A beautiful August afternoon, parents and friends gathered at Fries Auditorium, the kids taking the decorated stage in their costumes, singing, dancing ... performing. This was not Grosse Pointe Theatre's Youth On Stage kids, this was students from the Judson Center performing their Summer Camp finale, with the aid and assistance of GPT's Youth On Stage volunteers.
Under the direction of our Sharron Nelson and coordination of Emmajean Evans, GPT is lending a much appreciated helping hand to these special needs children, using theater to teach life skills. "I've see growth in these kids, just from last year to this year," pointed out Nelson. "I see kids who won't speak all day up on stage singing. I've brought the YOS kids over to summer camp a few times and the JC kids get so excited, they just light up. Although no YOS kids were directly involved in today's show I've had at least 20 YOS kids involved in a couple of other Judson events."
The Judson Center has been around since 1924. Their mission is to improve the lives of children, adults and families experiencing autism and developmental disabilities, children coming out of the welfare system that have suffered abuse or neglect, and adults and children experiencing emotional and behavioral health problems.
In attendance was Cameron Hosner, President and CEO of Judson Center, and he was very grateful for GPT's involvement. "We feel so grateful and privileged for GPT's help. Putting on a show helps these students with a variety of hands-on skills that are more beneficial than sitting in a classroom."
Debbie Moffat, Manager of the Grosse Pointe Judson Center, also recognizes the benefits of providing a theatrical experience to these children. "It's a self esteem boost, being able to conquer their anxiety about being onstage, following directions, communicating, everybody working together ... there's just so many positives."
Emotions run deep in all aspects of theater, but the Judson students really captured the audience. "They were just so adorable. Instant tears. They pulled at your heartstrings every way possible," said Kelli Dobner, VP of Development for Judson Center. "One of the biggest benefits is working with another organization in the community that helps these kids feel inclusion. We feel that we're one of the best kept secrets in the community, and partnering with GPT helps us get the word out on the great things that are happening with our organization."
In addition to Sharron and EJ, other GPTers that lent a hand included: Larry Garcia, Curt Howe, Don Corbin, Arlene Schoenherr, Yvonne Hewlett and Jessica Tujaka.
Mike Trudel
