Central Bucks Family YMCA recently received a grant in the amount of $20,000 from Merck Foundation. The grant will help in continuing the mission and development of Central Bucks Family YMCA by allowing for the continuation and expansion of their adult special needs program, known as Seekers.
Seekers is a program for adults with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, and sensory impairments. There are generally few opportunities in our region for these adults to engage in physical and social activities without a support companion, so the program is viewed as filling an important need in the community. Currently, the program meets weekly and provides physical activity and socialization opportunities to 72 individuals.
“Great thanks go to Merck for providing us the opportunity to expand the Seekers program and allow us to increase participation and frequency,” said Meghan Halberstadt, Associate Director of Ability Programs at the Y.
Find out what's happening in Doylestownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
With the support of the grant, The Y aims to serve an additional 50 adults during each session of Seekers throughout the year, increasing the annual program participation by 70% and easing overcrowding by giving participants a choice of two evenings to attend. It will also be used to support transportation costs for participants and the hiring of additional staff required to deliver the program on the one additional evening per week.
Central Bucks Family YMCA is located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with the sole purpose of improving the quality of community life by providing programs and opportunities to strengthen the spirit, mind and body of its members.
