As the end of 2016 comes into sight, the Department of Parks and Recreation is busily preparing for the beginning of 2017.
As the end of 2016 comes into sight, the Department of Parks and Recreation is busily preparing for the beginning of 2017. One of the most noteworthy events of the New Year is the 3rd Annual Special Needs Providers Fair being held on Sunday, Jan. 29. This event has been recognized as the premiere event of its kind in southern New Jersey.
The event will be held at the Moorestown Church Street Recreation Center on the 3rd Floor, located at111 West Second Street from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For exhibitors, the cost is $35 per space, which includes a 6 foot by 2.5 foot table, tablecloth and one or two chairs. Each company or organization will be featured in the 2017 Providers Packet, which will not only be provided to families who attend but also will be distributed to those on the special needs recreation mailing list.
Making its debut in 2015, the Special Needs Providers Fair has become a beacon of hope for families of special needs individuals, providing resources for those with special needs. Since its inaugural year, the Special Needs Providers Fair has grown in scope and services offered. Last year more than 300 people attended the fair and visited the more than 40 vendors there. Businesses and organizations providing services ranging from educational to social and emotional were present. This year, already more than half of the spaces are filled with independent businesses, state services and non-profit providers.
This year the Department of Parks and Recreation will be highlighting its own special needs programs to include S.M.A.S.H., special family outing events and the return of social skills classes will take place in January and February. Additionally, some of the providers who will be present include DS&A, DVRS, Division of Disability Services, MJ KIDZ, Alexander’s Vision Community Services, The Arc of Burlington County, Flyers Youth Special Hockey, Marlton Sports Unity Program, Oaks Integrated Care, Community Options, Kingsway Learning Center, Carl’s Shoes, Orchard Friends School, Partnership for Successful Living, Peak Center for Autism, Epic, Bancroft, Githens Center, Disability Rights New Jersey and Caring Canine Burlington County 4H club. With only 27 spaces left to fill, the Recreation Center will undoubtedly be filled to the brim again.
For more information about this event please visit the Moorestown Recreation webpage at www.moorestownrec.com. Organizations or businesses who wish to reserve a space can register via the webpage and for questions can contact volunteer Darlene Altschuler at salt27@comcast.net.
