Let's Go Fishing

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All kiddos learn differently - whether they have differing needs or not. Some kids would prefer to learn their spelling words by jumping on a trampoline, while others may prefer a quiet and calm place. Some kids would prefer to learn about measurement and weight in a textbook, while others would rather learn by doing a hands-on activity.

Pause caregivers often partner with schools and educators to create IEP or 504 plans in order to meet their student's educational needs. Sometimes that means simple accommodations and other times it means out of the box thinking to meet a child’s particular learning style. As a team, they advocate for students to have the same opportunities as everyone else in the setting that best helps them meet their goals. Pause dad, Mark Dana, knows this journey all too well. Having been part of the fight for his child to have the same opportunities as his peers, Mark decided to take learning outside the walls of the classroom.

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Last spring, when school learning went remote, Mark noticed learning was easier for his son when he could relate the math lessons to his child’s passion for fishing. Measurement and weight made sense in the context of that setting and he watched his son’s confidence grow as he mastered skills he had trouble with using a computer or paper and pencil - and thus, Fishing From The Heart, was born.

Middletown, OH based Fishing From The Heart, is a nonprofit built to inspire and support it’s surrounding community by providing year round fishing gear for kiddos with special needs and derby style fishing events for the whole family. Children catch fish, learn about environmental conservation and have fun! The program is composed solely of volunteers and gives 100% of its donations back into the program.

Mark Dana, founder of Fishing From The Heart, says, “Fishing isn't for everyone, and we know that. However, fishing is more than just tossing a worm on a hook and catching a fish. There are so many benefits of learning to fish, but the two I love the most are building bonds and the smiles on their faces when a fish is caught. Fishing, for my son and I, established that bond that seemed impossible for us to form because of his autism. It worked for him and I and thought why not share it with everyone else?”

How do you get involved? Glad you asked! Fishing From The Heart’s next event will be in July at Armco Park. If you would be interested in volunteering or have a kiddo who would like to participate in a derby style fishing event, contact Mark Dana (mdana51734@roadrunner.com) or visit their website fishingfromtheheart.com for more information. No experience necessary. Mark and his team are great teachers and have big hearts - the best two ingredients to make the experience a huge success! (Limited spots available.)

A community inspiring inclusion and diversity. Now that’s something we want to be a part of.

THIS is CAN DO. This is community. This is YOUR support.

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