December 2021
Spreading Holiday joy
Our annual tradition of making the holiday season brighter for persons that Rock the 21 continues. Through We Can’t to We Can’s program, we are happy to provide holiday cheer to Rockstar Gregory with a gift card to AMC Theaters. After battling COVID-19, Gregory has been regaining strength and is looking forward to a fantastic Christmas and evening out at the movies—one of his favorite activities—with his rockstar girlfriend this holiday season. We Can’t to We Can is a non-profit that focuses on providing entertainment and community outreach activities for adults and children with special needs.
And, we were also excited to provide cheer to Hudson Milestones' clients, purchasing gifts off their Amazon holiday wish lists. The pandemic continues to cause challenge in daily routine and finding activities to engage and entertain. We are thrilled to provide cheer and give our Rockstar friends something to look forward to this holiday season.
October 2021
Fall Festival
Creating connections is so important! We recently hosted our Fall Festival in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.
This event afforded the opportunity to welcome two new families to our network and to strengthen existing friendships. It was also a great reason for our friends who live in group homes to get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather.
Networking events are beneficial to adults and kids alike. While parents and caregivers chat about schools, doctors, and our day-to-day, kids—both young and old—have a blast being with each other!
The day was complete with pumpkin decorating, a bubble show, and a fall-themed photo booth staffed by our friends at TBish Photography. A huge shout out to our student volunteers from Steven’s Institute of Technology who helped make the day a success.
Soccer Time
With fall comes the soccer season! Wanting to ensure there was a local soccer option for kids with special needs, Rock the 21 partnered with Super Soccer Stars to run a 6- week clinic.
Players were able to enjoy the fun and consistency of playing with the same group each week, allowing sessions to be customized to fit needs. Soccer Stars coaches provided individualized instruction allowing everyone to develop at their own pace. Our soccer stars had a blast!
July 2021
Camp Hope
One of the best things about summer is no school and summer camp!! Camp Hope in New Jersey ensures children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have fun in the sun during an 8-week summer program. Their integrated program combines crucial life skills, social and recreational activities with aquatics sports music and arts. Campers work towards new goals, build confidence and form lasting friendships in a true summer camp environment.
In honor of all campers who have three copies of the 21st chromosome, Rock The 21 donated $2,100 this summer to help the camp maintain proper COVID-19 protocols, including PPE so that all campers could enjoy another fun summer!
June 2021
Summer Connections
Creating connections is so important! We love hosting local events where families can connect, share stories, and have fun! In June, we had a great time with friends new and old at our kick-off to summer event. Kids were entertained by our friends at Inner Athlete, while adults had a great time connecting over coffee, bagels, and other treats.
Rockin' & Ridin'
We were excited to see friends across the country participate in iCanShine’s annual summer bike camps, including in our hometown of Hoboken. iCanShine is an international nonprofit that teaches those with differing abilities how to ride a bike independently, dance and swim. Hoboken’s camp was made possible through the efforts of Hoboken Family Alliance and Rock the 21 was pleased to sponsor t-shirts for the camp. Lots of happy faces on these bike riders! Check out iCanShine’s programs in your area.
March 2021
2021 Appeal Video
January 2021
Supporting a Strong Start: Early Intervention Scholarships
To help our youngest community members achieve their fullest potential, Rock the 21 awarded $6k in scholarships to the Stepping Stones’ early intervention program. Our scholarship will provide therapy for toddlers with Down syndrome (DS) who would otherwise not benefit from the program due to financial constraints.
Early intervention, which is provided to children with disabilities prior to their third birthday, is a set of critical services — most often speech, occupational and physical therapy — to help improve gross and fine-motor abilities, language skills, social development and self-help skills.
Judy Bellina, Coordinator of Stepping Stones Early Intervention Program, thanked Rock the 21 and our supporters "for your continuing support in the efforts of the teachers, staff and students as we strive to help our young children grow, live and develop to their fullest potential!"