South Shore YMCA January Inclusion Newsletter
Save the Date!
South Shore YMCA's 2nd Annual Inclusion Awareness Week

April 24-30th, 2016

Look for more information on our feature event being held in conjunction with the South Shore Chamber and South Shore Young Professionals: An Employment Summit, promoting the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce.  
Share the News!
Love our newsletter? Why not share it with a friend or colleague! Forward this link and ask them to join our email distribution list to stay updated on what's going on at the South Shore YMCA!
What are you doing this winter? Why not take in a movie, create some art, play hoops or learn to play tennis?
Sensory Movie Series

Big Hero 6
Sensory Movie at Laura's Center for the Arts
Sunday, January 24th 

Come warm up inside Laura's Center for the Arts and enjoy a family favorite movie in a comfortable setting where everyone is welcome to enjoy the movie without restrictions to be still or quiet. Ideal for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADD/ADHD, their families and friends. For more information, view our flyer.
Players Wanted: Hoopstars Unified Basketball Team
Starting in January! 
We are looking for players for our new Quincy Team and our returning Emilson Team. Both persons with disabilities and peer mentors are welcome to join.

Meet Andrew and Vern, Hoopstars players from 
our 2015 season.
Andrew and Vern
Andrew and Vern

Want to join? View our Emilson Team Flyer or Quincy Team Flyer for more information!
Call for Art Pieces!

Laura's Center for the Arts is looking for art submissions to include in their upcoming "Perspectives on Inclusion Concept Gallery." Create a piece of artwork that represents what living with a disability means and the impact that inclusion has on you. The Inclusion Gallery will run from March through April 2016. See flyer for more details on submitting artwork. Contact SiouxSanna Ramirez-Cruz at scruz@ssymca.org for submission guidelines.
Wheelchair Tennis Clinic

Want to try something new or come enhance your tennis skills? Join us on Sunday, February 20th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at our Emilson Branch. Our Wheelchair Tennis Clinic is open to all ages and levels to learn wheelchair tennis in a fun and supportive setting. In partnership with Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers, Wheelchair Sports Federation and South Coast Wheelchair Tennis Foundation. View our flyer for more details!
Winter 2 Inclusion Offerings
Registration for Winter 2 programs beings Tuesday, January 12th for Members and Friday, January 15th for Non-Members!

We have plenty to offer - why not try something new? Arts, music, social skills, tennis, adaptive swim, fitness and much more! See our Inclusion Snapshot for more details and register online.
Inclusion News
Lisa Drennan Signs on as New Co-Chair for the National Diverse Abilities Working Group! 

Recently, Lisa Drennan, Association Director of Inclusion at the South Shore YMCA, and her team were offered the Diversity & Inclusion Underserved Communities Grant by Y-USA. With this grant, Lisa was also offered the exciting opportunity to serve as the new co-chair for the National Diverse Abilities Working Group, which she accepted! "I have been involved in the Diverse Abilities working group since I started at the Y in 2014 and found it to be a valuable resource. I am honored to be asked to co-chair this group," stated Lisa. "Some of the initiatives I will be involved in are development of training's and other resources that will be available to Y's across the country." Congratulations Lisa! 
Community Happenings
The South Shore ARC requests your presence at:
The Basics of Special Needs Planning
A Presentation and Discussion featuring the attorneys of Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, PC. 

WHERE:
The Quarry Restaurant 
415 Whiting Street, Hingham, MA 
WHEN:
Thursday, January 7th
Thursday, January 14th
TIME:
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.


For inquires regarding these or any
Inclusion Programs at the South Shore YMCA, contact Lisa Drennan, Association Director of Inclusion, at ldrennan@ssymca.org or 
781-264-9400 x 3119 or visit our