Group forms to offer social opportunities for young adults with special needs in the diocese

Friday, Aug. 29, 2014

SANDY — Some months ago parishioners of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish in Sandy gathered with Samantha Almanza, director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of Salt Lake City to talk about forming a community of friends for young adults with special needs.

After several meetings and having gained the required Safe Environment certification and the approval of the diocese, the Blessed Margaret of Castello Group started gathering three months ago in the social hall of Blessed Sacrament Parish.

“These is a social opportunity for all the young adults with special needs,” said Nane Scalzo,  the group’s organizer, who knows firsthand how young adults with special needs have very few social opportunities.

“When we have a family member with special needs sometimes we don’t have any chances to really socialize,” she said. “Sometimes when they are out in the public they have to explain the behavior of their sons or daughters. People have to explain what is going to happen or what could happen, so sometimes we are just too afraid of the reaction so we don’t go out with them that much.”

The Blessed Margaret of Castello Group gathers for two hours one Saturday each month. During that time the  group attendees can have a light lunch as well as play games and share a moment making friends “and having a social opportunity  that most of them don’t have,” said Scalzo.

For Vicky Doehring, parishioner of Blessed Sacrament and volunteer with the Blessed Margaret of Castello Group, this group has been a blessing.

“I have a child with special needs,” Doehring said, adding that such opportunities for social interaction are “important because there are a lot of adults who, when they look for options of groups, they don’t have that many options. … They don’t feel comfortable.”

Every person who wants to participate in the group is invited, Scalzo said.

“Knowing each other is good so we can educate each other more and we can all work and have fun together,” she said.

Doehring urges parents to get their children with special needs involved in the group.  “We want them to feel that they are part of the community,” she said.

The age range for the young adults with special needs in the group is  not set in stone; every young adult or adult with special needs is welcome.

“We have had a 52-year-old and a 54-year-old adult guy coming,” said Scalzo.

The family members and friends are also welcome to stay and participate in the group, but they also have the option to just drop their family member off at the gathering and pick them up later.

“If they feel comfortable enough they can drop them off [and] the parents can have a rest for a couple of hours [or] they can enjoy themselves having fun [with us]. … So just come and have fun,” said Doehring.

The Blessed Margaret of Castello Group also is seeking volunteers. Before having contact with the group, all volunteers must complete the diocese’s Safe Environment program, and also undergo a background check. 

 

WHAT: Blessed Margaret of Castello Group

WHEN: Meets  every third Saturday of the 

 month, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WHERE: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 

1745 East 9800 South, Sandy

For information, contact Nane Scalzo, 

801-635-5510.