Special Connections

The Special Connections day program provides a safe and stimulating environment designed to compensate for the significant challenges of its special needs adult participants. The program offers opportunities for social engagement, reinforcing skills, recreational and enrichment activities, and appropriate interactions with the community at large. Additionally, the program is designed to offer respite to parents/guardians whose adult children are living at home. Special Connections welcomes volunteers year round and provides numerous opportunities for them to spend significant time with adults with special needs and thereby gain insights into the life lessons they have to offer everyone.

Special Connections offers a quality day program for special needs adults in the Greater New Orleans area. We provide a safe and stimulating environment where these individuals can socialize and feel valued. In addition, we strive to enrich the lives of our participants by offering a variety of weekly activities. These include I-pad instruction, group games, movies, crafts, sign language instruction, aerobics, line dancing and art instruction. Monthly events include birthday celebrations and seasonal parties, such as the Black and Gold Tailgate party and Mardi Gras. Participants look forward to field trips during which the group is exposed to a variety of local attractions and that allow them to engage with the wider community.

Several supporters of this worthy non-profit have committed to match every dollar donated to Special Connections via the Give NOLA Day fundraising page -- up to $3,000 in total matching donations.  That means each contribution will have an enhanced impact!

Testimonials

"I like everything about Special Connections. It is my second home. I love the staff. They do a great job. I love the field trips they plan. I like to play games, play on the I-pad and to do arts and crafts. I just like being there with my friends.

Margaret B. (participant)

"We worried about what our adult son would do when he finished school. A job was not in his future. Special Connections became the answer to our prayer. It provides the social engagement we were looking for. The activities are appropriate for his abilities. The staff brings out the best in each member in a caring and fun environment. Our son has made friends and feels a sense of belonging.

Sandy and John D.