One little boy’s dream to make sure everyone feels included is continuing to change lives in the community he loved — and now that mission is getting a big boost. The Challenger Sports Program at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester was founded by the Martin Richard Foundation in memory of the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings. This fall, the program received a B.A.A. Gives Back grant from the Boston Athletic Association. For kids like Donovan Casey, the program has been nothing short of life-changing. “Sometimes there’s just no words,” Andrea Casey, Donovan’s mom, said. “It’s unbelievable. We just never thought we would ever get to this point where there would be things out there just for him.”Donovan struggled to communicate. But since he started going to the Boys and Girls Clubs, Casey said she’s seen progress she never imagined. “When he was younger, it was a little isolating,” she said. “They didn’t have a whole lot, but it’s been absolutely awesome. And we’ve actually noticed his behaviors are better, too. I think just because he does have things for himself and kind of his own friends.”Erin Ferrara, the director of Behavioral Health Services at the Dorchester club, said inclusion is embedded in everything they do.”Aside from the obvious benefits of sports, kids also get a sense of community and a true sense of belonging,” Ferrara said. “They don’t just get soccer instruction or basketball instruction. They also get lifelong friendships and social skills.”She added that the B.A.A. grant has been a game-changer. “The average soccer ball costs $4.99. But a power soccer ball that’s bigger and compatible with wheelchairs actually costs close to $90.”And the benefits go beyond the athletic fields. Jessica Martin started with the Challenger Sports Program when she was in eighth grade. She’s now an assistant art teacher at the club. “It’s been a huge impact on my life. Just showing them that they can be a part of something that’s so special and so meaningful and just allowing them to just be themselves,” she said. “Everybody deserves to be loved and welcomed for who they are.”
BOSTON —
One little boy’s dream to make sure everyone feels included is continuing to change lives in the community he loved — and now that mission is getting a big boost.
The Challenger Sports Program at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester was founded by the Martin Richard Foundation in memory of the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings. This fall, the program received a B.A.A. Gives Back grant from the Boston Athletic Association.
For kids like Donovan Casey, the program has been nothing short of life-changing.
“Sometimes there’s just no words,” Andrea Casey, Donovan’s mom, said. “It’s unbelievable. We just never thought we would ever get to this point where there would be things out there just for him.”
Donovan struggled to communicate. But since he started going to the Boys and Girls Clubs, Casey said she’s seen progress she never imagined.
“When he was younger, it was a little isolating,” she said. “They didn’t have a whole lot, but it’s been absolutely awesome. And we’ve actually noticed his behaviors are better, too. I think just because he does have things for himself and kind of his own friends.”
Erin Ferrara, the director of Behavioral Health Services at the Dorchester club, said inclusion is embedded in everything they do.
“Aside from the obvious benefits of sports, kids also get a sense of community and a true sense of belonging,” Ferrara said. “They don’t just get soccer instruction or basketball instruction. They also get lifelong friendships and social skills.”
She added that the B.A.A. grant has been a game-changer.
“The average soccer ball costs $4.99. But a power soccer ball that’s bigger and compatible with wheelchairs actually costs close to $90.”
And the benefits go beyond the athletic fields.
Jessica Martin started with the Challenger Sports Program when she was in eighth grade. She’s now an assistant art teacher at the club.
“It’s been a huge impact on my life. Just showing them that they can be a part of something that’s so special and so meaningful and just allowing them to just be themselves,” she said. “Everybody deserves to be loved and welcomed for who they are.”
