We are pleased to announce that the JCC recently received two grants to support our youth aquatics programming and our Special Olympics program. The first grant is $2,500 from the Kelly for Kids Foundation, founded by Buffalo Bills legend and Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly. Within our Au-Some Swimmers program, this funding will be directed toward purchasing adaptive and safety equipment, paying for instructor certification and training, and covering other program expenses. Meanwhile, grant monies put aside for our Special Olympics program will go toward the purchase of sports equipment, participant uniforms, coach certification and training, and other program expenses. The Kelly for Kids Foundation is dedicated to serving disadvantaged and disabled youth in Western New York through the distribution of grant money raised throughout the year. The JCC of Greater Buffalo was one of over 40 charities and nonprofit organizations across Western New York to receive a grant this year.

The second grant we received was $5,000 from the Live Like Luca Foundation to support our youth aquatics programs. This grant will fund swimming scholarships for several children in the Au-Some Swimmers program and children taking adaptive swim lessons. It will also be used to purchase safety equipment and cover other program expenses. The Live Like Luca Foundation creates opportunities for children throughout Western New York to participate and experience activities in sports and education.

Since 2018, Au-Some Swimmers has been in operation at the JCC and has served children with autism spectrum disorder as well as those with other special needs. This adaptive swim program is taught by our adaptive aquatics instructors who have been trained to work with swimmers with special needs and physical limitations to create an effective and safe swim program filled with fun and memorable experiences. Within lessons, swimmers are taught basic swim techniques and water safety. Meanwhile, our Special Olympics program was established in February 2024 and has been a great success for our organization already. This program currently offers swimming and bocce ball, and will soon offer snowshoeing, all of which gives participants the opportunity to challenge themselves in fair and even competition. This program is open to individuals of all ages with intellectual disabilities.