Introduction
The Happy Club is a Metro Atlanta YMCA program— developed and maintained by volunteers—that provides teens and adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to further develop their social and community skills. The Happy Club has approximately 200 members and volunteers. The growth of the program has far exceeded the expectations of both the Metro Atlanta YMCA and the program founder.
Mission Statement
To provide opportunities to enhance socialization and community skills through year-round activities for all teens and adults with developmental disabilities.
Philosophy
The Happy Club is founded on the following beliefs—
- People with developmental disabilities can learn, enjoy, and benefit from participation in structured social activities with proper instruction and encouragement;
- Through activities, people with developmental disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually;
- Families are strengthened, and the community at large—both through participation and observation— is united in understanding people with developmental disabilities in an environment of equality, respect, and acceptance.
Goals
To provide the most enjoyable, beneficial, and challenging activities for teens and adults with developmental disabilities.
To bring people with developmental disabilities into the larger society under conditions where they are accepted, respected, and able to participate in the community.
Program Locations
- Cowart Family/Ashford-Dunwoody YMCA
- Decatur-DeKalb YMCA
- Gwinnett-Lilburn Area (satellite of DDY)
- Gwinnett-Hamilton Mill
- Gwinnett-Peachtree Corners/Robert D. Fowler YMCA