Sharing Hands A Respite Experience (SHARE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families with children with special needs, has partnered with Green Acres to offer a series of events called the Special Needs Swing.
Through the Special Needs Swing events, children and families gather at Green Acres on set dates and times, where children have the opportunity to engage in various activities, including miniature golf, playground exploration, and riding go-karts. The events have provided an opportunity for their children to participate in activities that accommodate their unique needs and preferences.
Cali Trowbridge, the director of marketing and development at SHARE, told Midland Times that the collaboration stemmed from her personal experience navigating the hurdles encountered by special needs families, as she herself is a parent to a child with special needs. The event was created with the intention of bridging the divide between conventional community gatherings and the unique requirements of families caring for children with special needs.
"Normal events and setup often do not work well with our children's challenges or needs. Loud noises, confined spaces, lots of activity, dramatic lighting - it can overwhelm them quickly,” said Trowbridge. "Green Acres has provided special needs families with a less busy time window on set dates to enjoy their course and play with others like them, all while being offered 30% off entry."
“We feel extremely blessed to be in a position where we can partner with local organizations like SHARE to give families with special needs a positive experience with local businesses and entertainment,” said Manager of Green Acres Alexander Agnew. “A number of our staff have family members with special needs, and we understand the difficulties of finding activities in Midland, and it means a lot to them that we’re able to do something to help out.”
Agnew continues, saying, “Green Acres has done a number of event days for SHARE, and we are committed to continuing to offer affordable entertainment at a safe environment for the Permian Basin’s families.”
The next Special Needs Swing event is May 1 from 5 to 9 p.m.
For more information about the dates and times for Special Needs Swing events and other initiatives by SHARE, visit the organization's website or contact SHARE Director of Marketing and Development Cali Trowbridge at: ctrowbridge@sharewtx.org