Perspectives on Inclusion | All are welcome to come by our 'Perspectives on Inclusion' art gallery to be inspired by the art work and the artists statements on disabilities and the impact of inclusion.
Artwork will be on display until April 30th.  Laura's Center for the Arts 97 Mill Street Hanover, MA
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Save the Date | South Shore YMCA's Second Annual Inclusion Awareness Week
April 24-31, 2016
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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 with what's going on at the South Shore YMCA!
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Calling All Business Owners, Hiring Managers and HR Personnel! |
The South Shore YMCA, in partnership with the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, South Shore Young Professionals and South Shore Collaborative on Employment are proud to present an:
Inclusion Employment Forum
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Laura's Center for the Arts
This event, sponsored by Commonwealth Financial Group, features Keynote Speaker Leo Vercollone, President and CEO, VERC Enterprises. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this unique discussion forum! Visit our website for more information. |
Featured Spring Inclusion Offerings
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There are still openings, enroll today!
Emilson: Adaptive Fitness and Fun
This class uses movement based exercises to improve daily focus and productivity, increase social interaction and meet sensory needs for kids ages 7-14 with special considerations. Mondays & Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. Included in Household Membership; $180/Non-Member
Quincy: Building Bridges Social Skills Group
Fun is the name of the game in this action packed social group ideal for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD or any child who could benefit from social skills coaching. Come join us for an hour of exciting games while working on basic social skills like good sportsmanship, independence and flexibility with an emphasis on "expected" and "unexpected" behaviors. As an added bonus, participants will have the unique opportunity to generalize and practice these social skills each week by exploring different areas of the YMCA. Child should be able to participate in a 1:5 ratio. Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for ages 7-9 and Saturdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. for ages 10-12. $112/Member; $154/Non-Member.
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CAMP - It's For Everyone! |
Day Camp Inclusion supports are available for the traditional camp experience. Partnering with the National Inclusion Project, the South Shore YMCA is proud to offer inclusion supports at Camp Gordon Clark, Quincy YMCA Camp and Nature Adventure Camp locations. For more information, view our Inclusion Camp Brochure. To schedule a screening, contact Emmy Casagrande, South Shore YMCA's Inclusion Coordinator, at (781) 829-8585 x 8249 or ecasagrande@ssymca.org. |
'Perspectives on Inclusion' Gallery Opening Brings Together Over 130 Individuals!
Over 130 artists and their families, friends and members gathered at Laura's Center for the Arts on Thursday, March 31st for the much anticipated 'Perspectives on Inclusion' Gallery Opening Event. The event featured the artwork of talented local artists of all abilities, who used a variety of mediums to convey their perspective on living with a disability and the impact of inclusion.
Over the course of two hours, guests moved about Laura's Center for the Arts viewing the 66 pieces of artwork displayed on the walls and tables. Accompanying each artist's masterpiece was an 'artist statement,' which helped the audience better understand the message the art piece was looking to convey.

The evening's featured artist was 8 year old Wunyoh Loc, who created a piece for the gallery titled 'My Brother's Abilities' for the audience to view. During an impactful moment in the evening, Wunyoh got up in front of the crowd to speak about her younger brother, sharing her feelings on what a disability is. Wunyoh also told the audience that she and her brother attended camp at the Y this past summer and conveyed how important the experience was in helping him make friends, participate in activities and learn to swim like all of the other kids.
Representatives from five local agencies worked alongside the Y's Inclusion Team and Laura's Center for the Arts staff to bring this wonderful event to fruition. The South Shore YMCA's Inclusion Team looks forward to offering new, unique opportunities that convey the importance of inclusion.
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The Y's Quincy Branch Hosts the 2016 Hoopstars Tournament!
This year's Hoopstars Tournament, which took place at the Y's Quincy Branch on Saturday, March 26th, brought together four talented teams ready to play for the championship title. Representing the South Shore YMCA at this year's tournament were the Red Bombs and White Lightening, both teams made up of players from the Y's Quincy and Emilson Branches. The Hockomock Area YMCA also had two teams in the tournament, The Destroyers and The Hockomock Hawks. Three round-robin games determined the top two teams to play in the final tournament game for the championship title, and after a close game, the South Shore YMCA's White Lightening Team edged out the Red Bombs to take home the trophy. The South Shore YMCA's Hoopstars Team, for the second year in a row, has generously been sponsored by George "Trigger" Burke.
"To be a part of the Hoopstars was an incredible opportunity. I have been an athlete my whole life and being a special education teacher, I wanted to be able to give back and have some fun with some amazing athletes and wonderful people," stated Tammy Duncan, Hoopstars player. "The team made me smile and laugh, but play hard, and it was a pleasure helping them learn more about the game and pushing themselves more. To inspire them to hustle down the court to play defense and get those rebounds, then to see the smiles and the high fives afterward, was worth more than anything to me. It was a very special feeling and I cannot wait to do it again next year. I am honored to be a part of such a special team."
Following the tournament, players, families and friends were invited to a celebratory dinner. Thanks to the Hoopstars coaches and supporters for helping make this a wonderful season!
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SSYMCA Inclusion Team Supports Inclusive Schools Week at Hanover High School!
During the week of March 7th, Hanover Public Schools celebrated Inclusive Schools Week. As part of this week of celebration, Hanover Public Schools' Parent Advisory Council invited the South Shore YMCA's Emmy Casagrande, Inclusion Coordinator, to speak about inclusion at the South Shore YMCA during a March 8th event entitled, 'Inclusion in Our Community.' Emmy sat among other speakers in a round table discussion which focused on inclusion and the form that it takes in Hanover schools and in the larger Hanover community.
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Light it up Blue with Blue Man Group and Autism Speaks
In 2015, Blue Man Group hosted autism-friendly performances in each of our five U.S. theatres. These shows were embraced by the community. We got such terrific feedback from kids and their families and friends that we are very proud to announce we are renewing our efforts this years with Autism Speaks. Over the next year, they will host sensory-friendly shows in Boston. Click here
for more information.
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