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Tuesday March 20, 2007

Release Date: 03.20.07 | Location: All Metro Atlanta | Organization: Kool Kidz Foundation

Kool Kidz Foundation - A Focus on Ability

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The Kool Kidz Foundation was formed in 2002 when the therapists of Kool Kidz, Inc. noticed a huge gap in facilities and services available for children in their community who fell outside the norm of their able-bodied peers. This included a complete lack of summer programs, competitive sports programs, and recreational activities for children with physical, social, cognitive and emotional challenges.

The Foundation creates an inclusive environment where all children can learn and play together without limitations and without the stigma or prejudices of a developmental label. Flagship programs include Camp Kool Kidz and Kidz Night/Day Out Respite Program, which lets parents take a break and children take part in planned activities organized by therapists and volunteers.

The Kool Kidz Foundation is composed of a small but dedicated board of directors and a growing body of volunteers. According to their records the Foundation has worked with at least 400 volunteers in programs including camp, respite, Kool Kidz Closet, Kool Kidz Triathlon and Kool Kidz Classic Polo Tournament, the Foundation's largest fundraiser.

"I just love working with the amazing kids associated with Kool Kidz," said Hilary Rogers, 17, a senior in high school. "Seeing the joy kids have in all the activities, seeing that they are accepted, smart and can participate like any kids means the most to me."

Volunteer Brian Higdon, 26, a restaurant manager, said "I love volunteering for Kool Kidz, because the smallest things mean so much to these kids. Just throwing a ball back and forth, or pushing them on the swing, totally makes their day. Just knowing that you have made a kids day, makes me feel good about myself."

The summer of 2003 marked the first Camp Kool Kidz, which was a one-day affair. By 2006, the camp had expanded to two weeks of 4 full days each with increased activities. June 2006 the Foundation held its first south side summer camp at the Joseph Sams School in Fayetteville. The north side camp is held at Shirley Blumenthal Park in Marietta.

"The Foundation provides fulfilling activities for both of my children," said Adriana Melone, a founding board member. "I have a typically developing child as well as a child with Down syndrome. The Foundation provides a nourishing environment where both of them can participate to the fullest of their potentials while learning new skills from others. It is the only inclusive program that I have found in the Atlanta area. All other summer and childcare programs restrict siblings of varying abilities from participating."

Most importantly for the Melone family, they know their children are kept in a safe environment where both of them can excel to their fullest potential.

Stacy Coburn, a Foundation board member is passionate about Kool Kidz. "I am involved because my entire family can participate and I believe in the mission. Kool Kidz provides inclusion for everyone. The programs offered through the Foundation like respite, camp and sports activities, allow both of my children, including one with special needs, to participate with their peer group. All children are included and valued for who there are, not what they can do."

Bekah Griffin, 21, is a committed volunteer who believes that Kool Kidz is a wonderful blessing . "Kool Kidz gives these kids a place to feel accepted and loved surrounded by caring people that just want to make their world a better place," said Bekah. "I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of these families and children. They have touched my heart and hopefully I helped in touching theirs."

For more information about Kool Kidz programs and how you and your family can participate, please visit www.koolkidzfoundation.org or call Lauren Shoda, program coordinator at 770.517.1585.