The New Canaan YMCA is where everyone belongs, regardless of age, background, and ability. As part of its commitment to inclusion as an organization for all, the Y’s Roaring 20’s Hangouts program brings together young adults with varying abilities in the community to enjoy fun weekly activities with friends at the Y and out in the community.
The program launched in 2012 as Teen Scene, designed to meet the increasing need for teens with varying abilities in our community to have the opportunity to socialize with friends and enjoy enriching experiences. Through these weekly activities, participants build new skills, confidence, independence, and make lasting friendships. In 2023, the Y adapted the program to Roaring 20’s Hangouts to serve young adults ages 19 to 35 with varying abilities in the community, continuing its support of many of the participants who benefited from the program as teens. The Y’s Roaring 20’s participants meet weekly to enjoy enrichment nights at local community organizations in town and at the Y, with dinner included.
The Y is grateful to the many organizations in town who open their doors and volunteer their time supporting the Roaring 20’s program. Recent community partners include the Carriage Barn Arts Center, New Canaan Historical Society, New Canaan Mounted Troop, and New Canaan Police Department. Activities from this past year include creating art at the Carriage Barn, learning about New Canaan’s history at the Historical Society, feeding horses at New Canaan Mounted Troop, and touring the new Police Department.
“A huge thank-you to the amazing community partners who make our program so special! Whether it’s a night of art, a delicious meal on the town, or an insightful tour, your generosity creates unforgettable experiences for our members. Your support turns a simple evening into an enriching adventure for our participants,” shared Carolynn Kaufman, Director of Inclusion & Support Services at the New Canaan YMCA.
According to a study by Frontiers in Psychology, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participated in community-based social and recreational programs reported greater life satisfaction and lower rates of loneliness. These findings contribute to a greater sense of inclusion and belonging, leading to long-term health and quality of life.
The Y’s longstanding Y Support Needs (YSN) initiative serves over 130 kids, teens, and adults with varying abilities each year. Through the initiative, the Y offers meaningful programs, summer camps, inclusion support services, special events, and employment opportunities, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can flourish by building confidence, making friends, and developing independence.
The YSN initiative is made possible by community partners and donations. To learn more about the Y’s Inclusion & Support Needs programming or to support the initiative, visit www.newcanaanymca.org.
