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Opportunities Unlimited (ages 3- 21)
Opportunities Unlimited supports children with special needs to participate inclusively in a variety of existing community activities.
We also sponsor teen & young adult drop-in centers. View our 2009 Fall Opportunities.
A partner in the Bridgeport Lighthouse program, we support children with special needs at numerous Bridgeport schools. This program also provides 1:1 extended day programs through different school districts.
 Factsheet
Contact Person: Lauren Veneri, Opportunites Unlimited Coordinator, ext. 268 or Emma Genster, Youth Inclusion Coordinator, ext. 223.
Childrens Services Contact: Karen Cubbellotti, Children's Services Director, ext. 337
Towns Served: Greater Bridgeport Area
About Our Services: Opportunities Unlimited supports children with special needs in recreation, socialization and education programs in the community through a core group of trained volunteers, many of whom are recruited through local high schools and universities. The program supports pre-schoolers to teens in a wide variety of activities based on family choice including: dance classes, computer programs, basketball and soccer teams, swim lessons, etc. Opportunities Unlimited also supports teen and young adult activity programs focusing on enhancing social and daily living skills, which are developed with input from parents and youth. In addition, the program runs a Teen Advocacy Group, sponsored by Fairfield SEPTA, which enhances communication skills, social skills, and most importantly advocacy skills to teens in Fairfield.The program also provides after school support in the public schools to Bridgeport children with special needs and offers summer camp and other summer activities through local recreation departments and agencies. Individual extended day programs are arranged through different school districts. An initiative with The Partnership for Kids/Park Project provides therapeutic mentoring to children with behavioral/ emotional challenges.
What Will Happen: After a referral has been made, an Opportunities Unlimited staff will meet with the parent and child to discuss interests and needs. Based on this information, support services will be designed. Where funding is required, options will be reviewed.
Services can include:
- Volunteer support for children with disabilities to participate in recreational, social and educational programs in their community
- After-school and summer programs at public schools and community centers
- Trained staff to support children requiring individualized programs
- Participation in to our Teen Advocacy and Teen/Young Adult activities sessions
- Respite and mentoring for children with behavioral challenges
- Resource and referral
To make a referral: Parents/guardians may contact Opportunities Unlimited directly. With parent's permission teachers, guidance counselors, or community programs may also refer a child to The Kennedy Center. We will follow up by calling parents/guardians directly.
For further information, please contact:
Karen Cubbellotti, Children’s Services Director - (203) 332-4535 ext. 337
Email: kcubbellotti@kennedyctr.org
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