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TEEN SERVICES
 Katie's FUNd
tm was started in July 2003 in memory of Katie Janeway, a 14-year-old with developmental disabilities who died tragically while attending camp in 2002. Its purpose is to provide teens and young adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to engage in social and recreational activities in an integrated, safe, and supportive environment. The participants in the program have helped to develop it around their interests. The program was an immediate success and has been growing ever since!
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Teen Extreme |
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Teen Extreme is for teens in junior high and early high school. They meet once a month on Friday evenings from 6-8 PM. This program is still being developed and it continues to be built around the interests of the teens that attend. It is a great place to meet new people and have a good time. Activities include anything from sports and crafts, to games and movies. This group is currently accepting new participants and interested teens and parents can contact Amy Buesker (see below) for more information or to request a registration packet. |
EXPO (EXtreme POssibilities) is for older teens and young adults.
Currently, participants in the program range in age from 15-22 years. Many of these participants have been a part of this program since our first program was initiated under Katie's FUNd
tm and have grown with it over the past few years. They meet once a month on Friday evenings, as well as attending events in the community. Friday evening events are based loosely around a theme and include activities
such as crafts, sports, and games as
well as a light dinner. Attendance at these events ranges from 20-25 young adults. The staff-to-teen ratio is typically 1:2, which provides a safe and fun environment for everyone involved. The community activities are composed of smaller groups of 3-8 participants and have included events such as going to the movies, bowling, and even rock climbing! It is a great opportunity to get out in the community and we are always looking for new and exciting activities to explore! Unfortunately, there is currently a waiting list for this program, but please feel free to contact Amy Buesker (see below) for more information or to add your name to the list. |
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Special Events & Programs |
These two groups come together three times a year for our annual
 dances. The most popular one is the annual semi-formal Starry Night dance. The attendees enjoy a night of music provided by a fabulous local DJ. Games and contests keep the night exciting and the energy flowing. Participants and staff dance the night away and go home exhausted, but smiling brightly!
Our Extended Summer Program was developed as a direct response to the requests of parents. It runs on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for six weeks from mid-June through the end of July. It is open to both groups of participants and it provides a great opportunity for them to engage in structured activities during the long summer months. Activitites include science experiements,
crafts, cooking, sports, and much more! |
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Staff & Volunteers |
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Staff and volunteers for all of these activities come from a variety of places including Westmont College, UCSB, SBCC, youth groups, high schools, and community service organizations. They are an amazing group of people with boundless energy, patience, and creativity. If you
are interested in joining our team, please contact Amy Buesker (see below). |
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The Impact |
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All programs developed and supported by Katie's FUNd
tm have made a significant impact upon everyone involved. One of the most important aspects of Teen Extreme, EXPO, and the Extended Summer Program is the friendships that have developed between the teens, young adults, staff, and volunteers. This is one of very few places where participants get to just "hang out" with their peers. Friendships that were once dictated by what school was attended or what classroom you were in have flourished into relationships built with compassion, shared interests, and mutual leadership in the direction of each event.
Participants watch out for one another. They call to make sure their friends have made the mandatory "RSVP" to Program Coodinator Amy, to hold their spot for each Friday night event. Cell phones are ringing when someone is missing. Plans are being made for after-event carpooling and sleepovers. Each event, be it movie night, karaoke, or cookie baking, is looked upon with great anticipation. Our tri-annual dances are events worth months of planning - not just by staff, but for the participants whose attire and dinner dates are organized and talked about non-stop.
Photos are merely a snapshot of what can only be described as contagious energy abounding from laughter, conversations, and the creativity and caring each participant, staff member, and volunteer brings to Teen Extreme and EXPO. Here are just a few of the many wonderful things that have been said about these programs:
"Basically I like it because Friday nights I usually don't get to do that much stuff, but now that we're doing this I get to have fun with my friends rather than be bored at home." ~Teen
"It's good! It's a good place to go hang out and have friends. I like having fun and being with friends. I like the activities. We have a good time." ~Teen
"Teen Extreme is the only place where I can drop [my daughter] off and drive away! Just like any teen! She feels that strongly. She gets a feeling of independence that she can't get elsewhere and I get a feeling of safety and security that I can't get elsewhere." ~Parent
"It has been a true blessing for our daughter to be involved in such a positive environment for her and her friends." ~Parent
"Teen Extreme is not only tons of fun, but it makes me feel like I am actually doing something fulfilling on a Friday night." ~Staff
"Teen Extreme is a great program...It's so much fun to see friendships formed and see the [participants] engaged in safe and fun activities!" ~Volunteer |
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Funding |
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All programs of Katie's FUNd
tm are supported by grant funding and the generous donations of individuals who share the vision that everyone deserves the opportunity to have fun and socialize with their peers. With ongoing support and the enthusiastic direction from the participants, Katie's FUNd
tm will continue to enhance services and enrich the lives of more teens and young adults with developmental disabilities. For more information on donating to Katie's FUNd
tm in particular, or Alpha in general, click here. |
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Contact Us |
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All participants must complete a full registration packet before attending any event. To request a packet, or for more information, please contact:
Amy Buesker
(805) 683-2145 x127
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