What You Missed

The 2023 Spring and Summer were bustling with activity at The Grove Project. We launched the Spring with a dance for Youth With Special Needs (YSN) in the Madison community. Over 60 volunteers, ranging from 5 to 18 years old, contributed to this events resounding success. Volunteers did everything from crafting decorations and preparing food for the dance, to managing activity stations during the event and acting as one-to-one buddies for the YSN. Volunteers and youth participants alike had a magical and memorable night! One parent of a middle school volunteer shared, “My daughter counted down the hours until she got to take part (as a volunteer in this event). I haven’t seen her this excited about something in a long time. Such a win for all!!” Another parent of a youth participant expressed enthusiasm by saying, “This event was so amazing. It gave my son a beautiful and productive way to interact with other children. I watched him come out of his shell. We absolutely loved it.”

While the dance was the highlight of our Spring, we also had two high school Grove volunteers raise over $500 for Good Grief by participating in the Good Grief 5k run. Our spring fundraising efforts also extended to support us directly. Jess Scarpetti, an amazing yogi, helped us “flow for the future” with a grounding yoga class that helped raise money for future programming.

The summer of 2023 featured a single-session event for CASA, during which elementary-aged volunteers assembled sports gift bags for youth in foster care. They included basketballs, soccer balls, personalized sports bags, water bottles, and handmade sports keychains. Volunteers enjoyed crafting and creating at the beautiful Noe Pond Club and CASA was thrilled with this thoughtful donation.

Keep checking back regularly to witness the various ways The Grove continues to make a positive impact in your community!