Kids to kids Blog
Els for Autism held a golf clinic for special needs golfers hosted at Hamilton Farm Golf Club
Hamilton Farm Golf Club recently played host to a remarkable event that combined the love of golf with a noble cause. On Monday, June 10th, the club welcomed participants from Kidstokids (K2K) for an Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf clinic, part of the ongoing Golf Challenge regional events.
The clinic provided a unique opportunity for individuals on the autism spectrum to experience the joys of golf while developing crucial life skills. K2K, a local non-profit organization serving over 150 special needs families, brought a group of enthusiastic participants to the event.
Els for Autism Executive Director Dr. Marlene Sotelo shared her thoughts on the event: “We are thankful for the opportunity we had to provide an Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf Clinic for clients of Kidstokids, furthering our mission of creating a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism and their families. Our golf clinics support participants in learning basic golf skills while practicing specific autism learning concepts, including communication, emotional regulation, and motor and social skills.”
The event was a resounding success, showcasing the power of sports in fostering inclusion and personal growth. K2K, known for its innovative programs and dedicated high school volunteers, has been making significant strides in supporting individuals with special needs. Their golf program, in particular, has produced some talented players with impressive short games.
In recognition of K2K’s participation and ongoing efforts, Els for Autism made a generous donation of $1,000 to the organization. This contribution will go directly towards supporting K2K’s various programs, including golf, farming, and educational initiatives that lead to apprenticeships.
While we are a microcosm of the world wide work of Els K2k mirrors their mission and the collaboration between Els for Autism and K2K exemplifies the positive impact that can be achieved when organizations come together for a common cause. It not only provided a day of fun and learning for the participants but also highlighted the importance of creating inclusive spaces in sports and beyond.
For those interested in bringing similar programs to their communities, the Els for Autism team supports organizations worldwide in implementing the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf program. To learn more about becoming an Official Program Provider, interested parties can email sports@elsforautism.org.
As our community continues to embrace diversity and inclusion, events like this golf clinic serve as shining examples of what can be achieved through dedication, collaboration, and a shared vision of a more inclusive world.
Morristown Knights of Columbus Donate to Support Kids2Kids Special Needs Program
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Morristown Knights of Columbus have generously donated funds to the Kids2Kids Special Needs Mentoring Program. This donation underscores the Knights’ commitment to supporting local organizations that are dedicated to making a difference through both financial and manpower assistance.
Kids2Kids, a local nonprofit, is known for its remarkable work in pairing teenage mentors with special needs children. The program offers a diverse range of activities, including swimming, tae kwon do, golf, yoga, art, and theater, all aimed at teaching essential skills while fostering meaningful social connections between mentors and their mentees. The K2K teen leadership board provides programming every weekday evening and up to two swimming sessions on Saturdays at the Morristown High School pool.
The contribution from the Knights of Columbus is particularly impactful, as it helps offset the operational costs of the program. This support allows Kids2Kids to continue offering low-cost activities to families who already face financial strains due to the costs of therapy for their special needs children. The program currently serves over 100 local families, creating an atmosphere that truly highlights the best of humanity.
K2K is immensely grateful for the generosity of the Knights of Columbus and their unwavering support. For teens interested in making a difference as mentors, more information is available on the Kids2Kids website at www.kidstokids.us.
For more details about the donation and the ongoing work of Kids2Kids, please contact the program directly or visit their website.
Anika Verma and friends raise $1500 for K2k
During the pandemic, Verma shifted gears to manage a variety of virtual programs for Kids2Kids. For her senior project, she also raised $1,500 for the K2K golf program by playing 100 holes with classmates Miller Burns and Luke Waskow.
Read More below-
Teen entrepreneur donates to Kids2Kids special needs program in Morristown
Morristown Boys go “off road” to raise funds!
Morristown boys go ‘off road’ to raise money for Kids2Kids
So what did you accomplish during COVID this summer? If you want to be impressed by a group of teenage boys–check this out!
Owen Genrich, Ciaran Myers, David Stephens, Dylan Kratochvil and Luca Hadley love to bike and decided to challenge themselves with a multi-day ride from Jackson Township, through the New Jersey Pine Barrens, to the lighthouse at Cape May this past July. Researching this 154 mile trek, on mostly off road trails, included: upgrading their equipment, figuring out daily ride totals, and planning campsites and their food and water requirements for the entire 3 night/4day adventure. As the plan came together they also realized that this was also a great way to provide support for a cause that has had to scale back due to COVID, ‘why not raise money for a cause doing what we love to do?!’–that’s when the boys decided to fundraise for Kids2Kids.
Kids2Kids is a Morristown based volunteer organization for kids run by kids. This non-profit organization has a mission to develop lifelong skills of special needs children through inspiring leadership of young adult mentors. All programming, which includes swimming, Tae KwonDo, yoga, basketball, art, drama and golf, are grounded in basic skill development and incredible peer relationships. The underserved special needs community usually has a difficult time finding the right program and right price for their child to just participate in an activity. With fundraising efforts like this multi-day bike ride, K2K programs are offered at low to minimal costs for special needs families.
Owen Genrich has been an active mentor with the K2K program, and realized that connecting his passion with his volunteerism was natural. “I have been involved with K2K’s mentoring program and knew additional money would be beneficial for the program and the kids.”
