Starfish Project, a local nonprofit organization, was formed in July to improve the lives of special needs children and their families, and around 100 people attended the group’s fun-filled Christmas party this week.
According to Kendra Booth, president of Starfish Project, some holiday traditions such as going to the mall or parties can be problematic for some children, such as those with autism who can get overstimulated. “If they have a meltdown here, we all know how to deal with it,” she said.
Booth said the organization was created to fulfill a need to provide knowledge, support and services for children of all needs. “The kids that have needs but don’t have a group…we are their group,” she said.
In addition to fun games and activities, including a sensory lounge, volunteers rounded up food donations to provide a delicious assortment of cookies and candies. There was also a hot chocolate bar.
Hartman Photography provided Christmas photos with a Santa Claus, and Navarre High School Student Government Association volunteers were also on hand to assist.
Starfish Project is accepting memberships and sponsorships to help them provide audiology services and equipment, therapy services, parent support and education and fun family events like the Christmas party.
If you’d like to support their efforts, call (850) 396-9934 or email thestarfishprojectinc@gmail.com. More information is available at www.thestarfishprojectnwfl.org.
Alisha Justice, a special education Pre-K teacher at West Navarre Intermediate School and Starfish Project board member, gets a hug from Kaden Cortello at Tuesday’s Christmas celebration at the Tiger Point Community Center. (Photo by Romi White | SSRN)
