Family Newsletter: September 2025 🍎

Family Newsletter September 2025

Lap of Champions

We’re excited to continue this new tradition to honor the amazing children in our community. The morning will start off with the Lap of Champions where children will be the stars of the show! All children are welcome to take part in the Lap of Champions while race participants encourage and cheer them on. Our hope is to have families from across the metro area join in so we can lift up and celebrate everyone! Plus, all children will receive their own medal! Register your kiddos for a free shirt while supplies last!

Fun Walk & 5k

Similar to last year, we will have an untimed 5K, a virtual option, and the half-mile fun walk. The event brings together families, friends, and supporters for a day of fun and purpose, while raising essential funds for the specialized care and inclusive education CRCC provides to more than 600 children and young adults each year.

CRCC staff and families get half off registration! Visit the race website and use code CRCCHALF at checkout.

Family Fun Zone

The Family Fun Zone is happening 9-11am at Stinson Park and admission is FREE! :)

Our Family Fun Zone will be the best one yet! Check out some of our community partners joining and the activities we'll have:

UNO Mavs Track Team - they were so fun last year!
Face Painting
Bracelet Making
VROOM! Mobile Sensory Theatre
Child Saving Institute
Bling Strings for Your Hair
Omaha Police Department
Down Syndrome Alliance (DSA)
Elks Lodge #39
Sidewalk Chalk & Bubbles
Early Development Network
United Way of the Midlands

After Party

After the Race = More Fun!

Join us after the race for some family-friendly fun at Sonny’s! This great outdoor hangout has space for kids to run & play while adults can kick back with a beverage.

CRCC will start a hosted tab with a special drink menu sponsored by our friends at Pathfinder Wealth Advisors! We’ll be there 10 a.m.–Noon, and you can grab food from nearby eateries.

We share a lot of great content on our Facebook and Instagram pages! Give us a follow so you can share in the fun stuff happening at both centers!

Calendar

Chalk It Up for Brighter Tomorrows

September 7-13

Connection saves lives. Whether it’s a conversation between friends, a check-in with a coworker, or a smile from a stranger — meaningful connection is a powerful protective factor against suicide. That’s why The Kim Foundation invites you to join them in spreading messages of hope through their annual event during World Suicide Prevention Week. Read more!

Nebraska Dance’s Hearts in Motion

Weekly on Sundays, from September 7, 2025 through May 17, 2026

ND West (18039 R Plaza, Omaha, NE)

This inclusive, tuition-free class—led by special educator Jessica Zagurski—supports children with special needs in building coordination, confidence, and community through dance. Learn more and register today!

Rehab Appreciation Week

September 16-22

This week we will celebrate our occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech-language therapists! Take a moment to let our rehab team know how much they are appreciated for being an integral part of our CRCC team! Thank you for all of the amazing work you do for our clients!

Rooted in Resilience: Sensory Regulation Workshop

Monday, October 20, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom

Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring sensory relaxation techniques through movement, breathing exercises, present-moment awareness, and creative activities. Participants will actively practice these tools and receive a PDF with instructions to apply and guide children in the practices.

This session will be hosted by Alexis Espinoza-Arrubla, a Mindfulness-based Regulation Specialist. Alexis holds a Master of Science in Social Research, is a Trauma-Informed Kids + Adults Yoga Educator (E-RYT 500, RCYT, YACEP), Certified Mindfulness Educator, Sound Therapist, and Reiki Master. She integrates her professional experience in social behavior with mindfulness, wellness, and ESL to support children and caregivers in developing self-regulation.

Save the Date for our Halloween Extravaganza!

On Thursday, October 30, CRCC will be closing early at 3:30pm. This will allow our staff and families time to get ready for the party starting at 5:30pm at Field Club of Omaha! More details to come!

Staff Highlight

Meet Kaitlin! She’s our Lead Teacher in our toddler room at SW!

Almost 4 years ago, after having her oldest son, Kaitlin came to CRCC looking for a better environment for both of them—and soon CRCC became like family! Now, she’s a proud mom of two energetic sons and is excitedly expecting a daughter. At home, life is even busier with two cats and a dog.

"Something I love about working with toddlers is seeing just how much they can learn and grow in such a short time. They are constantly surprising me with what new goals they are achieving, and I have learned to never underestimate a toddler!"

Community Partners

Program helps students on autism spectrum transition to adulthood
Communities get creative to tackle child care shortage in Nebraska