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Here's What's Coming Up!
Happy April everyone!
We had such a blast this past month with two incredible events!
Our "Spirit of Inclusion Expo" on March 21 welcomed around 130 attendees and featured 24 amazing vendors sharing valuable resources with families. A huge "thank you" to 321 Coffee for providing free coffee to attendees!
If you joined us for the expo, we’d love for you to share your thoughts and opinions on your experience. Please click on the link below and complete a brief survey, so we can use your feedback to make next year even better.
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We also hosted our Egg-ceptional Zone ahead of the Easter Eggstravaganza on March 28! With 35 attendees, this space featured a new, more accessible location, exciting prizes, and thoughtful adaptations to create a more inclusive experience for all.
Looking ahead, we’re so excited for the debut of our Inclusive Market at Forest Fest! Join us on April 18 to support local, disability-owned businesses, you won’t want to miss it!
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Starting this month, I will be adding a new section to our newsletter! My name is Sandy Guerrero-Flores, and I serve as the Specialized Recreation and Inclusion Coordinator.
I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2024 with a degree in Parks and Recreation Management, concentrating in Therapeutic Recreation.
I began my journey as an Inclusion Counselor with the Town of Greensboro, later completing an internship at an assisted living and memory care facility. In the summer of 2024, I worked for the Town of Cary as an Inclusion Counselor, and later that year I joined the Town of Wake Forest, where I have been serving since 2024.In addition, I speak Spanish, so if you or anyone needs assistance or would feel more comfortable communicating in Spanish, I would be more than happy to help!
A typical day in my role includes creating this newsletter, sending program reminders, developing program satisfaction surveys, planning staff-led programs, brainstorming new program ideas, meeting with potential program instructors, and checking in with our current programs and instructors. Most importantly, I get to see many of the amazing faces that make our programs so special!
Currently, behind the scenes I am finalizing the logistics for an exciting upcoming event. If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up and join us for Abilities Field Day on April 11 from 1-3 p.m. at Heritage High Park (300 Field). I am also continuing to work on expanding our programming initiatives to bring even more opportunities to our community! I am excited to start adding more to the space!
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Abilities Field Day
Saturday, April 11 | 1-3 pm
Heritage High Park, 1150 Forestville Road
Abilities Field Day is a celebration of inclusion, fun, and community. This special event is designed to give participants the chance to enjoy a wide variety of accessible games and activities in a supportive and welcoming environment.
More than just a day of play, Abilities Field Day is about connection, confidence, and joy. Participants are encouraged to engage at their own pace, discover new ways to succeed, and share laughter with friends, family, and community members.
Our goal is to create lasting memories and celebrate the strengths and abilities that make each person unique.
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Forest Fest: Inclusive Market
Saturday, April 18 | 10 am-2 pm
Downtown Wake Forest
As part of this year’s Forest Fest vendor market, the Inclusive Market will showcase businesses owned by or employing individuals with disabilities.
Attendees are invited to explore and purchase arts and crafts made by members of the disability community while supporting inclusive opportunities and economic empowerment.
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Inclusive Playground Series
Saturday, April 11 | 10 am-Noon
Davis Drive Park, 1610 Davis Dr., Apex, NC
Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Wake Forest Specialized Recreation are excited to collaborate to present the Inclusive Playground Series. This year we are excited to celebrate the grand opening of new inclusive playgrounds across the Triangle!
On Saturday, April 11, from 10 am-noon, join the Town of Cary for the Grand Opening Celebration of Davis Drive Park, 1610 Davis Dr., Apex.
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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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Destination Discovery
Friday, April 17 | 6-7:30 pm
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Play = Fun + Learning! Destination Discovery supports the development of fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social skills and language through purposeful play and peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program also brings families together to share experiences and build relationships.
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Miracles in Motion
Fridays | April 10-June 19 |
4:45-5:30 pm
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Miracles in Motion was founded with the idea that dance should be accessible for everyone, regardless of ability level. This class is designed to support an inclusive blend of children, teens, and young adults with various levels of support needs. Class will consist of a warmup, stretching, ballet techniques, jazz techniques, choreography, improvisation, and dance games.
