Page 4 - 352918 Donor Newsletter Nov 2024 v4_FIXED flipbook

Connecting Our Community!
Connect ing O ur Communit y!

Inclusion is belonging. That is what Kelberman community events do for the people we support and their families. They provide

opportunities for our families to feel valued and to participate in their community in a meaningful way. Creating these spaces

within the community where people with and without disabilities can come together has many lasting benefits. They help to

reduce a sense of isolation, improve overall attitudes towards diversity, as well as provide families with the opportunity to try

something new. People and families join us knowing that they are welcomed, supported and belong!
Friends and family of Kelberman enjoyed a beautiful, inclusive day at Enchanted Forest Water Safari!

a Z
c
Uti
Utica Zoo

oo
Prior to their arrival, families received information on the park. With their very own private pavilion,

families were encouraged to come and go as they needed throughout the day. They were also given
tubes to assist with wait times on certain rides. It was a joy to come together as a community and

make lifelong, lasting memories.
Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo welcomed Kelberman families for a special,
sensory-friendly fall evening! With fewer crowds and shorter lines, families
had the opportunity to explore the zoo at a leisurely pace. Attendees

t
es
Enchan
a
t
er Sa
Enchanted Forest Water Safari also participated in a variety of fall favorites, from pumpkin painting to
f
or
ed F
ari
t W

a tractor ride around the zoo. The excitement continued with the chance

to feed deer and visit the maternity ward goats, creating heartwarming

c

oo
Uti
a Z
Utica Zoo
moments for everyone. Fort Rickey was closed to the public during this

time, providing a sensory-friendly experience so everyone could enjoy the
o
y Z
o
v
ort Rick
er
e
o
y Disc
wonders of the zoo. F Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo

Kelberman friends and family gathered for a fantastic and free day at the Utica Zoo! The Utica

Zoo opened their beautiful grounds exclusively for us, providing a wonderful and sensory-friendly

experience. The zoo’s animal care and education teams were on hand to offer engaging Keeper Talks
and introduce visitors to some of the zoo’s ambassador animals. With fewer people, shorter wait

times, and a relaxed atmosphere, it was the perfect opportunity to explore the zoo in a more intimate

setting. Families thanked Kelberman for this opportunity to feel welcome.

ut
ism Acceptance Nig
A
ica Blue Sox
Autism Acceptance Night at The Utica Blue Sox
ht at The Ut

Kelberman and the Utica Blue Sox partnered to present Autism Acceptance Night at the Ballpark with over 500 fans

attending to cheer on the Blue Sox and to support Kelberman. Families were invited to take part in a Blue Sox player meet
and greet. Here, they were able to meet the players and get their very own autographs! We also hosted a pre-game parade,

where participants walked in solidarity for autism awareness and acceptance. This was led by Assemblywoman Marianne

Buttenschon. Participants then were able to high-five the players and stand with them during the National Anthem. They

also had the opportunity to participate in the first pitch, in-game experiences and more! To add to the excitement, every

player and coach on the Utica Blue Sox wore a special autism acceptance jersey to showcase their support. Fans were then

able to win these jerseys through an auction and have them signed by the player. Kelberman families, friends and Walk for

Autism fundraisers enjoyed a fun night out making lots of memories.