“Surf Into Summer” Event in Oceanside Transforms Group with Special Needs Into Surfers for the Day
OCEANSIDE, Calif. (PRWEB) July 12, 2018 -- On Friday, June 22, San Diego-based TERI Inc. and international surf camp Surfers Healing co-hosted their “Surf Into Summer” event at Oceanside Beach. TERI, a non-profit organization dedicated to programming and initiatives to support individuals with special needs, helped a group of adults with autism and other special needs become surfers for the day.
“Our mission is to create as many opportunities as possible for our students and clients to follow their passions and participate in the Southern California community,” said Cheryl Kilmer, TERI CEO & Founder. “Partnering with Surfers Healing provided a transformative experience for our students and added to the active, happy lives we strive to help them fulfill.”
More than 39 adults aged 22 and older and their Surfers Healing partner spent the morning that Friday riding the waves and experiencing the calming effect of the ocean. Volunteers, staff and parents cheered from shore and shared in the joy of each surfer’s triumph on their board.
“The ocean is healing to many disabilities and helps with sensory challenges,” said Israel Paskowitz, co-founder of Surfers Healing.
Inspired by his son, Isaiah, who attends TERI’s community-based adult program, pro-surfer Israel “Izzy” Paskowitz and his wife Danielle founded Surfers Healing to enrich the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing.
Surfers Healing hosts camps worldwide and selected Oceanside, CA to co-host this special camp with TERI. The Paskowitz family connected with TERI when they had nowhere else to turn to meet Isaiah’s needs.
“TERI is especially amazing because they understand and accept autism like no other program out there,” said Danielle Paskowitz.
Whitlock Ink and Surf Experience also lent their support in Oceanside by outfitting the group with t-shirts and providing volunteer staff.
TERI, along with its partner organizations, serves more than 800 families in Southern California with 19 model programs and services that redefine standard of care and support for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
With the support of generous donations and advocates like the Paskowitzes, TERI’s latest project, TERI Campus of Life, is currently underway and continues to seek support. TERI Campus of life will be an international, university-like center for people with developmental disabilities.
To make a contribution to TERI Campus of life, click here or visit https://www.teriinc.org/donate-campus-of-life/. For more information about TERI Campus of Life, visit http://www.teriinc.org. Follow TERI on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
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About TERI Inc.
TERI Inc., a nonprofit organization founded in 1980, is changing the way the world sees and empowers people with special needs. TERI specializes in setting quality standards for individuals of all ages with a wide range of developmental and learning disabilities and supporting their families. TERI serves more than 800 clients in Southern California with more than 19 programs based at its main campus in Oceanside, California, as well as in residential homes throughout the area. The organization’s more than 500 dedicated staff members provide educational, social, and vocational opportunities in a positive, supportive environment. TERI has been nationally and internationally recognized as a leader for its successful and innovative model programming and training. For more information, please visit: http://www.teriinc.org.
Brook Larios, Plainclarity for TERI Inc., 8585983660, [email protected]
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