Accommodations and modifications will be made as needed to ensure each dancer is comfortable and has the support, they need to thrive and have FUN! Our awesome peer mentor volunteers will provide assistance and encouragement along the way, and we will have an optional performance opportunity in June.
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CuidArte
Monday, April 13 | 5:45-6:45 pm
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
¿Eres un cuidador que dedica tiempo y amor para apoyar a un familiar? ¿Deseas poder conectarte con otras personas que entiendan las alegrías y los desafíos del cuidado? CuidArte es un espacio acogedor donde los cuidadores se reúnen una vez al mes para compartir experiencias, explorar recursos útiles y participar en conversaciones significativas en su idioma natal. Ya sea que tengas experiencia como cuidador o estés comenzando, aquí encontrarás comunidad, apoyo y ánimo. Juntos cuidamos nuestro bienestar para poder seguir dando lo mejor a quienes cuidamos y también a nosotros mismos.
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Smiling While Sending Hope Movie Night
Friday, April 17 | 5-7 pm
Alston-Massenburg Center,
416 N. Taylor St.
Join Smiling While Sending Hope for a cozy and fun-filled Movie Night!
Grab your favorite blanket and settle in for an evening of laughter, popcorn, and community.
This relaxed get-together is a great way for families and friends in the chronic illness and special needs community to connect, unwind, and enjoy a feel-good film together.
Snacks and drinks will be provided, and everyone is welcome!
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Abilities Tennis Clinics
Saturdays | March 7-May 2 | 4-5 pm
Heritage High Park, 1150 Forestville Road
Abilities Tennis clinics provide free tennis instruction for athletes with intellectual disabilities ages 8 and up.
Participants will learn the fundamentals, play games and have fun! Parents and/or caregivers are asked to stay during the clinic.
No experience necessary. Equipment (if needed) and volunteer buddies provided. Please note: There will not be practice on April 4.
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ASPIRE Respite Day Program
Wednesdays & Thursdays | 9 am-noon
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Designed for people ages 18 and older, Aspire is our adult day program for individuals with disabilities in the Wake Forest community.
Our goal is to provide a much-needed break for caregivers.
Participants have fun making new friends, exploring new activities, unfold their creativity through arts and crafts, and stay physically active by engaging in games which get them on their feet and moving. Most importantly we provide a safe place where they are free to be themselves, give them a sense of belonging and to socialize among friends.
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Caregiver Kindred
Wednesday, April 8 | 5:30-6:30 pm
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Kindred embodies connectivity, similarities, and familial connections.
Are you a parent or care provider for an individual with a disability? Do you crave to connect with others to have fruitful discussion about the opportunities, resources, and hurdles faced in your daily life when providing care to your loved ones?
Caregivers Kindred will be the place where we will join each other once a month to discuss topics, gain resources, and connect with those walking in similar shoes. Whether you consider yourself the expert or the novice, we are all kindred here and are eager to learn from one another.
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Boundless Buddies
Monday, April 13 | 4-5:30 pm
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Boundless Buddies is a dynamic youth program designed to provide a safe, inclusive and engaging environment for individuals with disabilities ages 8-12.
The program aims to foster meaningful socialization, enhance interpersonal skills, and connect participants with peers who share similar interests and experiences, through a variety of structured and unstructured activities.
Participants will have the opportunities to form lasting friendships, build confidence, and develop valuable social skills in a supportive community.
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Boccia Bash: Aim, Play, Score!
Tuesday, April 14 | 10:30-11:30 am
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road
Join us for an exciting Boccia Workshop, where fun meets strategy!
Boccia (pronounced bot-cha) is a precision ball sport, similar to bocce, designed to be inclusive and accessible for individuals of all abilities, including those with physical disabilities.
This workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of the game, focusing on coordination, teamwork, and friendly competition.
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Smiling While Sending Hope Ability Club
Tuesday, April 21 | 6-7:30 p.m.
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Smiling While Sending Hope Ability Club is where youth will have the opportunity to explore and engage with STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and creative problem-solving.
The program is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage innovation in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Join Smiling While Sending Hope Instructor Katie Haynes for a wonderfully fun evening!
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Calendar of Events
Click on the calendar to view a larger version of our April 2026 calendar of events.
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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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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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