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SCHULENBURG — The Turtle Wing Foundation recently partnered with And Then A New Day to create an inclusive “Sensory Santa” experience for about two dozen guests with special needs, a representative said.
In addition, And Then A New Day staff and young adults prepared the setup, crafting sensory activities to ensure all attendees felt comfortable for “their special visit with Santa,” said Turtle Wing Executive Director Destiny Psencik in a prepared release.
Attendees took a group photo and then an individual photo with Santa, portrayed by Lew Edwards, in a tailored environment to accommodate their needs, Psencik added.
Photography was under the direction of Sandy Kusy and A Thousand Words Photography Visuals.
“Essential oils, a calm, quiet environment, and patient staff all helped make the event a success for students,” Psencik said in the release. “After the students were finished with their Santa experience, they were able to participate in fun activities such as building a snowman, creating a sensory tree, coloring sheets and more.”
The 25 attendees, who were assisted by three life-skills or special education groups, left the party with plenty of treats, organizers said. The foundation is a Schulenburg- based nonprofit helping individuals with academic, social- emotional, behavioral and/ or developmental needs in a service area that includes Colorado, Fayette, Lavaca and surrounding counties.
Turtle Wing provides early intervention, supplemental services, and community education advocacy across rural areas.
To make a donation, or for more information about the foundation, its services or to have a representative speak to an organization or group, call 979-505-5090.
To stay abreast of the foundation’s activities, visit www.turtlewingfoundation. org or follow it on facebook.com/turtlewingfoundation.
And Then A New Day is also a nonprofit in Schulenburg with a goal to “to provide meaningful work, social and life opportunities for young adults on the autism spectrum or that have learning challenges,” according to the release.
It serves individuals from 15 to 40 years old in Colorado, Lavaca and Fayette counties.
“We help young adults #discovertheirhappy and find the value in their special talents and abilities,” the release said.
For more, contact Erin Wotipka at 979-966-7402 or email her at [email protected].
