All About WE BELONG
NURTURING BELONGING IS OUR MISSION
We Belong is a sensory-friendly, neurodivergent affirming after school program designed to meet the individual needs of Neurodiverse youth. We are excited to announce, we are now enrolling! We serve elementary-age students, offering individualized support, during after school hours, summer day camp and our Parent's Night Out Program. We also offer a Mentor program for kiddos of all ages, who are interested in having a helper role and developing important leadership skills.
Our experienced staff have received two purposeful trainings, building the foundational practices for We Belong. Each staff receives a training based on the TEACCH philosophy, Trained by TEACCH certified Advanced Consultant, Jon Blalock; as well as the Nurtured Heart Approach Training, led by OT, Jabbarah Andrea Jacobson. Both Jabbarah and Jon have assisted in program development and are contracted behavioral support staff for We Belong.
At We Belong, we are committed to cultivating belonging. Our team is comprised of a carefully selected group of dedicated professionals who have a passion for nurturing and supporting neurodivergent children.
Why Us?
We believe every child deserves a place where they can go after school and truly be themselves and belong. We Belong is not your average after-school program. Founded by a parent of neurodivergent children who were dismissed from after school programs, we understand the need for a program that accepts children just as they are, rather than attempting to change or mask pieces of who they are.
We utilize principles of the TEACCH method and the Nurtured Heart Approach which align with our core values of belonging, empowerment, authenticity and companionship to honor the uniqueness of our students so they can thrive within the program and beyond. We use Individual After School Plans, crafted in collaboration with the student's support system to respect their unique culture, aspirations, social preferences and passions. Our small student-to-staff ratio supports our value of individualized support, enabling each student to participate in program activities safely, based on their comfort level and ability.
Our customized curriculum and environment offer students tailored support such as visual, physical, and schedule aids. These resources are designed to enhance students' strengths and minimize sensory overload. It's all about boosting strengths and dialing down the sensory stimuation for a smooth learning ride!