Grant Gives ARC Teen Recreation Program a Boost

Dancing Up a Storm at DanceSport in New City. Front row from left: Jacob Rapaport; DanceSport instructor Nolan Josephs; Tara Nowak and Josh Eber. Back Row from left: Brielle Champeau, Mark Nowak, Sergio Mobili.

Dance classes and art classes at two Rockland sites are among the activities being offered to teens and 20-somethings with developmental disabilities by ARC of Rockland. The classes are available thanks, in part, to a recreation grant issued by NYSARC, the state-wide organization of which ARC of Rockland is a member.

“During these difficult economic times, funding for recreation programs is especially helpful,” says ARC Executive Director Karyl Caplan. “One of the most important aspects of what we do at ARC is to ensure that people who rely on our services play an active role in the broader Rockland community.  Participating in classes and courses offered at local venues is an ideal way to achieve our goal.”

Young people are learning the moves to hip hop and Latin dancing during ten sessions at DanceSport in New City. Two art classes, including a mask making session prior to Halloween, took place at Rockland Center for the Arts in West Nyack.

The NYSARC grant also enabled participants to enjoy experiential learning during a day trip to Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, New York, where indoor swimming, a hay ride, a game center, paddle boats and lunch on the premises were part of the fun.

Hay Ride at Rocking Horse Ranch. From left: Dana Furspan; Bree Ann Vogt; William Sicklick; Ervin T. Williams, Coordinator of ARC Recreation; Brian Lynch and Alana Nowak.

“Teens and young adults look forward to new experiences and new activities, especially when they are surrounded by their friends,” said Colleen Rogers, ARC Coordinator of Teen Recreation. “The NYSARC grant has enabled ARC of Rockland to add to an already exciting array of activities for this age group.”

To learn more about ARC of Rockland’s recreation program for teens and 20-somethings with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, please contact Colleen Rogers at 845.267.2500 ext. 3157.

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