Caroline McRay’s Senior Ventures project focuses on her organizing and providing social group meetings for teens with Down syndrome. She has had seven virtual meetings, and each one has focused on learning a new social skill or completing crafts and games together. I have had the privilege to join several of the meetings, and I leave each one in awe of Caroline. She is caring, patient, enthusiastic, and a strong role model for these teens. Recently, Caroline provided a St. Patrick’s Day themed opportunity for this group. One of the mother’s of a teenager participating in the session provided this message on her Facebook feed:
Social Skills class was a hit again! Thank you Caroline! You're the bestest! This afternoon this amazing group of friends played St. Patrick’s Day bingo, decorated a shamrock crown, and played “Would You Rather....”. Each participant received all the supplies in the mail from Caroline. Getting mail from Caroline was the highlight of Kendle’s week! We will do it again in a few weeks!
I would like to encourage anyone interested to do this with a small group of friends. The world needs more people like Caroline! If you need help getting started just ask!
HAPPY SAINT PATRICK’S DAY!
No pinching this group! They all have green headbands and glasses! And yes Kendle is wearing Christmas pajamas.
This is a testament to the impact Caroline is making in the lives of these teenagers. She has taken the initiative to purchase, organize, and mail the supplies to each participant. An average of ten teenagers attend each session, but she is starting to see an increase in participation from people in other states. A young lady from Oklahoma joined in for the St. Patrick’s Day social event! Thanks to Kendle’s mom, other people are hearing about this unique opportunity for teens with Down syndrome to interact and learn new skills.
The next event will hopefully take place in person at Ridgeferry Park. Caroline is planning a picnic and Easter egg hunt for the group! In addition to planning this event, Caroline is also going to be working on developing a guide focused on how to develop a program similar to the one she has implemented through Senior Ventures this school year. Her mother, Beth McRay, owns Infinity Children’s Services in Rome and Calhoun. She has been Caroline’s community mentor, and she is so proud of her daughter. Mrs. McRay recently sent me an email with these kind words:
I am truly in awe with Caroline’s poise and ability to work with these precious teens. I think this experience will be with her for life! One of the girls, Kendle, now texts Caroline daily and they have truly become friends. It makes my mama's heart so happy to see this. And of course, I'm hoping this shapes her career choice!
Caroline does plan to seek a career in this field and carry on the work of her mother. Working with Caroline and the other students participating in the Senior Ventures program has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my teaching career, and I feel honored and blessed to have the opportunity to guide them through this journey.
