Help Create a Space for Kids that don’t have a Place

My name is Sabrina, and I am a special education teacher with over a decade of experience working with children and individuals with diverse needs. Throughout my career, I have worked in private contracting providing in-home services, as an ABA therapist, and as a special education teacher with the New York City Department of Education. I am also a mother of two young children.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with public school families, the special education community, and the homeschool community. Through these experiences, I have seen firsthand that there is an immense need for inclusive spaces where children and adults can learn, socialize, build friendships, and feel that they truly belong.

For many homeschool families, opportunities for clubs, sports, social groups, and extracurricular activities can be limited. Even when homeschool students are permitted to participate in activities through their local school districts, entering an already-established social environment can be challenging. Many of these children are looking for a community of their own where they can form meaningful friendships and participate in activities alongside peers.

Additionally, some families choose homeschooling because their child has a developmental disability or unique learning needs that they feel are not being adequately supported in a traditional school environment. Unfortunately, leaving the traditional school setting can also mean losing access to many of the social and enrichment opportunities that other children receive.

The need does not disappear when these children become adults. Individuals with developmental disabilities often experience an even greater lack of meaningful opportunities once they age out of school-based services, typically around ages 18–21. Families can find themselves searching for programs that provide continued socialization, recreation, life-skills development, job readiness, and a sense of community.

That is why I have partnered with two other education providers who share extensive experience within the special education and homeschool communities. Together, we are working to help fill this gap.

Our goal is to create an inclusive enrichment center where children, homeschool students, and individuals with developmental disabilities can participate in programs such as art, yoga and movement, sports and recreation, book clubs, social groups, life-skills instruction, job readiness and vocational training, and other educational and enrichment opportunities.

Most importantly, we want to create a place where individuals who may have struggled to find their place elsewhere can walk through the door and know that they belong.

We have already invested our own money into bringing this vision to life because we believe deeply in the need for this resource. We are not asking others to fund the entire project. We are seeking assistance with approximately one-quarter of the funding needed to help us open our doors and begin serving the community.

Every contribution would bring us one step closer to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for children, families, and adults who deserve access to meaningful opportunities and a community of their own.

We would be grateful for the opportunity to provide additional information about our center, our programs, and how the funds will be used. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Thank you for taking the time to hear our story, believe in our mission, and consider supporting this vision. Your support can help us create opportunities, build community, and give individuals of all abilities a place to learn, grow, and belong.