The AllOne Foundation has awarded the River Valley Regional YMCA with a $30,000 grant to help bridge the gap of programing and service options for individuals with diverse abilities. The RVR YMCA uses the funding to expand their Superstars Program which is a unique class designed especially for individuals with special needs. It’s a movement class incorporating Drums Alive where participants can develop motor skills, coordination, stamina and strength by using drum sticks and stability balls. More importantly, the class is an opportunity to make friends, provide a safe environment for self-advocacy, and have fun!
Superstars, created by Instructor, Diana Logan, has been offered at the Eastern Lycoming Branch YMCA since 2009. Logan, who has a daughter with special needs, realized there was a need for such a program in the community and has been advocating for it ever since. “After being asked in 2009 to teach a music and movement class for children with diverse abilities at Blast IU17, I thought, why don’t we have this at the Y?” Logan explained. “The program has gone so well that my daughter, Amber, has become a Certified Drums Alive Instructor and helps lead the classes.”
The grant from AllOne Foundation has enabled the YMCA to expand the program to offer two classes per week at the Williamsport Branch YMCA and purchase the additional drum sticks and buckets needed for it. It will also provide training for another instructor and will send Logan for a training geared towards preschool age children.
The Y’s will also be offering additional opportunities for connection activities for participants and families, as well as support sessions for the family caregivers. All classes are offered at no cost to the families, and are open to anyone in the community. Contact the Eastern Lycoming Y at 570-546-8822, or the Williamsport Y at 570-323-7134, for more information on dates and times.
Photo: John Cosgrove and Chad Eberhart, CEO, River Valley YMCA
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