Mackenzie May, a founding member of K2K and a key mentor involved at the grassroots level to our current programming, had great reflection on the boys’ interest to fundraise: “This is a wonderful example of how our mentors are so passionate about K2K’s mission and going above and beyond to support our kids. After 15 years in operation, it is inspiring to see our efforts continue to grow and further develop our community. I want to thank these mentors on behalf of Kids2Kids for their continued dedication and above and beyond commitment.” Mackenzie is pictured here receiving the boy’s generous donation.
The boys trip started near Six Flags Safari Park with a herd of gazelles overlooking the start of the first 50 mile ride. “It was a little rough at first”, due to the rainy weather, but they soldiered on into the Pine Barrens along sandy tracks and numerous flat tires.
Each day was an adventure of hours of riding up hills, through unpopulated areas, past military bases testing explosives, and interesting interruptions ranging from exploring abandoned trains, planes, and monuments to assisting each other with bike maintenance and support. Each boy took turns leading the pack to provide a nice pocket for the followers to ease the ride a bit, with Luca taking the lion share of this role. They were a strong team throughout the entire length of the trip, from the minute they started in the rain to the moment they ran into the surf in Cape May.
“All in all it was a great trip. Of course we learned a lot along the way”, Dylan summarized. “We definitely will plan another outing as soon as we can”, added Ciaran. David explained that the group of them are entering their senior year at Morristown High and certainly have plenty to discuss on their upcoming college essays.
In total, the boys raised $2050 for K2K from donations made mostly by relatives and other local organizations. Better yet, there’s a group of very proud parents and accomplished young men that not only created some fun memories but are also enjoying philanthropic satisfaction. If you are interested in learning more about K2K programming or becoming a teen mentor, please visit our website at www.kidstokids.us
Learning Academy Fundraiser Concert
Please join Paddy May, host of Kids2Kids Sunday Sing Along, for a celebration of music in support of Kids2Kids Learning Academy.
ZOOM LINK WILL OPEN AT 6:45PM ON JANUARY 15TH
K2K Host is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Learning Academy Fundraiser
Time: Jan 15, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88121716788?pwd=QWVBNGkrUWxxUFN3WmNvU0t5M3lsdz09
Meeting ID: 881 2171 6788
Passcode: k2k
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Meeting ID: 881 2171 6788
Passcode: 660569
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kerncrZeeT
Congresswoman Sherrill High Praise for our Mentors
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, has been an advocate for special needs people since taking office.
She has kept a close watch on the K2K work we do with special needs children.
K2k was invited to participates in her Round Tables on issues that special needs families face each day. She has had representatives at our graduation from CCM for some of our students.
She was gracious in creating a video thanking our mentors for their extraordinary efforts during the Pandemic.
“Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill is grateful to the student mentors of the Kids to Kids program for your dedication to continuing to serve our community of children with special needs despite the challenges presented by COVID-19. You are all shining examples of how New Jersey has come together to support each other during the coronavirus pandemic!Here is a link to her high praise to our mentors who even during the pandemic have found ways to stay engaged with our kids.”
In Congresswoman Sherrill’s thanks she states: ” The Caring and Concern you have shown has made a huge difference….”
Thank you, Congresswoman Sherrill, for your support!
K2K PROGRAMS ONLINE:
K2k has transitions many of our programs to virtual in an effort to support our families.
While we sadly have not been able to reach many of our kids due to the \difficulties with using virtual technology many attend over 11 and growing programs.
You can sign up here: https://www.kidstokids.us/events/virtual-programs/
We are currently running these programs: Yoga, Exercise, Tai chi, Dance, Sing a long, Game day and One on One chat
Grace Miller Named NJSIAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year
Grace is on our Exective Board and has been a leader in our K2k organization. She was exceptionally critical as we transitioned to our Virtual Programs
THANK YOU MENTORS!
k2K Board developed programs for our kids on Zoom. Mentors have all been a huge part of making it a successe!!
https://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/local/how-we-live/families-children/2020/06/15/kids-to-kids-k-2-k-peer-mentorship-morristown-nonprofit/5344002002/
K2k Goes Virtual
We are aware of how difficult the time is for our kids and K2K is trying to be supportive.
WE ARE ALSO RECORDING SESSIONS FOR YOU TO USE ANYTIME!
Topic: Thursday Yoga
Start Time : Apr 9, 2020 03:50 PM
You should have received an email for registration- if not go to “Get Involved” and register
| Schedule:
Monday: Skype Hangout 4:15-5pm Monday: Zoom Yoga 6:30-7:30pm Tuesday: Skype Dance Class 4:15-5pm Wednesday: Skype Hangout 4-5pm (Puzzles) Thursday: Skype Yoga Class 4:15-5pm Friday: Skype Hangout 4-5pm (Movies, through screen sharing) Friday: Zoom Dance 3pm-4pm Saturday: Skype Hangout 11-12pm (Coloring) Saturday: Zoom Dryland (exercise) 5:15-6:16 Sunday: Skype Dryland 2-3pm The activities are not necessary, just prompts to make conversation flow easily. |
Mendhan HS IBCP Donation
Students in the International Baccalaureate Career Development Program selected K2k to be the core of the learning about Not for Profits, culminating in an actual fundraiser. Big thanks to Lucie Antonius, Alex Vilot, and Morgan Robertson. They raised $688.00!
The Philanthropy Project is a guided program that introduces students to the world of service and skills necessary to create an independent Service Learning Project. Students identify their philanthropic interests, research charitable organizations and demonstrated a similar mission through an analysis of that organization.
