News Summary
The Exceptional Families Program (EFP), which supports families raising children or caring for adults with special needs, has reached a milestone with its one-year anniversary. Launched by several local organizations, the EFP has created a community of support, attracting over 250 participants. Families have experienced various engaging activities, fostering connections and providing respite opportunities. The program’s success is highlighted by increased summer enrollment at Camp Able, illustrating its positive impact on local families, especially those with Navy connections. Looking forward, the Coronado Community Foundation aims to expand the program’s reach and strengthen partnerships.
Coronado – The Exceptional Families Program (EFP), designed to support families raising children or caring for adults with special needs, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. Launched as a collaborative initiative between the Coronado Community Foundation, Camp Able, the City of Coronado, and the Friends of the Coronado Library, the program has made a significant impact on the local community, particularly among Navy-connected families who face unique challenges.
The EFP aims to create a supportive network for families while providing them with a venue to engage in relaxing and enjoyable activities without feeling judged or anxious. Since its inception, the program has successfully attracted over 250 participants, fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
Participants in EFP events have enjoyed a variety of activities, including building sand castles, creating bird feeders, meeting live falcons, and engaging in science experiments. These events not only offer joy and discovery but also serve as meaningful respite opportunities for families. For instance, a Navy veteran expressed that the program allowed him and his wife, who suffers from advanced MS, to experience a rare moment of peace while their children were cared for. Additionally, a mother reported that her autistic son felt comfortable in the group setting, an environment where he typically struggles.
The Friends of the Coronado Library play a critical role in hosting EFP events at the Winn Room, collaborating with local organizations to bolster community programs. Feedback from participants indicates that these events have provided crucial support. One mother, recovering from her adult son’s surgery, mentioned that the EFP event allowed her to rest for the first time in weeks, highlighting the program’s commitment to fostering care and compassion.
A notable outcome of the EFP’s outreach efforts is the significant increase in Camp Able’s summer enrollment, which rose from 400 in 2023 to over 700 in 2024. This growth reflects the strong connections made through the EFP, pointing to the program’s effectiveness in serving the community’s needs.
As the Coronado Community Foundation (CCF) looks ahead to the second year of the Exceptional Families Program, it remains dedicated to expanding its reach and strengthening its partnerships. The foundation emphasizes that EFP is an exemplar of its commitment to identifying unmet needs within the community and fostering collaboration to create meaningful initiatives.
The program’s success is a testament to the positive impact of community-driven support systems, facilitating connections among families and reducing feelings of isolation. Parents like Rudy, who attended an EFP event seeking engagement, found not just new acquaintances, but a community that understands and shares their experiences.
Through continued efforts and growth, the Exceptional Families Program is poised to enhance the support structure for families with special needs in Coronado, ensuring that every family feels they belong and can thrive in a nurturing environment.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: The Exceptional Families Program Celebrates One Year
- Coronado News: The Exceptional Families Program Celebrates One Year
- Coronado Times: Taste of Coronado to Benefit Forever Balboa Park’s Carousel Restoration Project
- La Jolla Mom: Coronado Island with Kids
- Coronado News: Keeping Busy – The Coronado Community Foundation
- Wikipedia: Special Needs
- Google Search: Exceptional Families Program
- Google Scholar: Exceptional Families Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Special Needs
- Google News: Exceptional Families Program
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
