Sensory space for children with special needs

Press Release

Thanks to funding from the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation, sensory space programming will be offered for children with developmental disabilities or other special needs through the Youngstown Recreation Department. A grant supporting the purchase of equipment, toys and other items was secured through the Friends of Youngstown Inc., and Recreation Director Jeff Gruarin is working with Niagara County’s Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs program to lead the bimonthly program for families in the area.

Children with autism and other special needs may struggle to process certain types of information. Sensory activities can help develop language and social skills, setting up the child for future learning success.

“We are incredibly excited to launch this program,” Gruarin said. “Families in and around Youngstown have expressed a need for this type of resource, and we hope it will help a lot of parents and caregivers who are looking for help.”

Programming will be held Wednesday and Friday evenings, with one session for children ages 7 and younger, and a second for those ages 8 and above. There will also be limited Saturday sessions planned. Details can be found online at http://youngstownnewyork.us/departments/recreation/.

Anyone with additional questions can contact [email protected].

Friends of Youngstown is a newly formed nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the community of Youngstown in its efforts to revitalize, improve and ensure long-term sustainability. Our focus is on promoting active lifestyles, preserving the historical significance, and environmental efforts to ensure a healthy and thriving community for generations to come.

Visit Friends of Youngstown online at https://www.foy14174.com/.