Special Needs Socials Making a Difference

Special needs men and women from Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties attended the most recent free Special Needs Social presented by the Knights of Columbus Council 3187. The event was hosted by special needs ambassadors from the Center for Vocational Rehabilitation (CVR) and was directed by KellyKares. Funding for the event was provided by the Jay Dooley Memorial Foundation.

“Our Special Needs Socials are tremendous events,” said Kelly Booth, event co-director and founder of KellyKares. “There is music, refreshments and snacks, crafts, games and, of course, lots of singing and dancing. Each event is a great opportunity for people with special needs to socialize in a compassionate and welcoming environment. KellyKares is one hundred percent committed to running these events into the future.”

Special needs participants from the CVR Ambassador Program set-up, decorate, host and breakdown the events. Chris Morrisy provided the musical entertainment. Community volunteers and students from Red Bank Catholic and Rumson-Fair Haven high schools supported the event with friendly faces and active social participation. Delicious Orchards provided food and snacks and Cinemark provided theater popcorn.

“The level of support for the Special Needs Socials has been wonderful,” said Travis Johnson, event co-director and Marketing and Activities Coordinator at CVR. “KellyKares, CVR, the Jay Dooley Memorial Foundation and the Knights of Columbus are shining examples of local organizations that are committed to improving the lives of people in their local community. There is not a day that goes by at CVR that our participants are not talking about the socials or, of course, asking when the next one will be held.”

The Knights of Columbus Council 3187 donates the hall at no cost and provides logistical support for the socials.

“The Knights were founded with a commitment toward helping those in need,” said Miles Svikhart, President of Knights of Columbus Council 3187. "We honor that commitment each time we open our doors to the special needs men and women who attend these events.”

Founded in 1954, the Center for Vocational Rehabilitation (CVR) has provided what people with disabilities need most for their self-respect and the esteem of others: WORK.  CVR facilitates personal growth and helps bring dignity and respect to the people it serves through a variety of vocational and partial-care rehabilitation programs. For more information about CVR, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, please visit: http://www.cvrus.org.

In 1882, the Knights of Columbus were officially chartered as a fraternal benefit society thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity. For more information about the Knights of Columbus Council 3187, please visit:http://kofc3187.com/

KellyKares focuses on the social and academic needs of learning disabled individuals. KellyKares assists individuals with learning disabilities with the tools, encouragement and overall support they need to be successful both in the classroom and in life. It is the mission of KellyKares to continue to promote the message that learning disabilities are an obstacle to overcome and not a dead end in the learning process. KellyKares teaches individuals that with the appropriate educational and motivational tools, they can become self-advocates on their road to success. For more information please contact Kelly Booth via e-mail: kellykaresgroup@gmail.com