Inclusive Programming Coming to the COMO

On Tuesday, April 23rd, the Stonington Community Center was proud to be part of a small consortium of regional non-profit organizations, specializing in serving those with developmental needs, in anticipation of the new “Club COMO” program. The informal meeting was organized by Alan Sylvestre, Vice President of Merrill Lynch, and board member of the Stonington Community Center and Vista Vocational, in partnership with his colleagues Caroline Wall and Kevin Dunphy. Attendees included key players from Vista Vocational, Horses Healing Humans, the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress, Beth-Ann Stewart, COMO Executive Director, Christina Norman-Gohn, COMO Development and Program Director, COMO Board Members, Kathryn Burchenal and Paul Holland and community members including Regional Probate Judge, Nicholas Kepple. Members of these organizations generated an exchange of ideas and a positive dialogue regarding programming and services for the disabled community, especially within the Stonington area, as well as funding for such services. 

This meeting comes on the heels of the announcement of the COMO’s new initiative to begin offering special needs programming in partnership with Stonington middle schools.  Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, the Stonington COMO will be instituting the new program named, “Club COMO,” which focuses on fostering positive relationships between special needs children and typical peers. The free program will encourage positive youth development and exploration while allowing children access to a variety of activities including soccer, pottery, cooking, gardening and more. Further announcements will follow regarding Club COMO’s starting date.  Be sure to join our mailing list at www.thecomo.org.