Kids Connect is a group that provides opportunities for children with special needs to develop bonds with local peers through casual and social events. Creator Sophia Ziajski is a junior at Allied Health and has a passion for working with special needs children and teens. After spending many years volunteering at local organizations, she decided it was time that she take her passion a step further and make an even greater difference. The hope for Kids Connect is to file within the state of New Jersey to become an independent non-profit organization. (A nonprofit organization is not automatically excused from federal or state taxes. To become excused, the corporation must meet certain requirements and apply with both the IRS and the State.)

“The idea of my organization was inspired by an encounter I had over the summer. One of my close friends reached out to me, explaining that her brother, who is in middle school and has autism, was having difficulties making friends because no one was taking the time to get to know him. I told her that I’d ask around to some of the parents of my friends who have special needs to see how they help their kids to become more social and interactive with the community,” said Ziajski.

The responses she received, however, were in reference to small organizations that were all sports-related with a long wait-list, not ideal for children with physical limitations.

“It bothered me to have no answer that could make a difference for her brother besides offering to befriend him myself and hangout soon. A couple of days later, I had the idea to have another friend who is also neuro-typical over with us,” she said. “I thought it would be cool to put together a group in Middletown that can host social events that typical teens would enjoy while incorporating the ideas of being inclusive and supportive of all members of our community”

For more information on Kids Connect, you can visit the website at www.njkidsconnect.weebly.com where you can also sign up as a “Buddy” or participant for upcoming events!