Nor-West Regional Special Services has just completed its’ sixth annual P.R.E.P. This unique program provides a wonderful opportunity for teens and young adults ages 16-23 with developmental disabilities. The P.R.E.P. (Prevocational, Recreation & Education Program) is a specialized, goal-oriented summer experience, offering a combination of prevocational, educational and recreational opportunities to prepare teens and young adults with some of the skills needed for their future.
Program highlights include the following activities:
- Vocational skill development through volunteer placements
- Carpentry and Money Management Skill AcquisitionDigital Photography & Internet Navigation
- Outdoor swimming four days per week
- Weekly Educational/Recreational trips
This summer the P.R.E.P. operated July 9 August 10, from 9:00am-4:00pm. Seventeen teens & young adults with developmental disabilities participated in the program.
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The P.R.E.P. participants enjoyed two placements in the community to learn basic vocational skills. At the Holiday Inn in Mt. Kisco, the participants were exposed to a variety of tasks associated with the hotel industry. At Bethel Assisted Living and Long Term Care, the participants assisted the residents with recreational activities, prepared meals, and assisted with patient transport. One of the more specialized projects occurred in the Carpentry program, where the group undertook the renovation of two wooden benches in a Cortlandt Manor park.
Nor-West, established in 1973, is a social service agency providing community-based therapeutic recreation programs, respite and transportation services to persons with differing abilities residing in the northern portion of Westchester County. Nor-West programs are designed for those individuals ages five through adult who have a developmental disability, and who have recreational needs not met by traditional municipal recreation departments and organizations in their community. They offer a plethora of community-based day, evening, and weekend programs.
Find out what's happening in Peekskill-Cortlandtfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Nor-West catchment area includes the municipalities of Cortlandt, Peekskill, Ossining, and Yorktown. Persons residing in the catchment area receive first priority in regard to program registration, since these communities tithe tax dollars annually to Nor-West. For more information about P.R.E.P. please contact the Nor-West office at 737-4797 or on the web at www.nor-west.org
