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North Penn YMCA
Home > Y Stories > Building Friendships in a Special Way

Building Friendships in a Special Way

December 1, 2016

emily

Meet Emily. She’s a shining star at the Friday Night Out monthly events at our Indian Valley branch. Friday Night Out is a program for young adults with special needs, like Emily, to help build friendships and enjoy activities at the Y and in our community.

Emily has been participating since she was 16 years old. Now at 23, she serves as an example to others. “The program is wonderful,” said Emily. “I have met new friends and even see them outside of the Y.” Many resources provide support for children with special needs up to about age 21. “Emily and others in the program could have fallen through the cracks,” said co-leader Cathy Kriebel.

Cathy along with Gail Beigel are passionate about providing these young adults with age appropriate activities similar to their typical peers. “We are able to facilitate friendships because of the small size of our group that often take them beyond the program,” said Cathy. There are generally 12-20 young adults of all ages and abilities at the monthly events. Activities include hip hop dancing, bowling, miniature golf and a talent show.

Emily’s mother, Nancy Judovits writes, “our heartfelt thanks to Gail and Cathy for running and organizing this group, and the YMCA for hosting it. I can’t tell you how much it means to Emily, and us, to have a social outlet with people that can really relate to her… and with people she truly enjoys.”

Those interested in learning more about the program may contact  215-723-3569.

Emily hugs a friend.
Building Friendships at Friday Night Out.
Cathy Kriebel, Emily, and Gail Beigel (co-leaders).
Emily with her mom, Nancy Judovits.

Filed Under: Announcements, Indian Valley Branch, Lansdale Branch, Y Stories

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The North Penn YMCA provides programs and services for children, teens, seniors, families and those with special needs in the North Penn, Indian Valley and Perkiomen Valley communities. Our programs, available for all ages and abilities, include childcare, swimming, sports, group and individual exercise, character building, social activities and volunteer opportunities.

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HARLEYSVILLE YMCA EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

311 Alumni Avenue
Harleysville, PA 19438
Phone: 215-256-0767
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890 Maple Avenue
Harleysville, PA 19438
Phone: 215-723-3569
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Lansdale, PA 19446
Phone: 215-368-1601
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Colmar, PA 18915

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