Special needs community gathers for uplifting Halloween party

He told CFJC News that spending time with people who have special needs brings him joy.

Party-goers enjoyed dressing up, eating pizza and knocking down some pins.

“After the year-and-a-half that we’ve had, anything social is amazing. Just look around; they’re just having so much fun and the connection we’ve all been missing,” he continued.

Maveety’s Halloween party immediately lifts the spirits of everyone who attends.

“I’m having so much fun today, it’s so much fun here I love it. So, I hope you have a nice day, thank-you,” said one participant.

“I played with my friends and had pizza and go bowl,” exclaimed another.

“I am having fun,” a third participant added. “It’s been a long time since I’ve done the Special Olympics. I’m so happy to be back after a year-and-a-half.”

The partiers weren’t the only ones smiling. Parents were grateful for Michael’s event, too. Jan Tarasoff says her daughter Whitney comes every year.

“This last year has been incredibly difficult for most of these individuals. Their entire life stopped a year-and-a-half ago. Whitney had nothing going on for a long time,” Tarasoff said.

“Just starting to get back some [normalcy], for someone with the need for continuity and everything being the same all of the time,” she added.

Maveety says his Halloween party is something he will continue to host forever.

“The connection I think I’ve found with the special needs population. They’re such a loving group. They’re so appreciative of all the things we do for them, such a connection,” said Maveety.

“I took in somebody into my home and they’ve become like a best friend almost.”

by Amandalina Letterio

Special needs community gathers for uplifting Halloween party

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