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Happy June!
We’ve been hard at work preparing for our upcoming Fall/Winter programs, and we’re thrilled to share a sneak peek with you! We have an exciting lineup ahead, including new offerings from Smiling While Sending Hope, more programs from RecCreate Yourself, and even a few extra fun events you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars because registration opens August 1!
In the meantime, we’re also gearing up for summer camp! This year, we’ve developed a special inclusion training for our summer camp staff to ensure every camper, regardless of background, feels welcomed and supported. Our goal is to create the most inclusive, enriching experience possible!
Lastly, we’re looking for volunteers for our Decades Dance! If you or someone you know is interested in helping out, be sure to sign up! We’d love to have you on board.
We’re so excited about everything happening this summer and can’t wait to share more with you soon!
~ Mackenzie
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Special Olympics Pickleball Clinic
Sunday, June 8 | 1-3 pm
Joyner Park Community Center
Wake Forest Parks & Recreation and Wake Forest Pickleball Club has partnered with Special Olympics Wake County to host a Unified Pickleball Clinic on Sunday, June 8, from 1-3 p.m. at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.
Special Olympics athletes and traditional athletes (Unified Partners) will come together to learn and play pickleball! This clinic is free to Special Olympics athletes. All athletes must have an up-to-date Athlete Participation Packet or Athlete Registration Form (New form) on file with SONC to participate.
Register today!
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Journey League 3v3
Sunday, June 15 | 1-3 pm
Joyner Park Community Center
Join Journey League at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road, for an exciting and inclusive 3-v-3 basketball tournament created specifically for individuals with disabilities!
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or new to the game, this free event is all about fun, teamwork, and showcasing your skills in a supportive and accessible environment.
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Decades Dance
Friday, June 20 | 6:30 pm
Joyner Park Community Center
Get ready to travel back in time to the 90s! Join us for our vibrant and inclusive Decades Dance, designed especially for individuals with disabilities. This event is all about celebrating the music, fashion, and fun of the 1990s in a welcoming, accessible environment. Whether you loved grunge, hip hop, or pop, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
We’ve created a safe and supportive space where all participants can express themselves, make new friends, and dance the night away. Bring your best 90s outfit—think neon, flannel shirts, baggy pants, and chunky sneakers - and prepare for an evening filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable moments. We can’t wait to celebrate the 90s with you in a dance that’s truly made for everyone!
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Sensory-Friendly Firework Watch Party
Thursday, July 3
Heritage High School
Join us at the Fireworks Spectacular for our Sensory-Friendly Fireworks Watch Party thoughtfully designed for individuals of all ages who may be sensitive to loud sounds or overwhelming crowds.
Enjoy the sights of the fireworks without the stress. We will be conveniently located at Heritage High School Softball Field, 1150 Forestville Road.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with the fireworks show scheduled to begin around 9:30 p.m.
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Wake Forest Mental Wellness Fair
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 1-4 pm
Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks St.
Mark your calendar for Wake Forest's Third Annual Mental Wellness Fair on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 1-4 p.m., at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 Brooks St.
Led by Commissioner Nick Sliwinski, the fair is designed to raise awareness about mental wellness and provide information on community programs, services, and resources available to loved ones who may be suffering from untreated or undertreated mental illness.
The Mental Wellness Fair is free and open to all – whether you need help or want to know how to support those who do. For more information, email Community Outreach Manager Andrew Brown, Jr.
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Say Hello to Fiona!
From hiking trails to basketball courts, Fiona is always on the move! She loves listening to music, spending quality time with friends, and being part of Journey League.
You will often see her at Esteamed Coffee’s social events or working out at the gym. This spring, she is excited to be joining Special Olympics Track & Field for the first time!
When she is not on the go, she gives back by volunteering at her church and with Meals on Wheels. Family trips are also a favorite - especially when they are filled with laughter and adventure.
Fiona joined SPIRIT programs in 2024, starting with Journey League in Apex and later continuing in Wake Forest. After Hearing about “Cooking with Friends” last July, she jumped into the fun and has not looked back!
She loves meeting new friends, improving her basketball skills and learning to cook delicious recipes with Mrs. Cathy!
Next time you see Fiona be sure to say hi!
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You're invited to to join our SPIRIT Wake Forest Facebook group!
Current and future SPIRIT program participants and their family members are invited to join our “SPIRIT Wake Forest” group on Facebook!
Within this group, we share useful information on upcoming SPIRIT Wake Forest programs, services, and special events.
Our group also serves as a forum for members to support one another, ask questions, and share insights on how we can best serve you as a member of the SPIRIT Wake Forest community.
To join, simply click on the button below!
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SPIRIT Open Play
Saturdays | 8:30-10:30 am
Joyner Park Community Center
SPIRIT Wake Forest will host Open Play for individuals with disabilities on Saturdays from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.
All ages and all abilities are welcome!
Whether you're looking to have fun, get active, or connect with others, everyone is welcome to enjoy a supportive and accessible space.
Open Play Time is free for RecCard holders and $5 for non-RecCard holders.
We can't wait to see you there!
