New Canaan YMCA Announces New Director of Special Needs Programs

The announced that Carolynn Kaufman has recently joined the Y as the Director of Special Needs Programs.  In this role, Kaufman will oversee the Special Needs Department, developing and implementing programs and activities for individuals in our community with special needs and their families.

“Everybody belongs here,” said Carol Antrum, Vice President of Program Operations at the New Canaan YMCA.  She added, “We are so proud of our Special Needs department and the opportunities we are able to provide to individuals with special needs and their families.  We strive to serve as a place where everyone feels welcome and can come to grow.  Carolynn is a great addition to our team and will ensure that we continue to address the needs and support the special needs community.”

Prior to coming to the Y, Kaufman worked as a certified Recreation Therapist for 13 years including eight years as the Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Mary Manning Walsh Home, a nursing home in New York City.  In this position, she worked with residents and their families and was responsible for assessing the needs of each individual and creating recreational programs which addressed those needs while improving their quality of life.  She also implemented a multi-generational program where she coordinated events with Mary Manning Walsh Home and outside organizations.

Kaufman commented, “I am so excited for this new opportunity to work with children with special needs and their families.  All kids have strengths and challenges, and I am looking forward to providing opportunities that will help increase the quality of life for these children just as I did for so many years with adults.”  She added, “It’s already been pretty clear to me that there is a strong sense of community here at our Y, with another smaller, tight-knit community of families who have individuals with special needs.  This makes the New Canaan YMCA stand out and I am so excited to be here to help meet the needs of as many individuals as possible.”

The New Canaan YMCA serves individuals with special needs through both inclusive and specialized programs for children, teens, and families.  Specialized programs for those with special needs include aquatics, gymnastics, yoga, social activities with peers, and team sports through Special Olympics Unified Sports.  In addition to specialized programs, the Y also strives to make accommodations so those with special needs may participate in any Y program, providing additional support as needed based on each individual’s needs.  For additional information about Special Needs programs at the Y, contact Carolynn Kaufman at 203-966-4528, ext. 156.