spinner. July 4th was celebrated with a Red, White and Blue barbeque, as STRIVE members danced, ate delicious food and watched a show by Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery. They met Pancake the frog, Pumpkin the snake, Grut the alligator, and Sunny the snake. The members held a bake sale to help pay for the barbecue. STRIVE also held a talent show, with some members singing to an enthusiastic audience of their peers and staff, while other members displayed amazing ball twirling skills, shared knowledge about animals, and performed science experiments. All of these activities, in addition to bringing joy, help the people we serve by increasing their confidence and allowing them to express themselves in a safe, encouraging, and supportive environment.