The Power of Connection
Special needs families can often feel isolated in their communities. Remember those 30-80 extra hours a week in care alone for a kiddo with complex needs and limited safe childcare options? They miss being with people. We probably all can relate to that feeling given the past 365 days.
Over the last 3 years, Pause has put a huge emphasis on Thrive - our caregiver events aimed at building connection. These events have been hugely successful in creating a space for caregivers to build relationships with each other. Pause provides childcare using our trained volunteers and caregivers get 3 hours of food, fun and education so they leave full- physically and emotionally.
In 2021, our team committed to expanding Thrive with the goal of connecting families to the community in which they live, work and play. We believe coming together for meaningful conversations has the power to shift culture. It creates an opportunity for all of us to learn, grow perspective and build relationships that propel our families, our neighborhoods and our businesses forward.
On February 26th, Pause launched a NEW event called Thrive for Community to engage families and professionals in a conversation about inclusion. For our pilot event, participants were invited to watch the 2018 documentary Intelligent Lives by Dan Habib. Intelligent Lives transforms the label of intellectual disability from a life sentence of isolation into a life of possibility.
The film features three young American adults with intellectual disabilities – Micah, Naieer, and Naomie – who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Intelligent Lives challenges what it means to be intelligent, and points to a future in which people of all abilities can fully participate in higher education, meaningful employment, and intimate relationships.
After watching the documentary, special needs families and community members came to a LIVE virtual panel discussion via Zoom to continue the conversation of inclusion. The panel included therapists from ThrivePointe Counseling and was facilitated by trauma consultant, Sarah Buffie, founder of Soul Bird Consulting. How was CAN DO part of the magic? ONE rockstar member remembered ONE conversation from years ago and sent ONE message via Facebook to rally ONE amazing family to be part of the dialogue. Micah, who was featured in the film, and his parents, Janice and Rich joined the panel and shared their real and raw experiences with the Pause community. Brilliant minds, great discussion and new possibilities for families and our community.
It only takes one of us to start change for all of us.
THIS is CAN DO. This is community. This is YOUR support.
