CSAAC, CSS Play Ball!
Recreational Program Builds Self-Esteem, Sense of Pride
On Jan. 31, individuals in CSAAC’s residential program were joined by individuals supported by Community Support Services, Inc. (CSS) for a basketball game held at the CSS gym. The event is just one of many weekly and monthly activities initiated through CSAAC’s recreational program launched Nov. 7, 2005.
Designed for CSAAC’s residential adult and school students, the program provides individuals with an opportunity to participate in recreational and physical activities and social interactions with others, and an improved sense of independence and quality of life.
Volunteer coaches at the sporting event included CSAAC’s direct care staff, Rick Rucker and Warren Brown, Jr., who led 16 players representing CSAAC—divided into 2 teams—to win the game. Players on both teams really enjoyed themselves and everyone came home "a winner."
A basketball tournament tips off March 6 with playoffs to be held on the 13th and 20th of the month, followed by an award banquet- on March 27. (Stay tuned to CSAAC’s Web site for more details). Ongoing monthly events include co-ed dances, bowling, hockey, and retreats to the Air & Space Museum in Chantilly, VA. There are also weekly arts and crafts, drama, poetry, and dance movement classes.
Spearheaded by Susan Ingram, Executive Director, CSS; Jan Miller Vogel, Director of Support Services, CSAAC; Tamekia Ford, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor, CSAAC; and Dide Cimen and Sam Asiamah, Residential Co-Directors, CSAAC—among other staff—CSAAC is seeking to expand its Recreational Program by partnering with other local organizations in the community. Current partnerships include Potomac Community Resources (PCR), which provides recreational and therapeutic services for individuals with developmental disabilities; the Jewish Community Center (JCC); ArtStream; Art Enables, and the Montgomery County Recreation Department (MCRD). To learn more about how your organization can partner with CSAAC or upcoming recreational events, contact Tamekia Ford at (240) 912.2260, or via e-mail at tford@csaac.org.
