The Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to support the local non-profits and organizations that help to make recreation programs possible. This week, we highlight the Monica Buckley Foundation, which was established to honor the memory of Monica Buckley to promote the education and recreation of children and adults with learning disabilities, Autism and other related developmental disorders.
Monica Buckley turned 19 on August 17, 1982 and entered Villanova University on Sept. 5 of that same year. Three weeks later a car accident claimed her life. During high school, Monica spent many evening hours as a volunteer for the Association of Retarded Citizens in Atlantic County. Her efforts to help individuals with special needs continue now through the support of this foundation. Since 1998, under the leadership of local board member Sue Williams, the Foundation has provided funding for a wide variety of Special Needs programs in Southern N.J.
Beginning in 2014, the Monica Buckley Foundation helped to develop and fund special needs programming to the Moorestown Department of Parks and Recreation. Their most recent contribution has been the development of the S.M.A.S.H. Program, an after school social club for special needs teens. The S.M.A.S.H. Club (“Social Meeting After School Hours”) is the latest recreation program that focuses on special needs high school students and young adults. This program provides individuals with special needs quality, after-school programming.
The Moorestown Township Public Schools support this effort by providing transportation to students wishing to participate in the program. S.M.A.S.H. is available to special needs students’ ages 14 to 21 through three sessions annually, each session running for eight weeks. During their time at S.M.A.S.H. the students learn basic karate and self-defense, basic cooking skills, receive social enrichment and are provided with a peer support network. This wonderful program is available thanks to the generosity and contributions of the Monica Buckley Foundation.
This year, the organization will host its first local fundraiser. Friday, Oct. 7 will be the first annual Rock The Rec Fundraiser to help build awareness and support for special needs programming in Moorestown. This fun event includes a DJ, food and dessert stations and an opportunity to purchase tickets for a fantastic raffle. Many generous South Jersey and Philadelphia restaurants and businesses have donated gift certificates and merchandise. Tickets are available at http://monicabuckley.org/index.html.
For more information about the special needs programs available through Moorestown Department of Parks and Recreation please visit http://www.moorestownrec.com and select the “special needs” tab in the menu to the left.
