Activity Guides 2019 Winter Spring Activity Guide | Page 5

Inclusion and Special Needs The Weinstein JCC is an inclusive organization that welcomes people of all abilities and is committed to serving the unmet needs of individuals with developmental disabilities through social, educational and recreational opportunities. In addition to our inclusive preschool and after-school programs, there are wonderful friendship and enrichment programs for both children and adults with special needs throughout the year. For questions regarding our Inclusion programs, please contact Melissa Bunce, Director of Inclusion & Support Services at 545-8658 or [email protected]. Adult Circle of Friends An intimate, supportive special needs group Instructor: Melissa Bunce Ages: 22+ The Adult Circle of Friends is a social and recreational group for adults with special needs. The focus of this group is on learning new social skills and making lasting friendships. The group meets once a month to go on outings in the community. Activities in the past have included bowling, going to the movies, seeing a play, painting pottery, visiting local museums, and attending collegiate sporting events. Kesem joins ReelAbilities! Wednesday, February 6 - Sunday, February 10 The ReelAbilities Film Festival is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people of all abilities. The festival presents award- winning films, accompanied by discussions and other engaging programs, which bring together the community to explore, discuss and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience. This group is intimate and supportive by design. Participants need to be able to transition well into new settings and feel comfortable in public places. And don’t miss the ReelAbilities Talk Backs following each film! Talk Backs explore and discuss the themes presented in each film. Speakers are professionals in the field or individuals living with the highlighted disability. Session 1: December - February Session 2: March - May For a full ReelAbilities schedule, please visit our website at weinsteinjcc.org. $60 per session JCC members $75 per session non-members Tickets are $7 for JCC members of $10 general admission and can be purchased by phone at 804-285-6500. 5 Weinstein JCC | 2019 Winter - Spring Activity Guide In Hebrew, the word "Kesem" means magic, and at the Weinstein JCC, we like to make magic! The Kesem Inclusive Theatre Project is a theatre education initiative from the Weinstein JCC for adults ages 22 and up. Kesem provides a comprehensive theatre education experience from process to performance. On February 10, Kesem will perform an original script conceived by all of the participants and inspired by the poetry of Mattie Stepanek, a best-selling child poet who lived with Muscular Dystrophy and passed away at the age of 13. The project will focus on concepts of self image and how we are perceived by others. Using music, poetry, theatre, and other forms of expression, participants will explore and challenge ideas of what is possible in our world. .