For more information, email Mackenzie Dolecheck.
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Therapeutic Neuro Expressions
Fridays | May 30-June 20 | 1:30-2:30 pm
Flaherty Park Community Center
Join Recreate Yourself, LLC on Fridays (May 30 - June 20) from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Flaherty Park Community Center, 1250 N. White St., for a holistic program designed for individuals with neurological disorders (TBI, Stroke, etc.) to explore and express themselves through art, journaling, and other creative outlets.
By engaging in these therapeutic activities, participants can enhance their emotional well-being, improve cognitive function, and foster a supportive community.
This program offers a safe and nurturing environment to explore personal narratives and unlock creative potential.
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ASPIRE Respite Day Program
Wednesdays & Thursdays | 9 am-noon
Joyner Park Community Center
Aspire is our adult day program for individuals with disabilities in the Wake Forest community.
At Aspire, we come together as a supportive and inclusive community to help each individual achieve their personal goals in life. Our program embraces a holistic approach, focusing on a wide range of objectives, whether they be recreational, communication, or essential life skills.
Under the guidance of our instructors, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Throughout the program, they’ll have the opportunity to explore new interests, try out exciting activities, and discover fresh passions that will bring them closer to their goals.
Join us in this enriching experience, where we nurture dreams, build skills, and foster a sense of belonging.
Designed for people ages 18 and over, this program meets on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-noon at the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.
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Brain Power Bistro: Adaptive Cooking
Fridays | May 30-June 20 | 10:30 am-Noon
Joyner Park Community Center
Join our four-week series “Brain Power Bistro: Adaptive Cooking” with Recreate Yourself, LLC on Fridays (May 30 - June 20) from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road. During this adaptive cooking group, delicious recipes are simplified and tailored for individuals with neurological challenges (TBI, stroke, etc.).
Each session, you’ll master easy, nutritious dishes tailored to meet diverse needs, and best of all, we’ll savor our journey to culinary independence! Caregivers encouraged to accompany students if needed.
***Upon registration, please email Laura with any dietary restrictions. We will do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee all food will meet your needs.
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Cooking with Friends
Thursdays | 5-6:30 pm
Joyner Park Community Center
Cooking with Friends is a specialized cooking program for individuals with disabilities. This class will focus on simple cooking and baking recipes that can be prepared as independently as possible.
An instructor will help students concentrate on safety in the kitchen, learn basic cooking skills, follow recipe directions and work on communication. The students will be able to take the cooking skills that they learned and use it at home to impress family and friends.
Come join us as it’s a fun time to socialize with new and old friends. Students will have the opportunity to taste and bring home leftovers to share with the family.
We are changing things up by offering sessions on Thursdays from 5-6:30 p.m. at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.
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Club Connect
Thursday, June 26 | 5:30-7 pm
Joyner Park Community Center
Join us this month to paint rocks! Come hangout with your friends with a fun evening getting crafty.
Please be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on. We warmly welcome individuals who are capable of independently managing their self-care routines, and if needed, participants are encouraged to bring a buddy for additional support. Don't miss out on all the excitement!
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Autistic Pride Day
Wednesday, June 18
Autistic Pride Day is a pride celebration for individuals with autism. It recognizes the importance of pride within the community and its role in bringing about positive changes in broader society. Organizations around the world celebrate this day with events to connect with one another, demonstrate to allistic people that individuals with autism are unique individuals who should not be seen as cases for treatment. More so highlighting that autism is a form of neurodiversity. The idea behind the initiative is to bring forward a vision of a just world for all, to aim to foster understanding, acceptance, and neurodiversity.
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Learning Disability Week
Third week in June
Learning Disability Week takes place annually during the third week of June. This year's commemoration starts on Monday, June 16. This week is organized every year by the learning disability charity, Mencap. It aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities by raising awareness about important issues, fighting stigmas and discrimination, and raising funds for outreach and support programs.
Ways to get involved with Learning Disability Week you can:
- Talk about and celebrate the amazing things that people with a learning disability are doing in your community.
- Spread awareness of Learning Disability Week.
- Download and share our Learning Disability Week resources.
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Campaign with Mencap to challenge the barriers that people with a learning disability face
- Donate to Mencap to help us continue to campaign for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
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What is SPIRIT Wake Forest?
SPIRIT Wake Forest is our way of identifying the initiatives, activities and events offered by the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department's Specialized Programs & Inclusion. It stands for Specialized Programs and Inclusion Resources for Individuals Throughout Wake Forest.
Our staff has a wide variety of experience working with people of all physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities.
We offer fun, adaptive, and inclusive recreation opportunities in our community including adaptive sports, social and fitness programs, and after school activities - with more on the way.
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You have received this e-mail because you are subscribed to E-Notifier – part of the Town of Wake Forest’s e-mail subscription service. E-Notifier keeps you up-to-date on Town of Wake Forest news, information, and special events. If you believe you have been subscribed in error, or would like to cancel your subscription, you may unsubscribe below.
If you have questions or comments about the Town of Wake Forest website or E-Notifier, please contact Bill Crabtree by email or call 919-435-9421.
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