The Society Page
Inspiring Stories and Events from the Society for disABILITIES 

June, 2017                                     

How You Are Making A Difference

"Joseph was once told he would never walk, yet at Day on the Farm, he plants seeds and rides horses," siad Juanita Henderson, Joseph's grandmother.  Our annual event Day on the Farm provides children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to be honorary farmers.  Each June, Jim and Patti Sanchez at Sanchez Farms open their ranch for Day on the Farm.  Honorary Farmers rode horses, went on hay rides, fed horses carrots, had their face painted, planted seeds, listened to farm stories, munched on popcorn, did an arts and crafts project, and then visited the petting zoo to pet bunnies, chickens, goats and a baby calf.
  
This year, the 300 in attendance were entertained by Jack the Magician and served lunch courtesy of the Oakdale Lions Club.  The Stanislaus Rural Fire Department brought a fire engine which children were able to see and climb.  

It is always wonderful to see the happiness on the faces of the children and family members.  It's not every day most in attendance get to be a farmer!   Joseph's grandmother Juanita Henderson, says it best, "It is amazing to see the smiles on my grandson's face at Day on the Farm!  He was able to ride a horse and go on a hayride and pet many animals in the petting zoo.  Joseph was amazed at the magic performed."  The cutest comment from Joseph was how the first thing he did was check to see how the seeds he planted years ago were doing!   Joseph's family is so appreciative to the Sanchez for opening up the farm and all of the volunteers who make the day great.   


PROGRAM NEWS
Bike Camp
Sign Up NOW for Bike Camp and learn to ride bike!    Bike  Camp is July 24 - 28.

Start on Monday on a weighted bike that is guaranteed not to tip off.  Weights are changed as the learner gains confidence and skills.  Before you know it, most participants are great bike riders.   Click here for applications.  

Volunteers are needed, must be able to run.  


Adaptive Water Ski
Water Ski 2017 continues on June 24; July 15 and 29, August 5 and 12 and September 2. The  Water Ski Program  is held at Modesto Reservoir in a reserved area for our program.

Participants water ski utilizing a sit ski especially designed for the water.  Volunteers needed, too. 





Adaptive Bowling
Adaptive Bowling is all year round the first and third Thursdays at McHenry Bowl in Modesto. You must pre-register.  Players always have a lot of fun and each bowler must bring an adult to bowl with.  Definitely a great experience for all. 



Miracle League
Fall season is in the planning stages.  Enjoy the summer off for baseball.  Sign-ups for fall are just around the corner.  Games will start in mid-September for six weeks.  Fall is the perfect time to play, the weather is cooler and the season is just a smidgen shorter.  If you wanted to try Miracle League, this fall is the perfect season.

As always, coaches and buddies are also needed.  


To see our programs, please visit  our Facebook page by clicking here.
For more program information,  please contact Anthony by clicking here. 
Or call (209) 524-3536 
June is Disabilities Awareness Month

Thank you Stanislaus County, Cities of Ceres, Hughson, Modesto, Newman, Oakdale, Patterson, Riverbank,Turlock and Waterford for your proclamations declaring June is Disabilities Awareness Month.      

If you have not seen a proclamation made, please join is in the City of Newman on Tuesday, June 27th at the Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Proclamations are made each year to remind everyone:  
  • the importance of making healthy communities a priority;
  • disabilities can affect all people, regardless of race, age, gender, or social status and the essence of life is not embodied by physical or mental perfection, but is is an integral part of the human spirit
  • increasing public awareness about diverse abilities is vital to fighting the stigma and discrimination that often serve as a barrier to employment, socialization, and individual well-being
  • people with different abilities are independent, productive, and part of the community
  • and much more.

Each day our Facebook page has commemorated Disabilities Awareness Month with a quote, etiquette tip or myth/fact.  Please like our page and share our posts with your family, friends, and colleagues.  Click here to see the Disabilities Awareness Month posts.  




Save the Date!   Saturday, October 21, 2017

Reserve your table and or sponsorship now!  Click here for a sponsorship form.

For more information about volunteering for the Society, please email Carolyn Gomes,  Director of Development . (209) 524-3536
New Spirit Princess Pageant

The Modesto 500 Lions Club is pleased to announce the 1st Annual Miss Stanislaus Spirit Princess Pageant.  This is a spirit pageant for girls ages 5 to 12 with disabilities.  

Pageant will be Saturday, September  16, 2017.  Completed applications must be received by August 25, 2017.   Click here for flyer.
A Note from the Executive Director

Summer is here and our programs are HOT!!!  That's the exciting and interesting definition of hot!

Thank you to Jim and Patti Sanchez at Sanchez Farms for hosting another wonderful Day on the Farm.  This annual program is the highlight of the year for many of our participants!  This year will be no exception.  There's not too many things better then the faces of a child returning from a hay-ride or a horse back ride!  

Ideas to beat the heat this summer include our Adaptive Water Ski program and the always air-conditioned Bowling program.  There are still days to sign up for both. 

The County and Cities have once again proclaimed June as Disabilities Awareness Month. We are all pleased of this increased awareness on the challenges people with disabilities face every day.   Please remember that disabilities awareness is every day!  

Our Wild West Gala committee is already meeting.  If you would like to help, please let us know.  

As always, we could not offer as many programs without your support.  On behalf of all our participants, the board of directors, staff, and myself thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You are making a difference in people's lives right here in our community. 

Thank you!
Marci Boucher
Executive Director



Easy Ways to help
Volunteer
There are many ways to volunteer!  Work with participants through program activities, work in the thrift store, or help at our fundraising events.

If you are 55 or over, please considering volunteering.  We have partnered with Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP which is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 or older.  There is an incentive including mileage and insurance. 



Donate Your Car
Donate your car, truck or boat TODAY!   
When you donate your car to Society for disABILITIES you not only help support our programs, but you receive a tax receipt.  It's easy to donate.  Call for pick-up.  


Or Call (209) 524.3536 ext. 3505

June Recipe 
Stuffed Jalapeno Firecrackers

Hot, tasty recipe for any picnic or any time. 


Idea for the Newsletter?

Please share your great ideas for our monthly newsletter with us!  

Click here to send an email to Carolyn Teixeira Gomes. 
Or call Carolyn at (209) 524-3536 ext. 3505.



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