I am a volunteer coordinator based in Jessup, Maryland, and about 5 years ago I became aware of Kids Enjoy Exercise Now through the Montgomery County Volunteer Calendar. My group had the most wonderful, fulfilling, and stimulating experience, and we have repeatedly participated in service activities with them since that time. K.E.E.N. provides athletic activities for autistic and special need children and teens. There is open gym, where based on the skill level of the particular athlete you are assigned to, you may shoot free throw, play dodge ball, jump rope, toss the ball, walk the track, hula hoop, pull each other around in wagons, and just about any other possibility for gym play. There is also a music and movement segment where percussion instruments, cymbals, and other rhythmic tools are used to share the joys of music with the kids there. Just the interaction with volunteers who do not judge them based on whatever their physical limitations are, encourages the athletes and their families. And their hearts are huge; perseverance, endurance, and persistence against all natural circumstances is evident in every session. The coordinators are totally invested in the welfare of the kids who attend, and there is just no way you can volunteer here and not have your faith re-affirmed in human nature.
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Children & Youth, Recreation & Sports, Sports, Youth Development Programs
Mission: KEEN's mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its athletes through non-competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet their individual goals.
Programs: KEEN has 8 program affiliates throughout the United States, including KEEN Greater DC, KEEN Chicago, KEEN Kansas City, KEEN St. Louis, KEEN Los Angeles, KEEN San Francisco, KEEN New York, and KEEN Phoenix. KEEN programs include Sports, Tennis, Bowling, Swim, Music and Dance.