No Limits Foundation launches program
On Tuesday, Aug. 27, the Anderson County Chapter of the No Limits Foundation held its first meeting, and it was an overwhelming success. The No Limits Foundation began six years ago to offer services to special needs students through financial aid and vocational training. As part of their next stage of growth, they have launched a social engagement program for high-functioning adults with mild developmental delays or physical disabilities between the ages of 18 and 30. Nearly triple the expected number of participants attended, and according to Project Coordinator and local School Board Member Dail Cantrell, the event was a huge success.
“We were humbled by the response of the community,” Cantrell said. “We had students from Oak Ridge, Clinton, Andersonville/Norris, and North Knoxville. A two-hour parent meeting occurred simultaneously where details of the program were provided. Over the next 12 to 24 months, we will implement Sped Uber services and a Sped Uber Eats program and provide multiple areas of training. However, for the next few months, we are focusing on social engagement.
We have found that when these students leave high school, they often become lonely and miss out on social engagement opportunities that many of us take for granted. Our desire is to help develop genuine, lasting friendships within their own peer group.”
There is no cost to participate in No Limits, which is a completely not-for-profit, volunteer-led organization. Weekly meetings will take place at Second Baptist Church in Clinton, located at 777 Public Safety Lane in the Family Life Center, behind the main church building. The group is led by retired school teachers with extensive experience working with Sped students and adults. Dinner will be provided, and the program is led by the participants.
Cantrell says that it is important for these young adults to take ownership of what they want to do. “Our goal is to allow genuine and organic friendships to develop among this peer group. They are responsible for picking the name of the group, deciding what they want to do for dinner, and choosing what activities in which they want to participate. The emphasis is on doing what every other young adult in the world likes to do, which is hanging out with their friends and solving the problems of the world!”
For the next six weeks, the No Limits Foundation is encouraging new members to attend. Those interested can contact Project Coordinator Dail Cantrell at dcantrell@acs.ac or by calling 865-457-9100. Additional information is available on the website, nolimitsfound.org.
There is no need to RSVP, and participants are welcome to simply show up ready to have fun. Staff will also be available to answer parent questions during the Tuesday evening engagement sessions.