Opening Doors in Cape May County

Several weeks ago in this column, I brought attention to a new community award, the Outstanding Service Recognition Award, which seeks to honor a person, organization or business that goes above and beyond to make our local community more inclusive for those with disabilities. This award, sponsored by the Cape May County Office of Disability Services, was spearheaded by an outstanding Ocean City High School senior, Carolyn Hoke, who made it the centerpiece of her Senior Girl Scout Gold Award project.
The countywide call for nominations, I am happy to report, garnered an enthusiastic response from the community; the finalists included four individuals, three community organizations and one business. In the end, the review committee chose the community organization that received more nominations than all the other nominees combined. The Upper Township Challenger Sports Program (utchallengersoccer@gmail.com) is the worthy winner of this new annual award and was honored at the Community Disabilities Awareness Day on Nov. 12.
Daryl and Jen DiTroia started Upper Township Challenger Sports in 2009 and they continue to lead the program with dedication and great leadership and organizational skills. This co-ed adapted team sports program for children with physical and/or developmental disabilities, ages five through 18, has grown to offer soccer, baseball, bowling, and social events to more than 65 participants.
The secret of this program’s success is an enthusiastic roster of more than 75 volunteers. Included in this roster is a group of dedicated coaches who bring to the task, years of experience in promoting and guiding physical activities for children with disabilities. The greater number of volunteers is local high school students, each of whom teams up with a player as a “buddy,” offering encouragement and support when needed.
All involved emphasize that the value of the Challenger Sports Program lies not only in the opportunity it provides for children with disabilities, but also for the opportunity for teens and young adults to experience the importance and rewards of volunteering within their local community. The combination has proved to be a formula for success. Listen to some of the comments from an appreciative public:
“This is an awesome effort of volunteers, community and our children.”
“[The DiTroias] have filled a need in the community for these children but [have] also taught the many student volunteers (who help out week after week) understanding, patience and compassion.”
“In these times when more and more programs are getting cut because of funding or people simply don’t take the time to be involved to help others because of their own worries, it is very refreshing to see the turnout of volunteers every week.”
“The program has been a blessing in many ways. We do not have to travel to another county for our son to participate in sports activities. It has given us that local feel . . . Most importantly it gives our son a chance to play sports.”
“Having these parents (of Challenger Sports athletes) return week after week, season after season, tells me that Challenger Sports is doing something very good here . . .”
The motto of the Challenger Sports Program is “Everyone plays…Everyone Wins.” This has proven to be a winning strategy for all involved in this wonderful community organization. It is very appropriate that the winning streak continues with the naming of the Upper Township Challenger Sports Program as the recipient of the 2011 Outstanding Service Recognition Award. Way to go, Challengers!
Did You Know?
• Fresh Start is a component of the USF program (a NJ program that makes natural gas and electric bills more affordable for low-income households) and possibly the most valuable part for clients. If a household is enrolled in the USF program, and is successful in meeting 12 of the required discounted payments within the first 15 months of enrollment, the client’s past due balance will be forgiven – essentially creating a fresh start for clients. For further information on LIHEAP or USF, call 1-800-510-3102 or visit www.energyassistance.nj.gov.
• The Ralph Braun Foundation is currently offering grants up to $5,000 for mobility assistance to people with limited funds. Applicants must apply with the support of a mobility dealer who is in good standing with the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. The dealer needs to have evaluated the applicant for the mobility product that best meets the customer’s needs. Grant winners must provide proof that the remaining funding required to complete the sale is secured. Grant awards must result in an immediate equipment sale, and checks will be made to the representing dealer. The application form must be submitted in its entirety online by Nov. 30, 2011. For more information and to apply, visit ralphbraunfoundation.org.
Pierson is the Coordinator of the Cape May County Office of Disability Services