Developmental Disabilities Program Hosts Virtual Holiday Party for All

Last week, our Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) hosted their annual holiday party for the individuals and families they serve! Many DDP clients attended this event, so as usual, the festivities were for people of all ages. This year the party happened over Zoom, and the DDP team organized some wonderful activities for everyone to participate in and enjoy. 

After guests hopped on the call with their own treats and festive outfits to represent the holidays they celebrate, the party began with a virtual tour of the Jacksonville Zoo. Everyone was charmed by the skink, chinchilla and boa constrictor the zoo guide introduced. But the highlight of the tour was Gomez the Rescue Parrot, who could bark like a dog!  

After “leaving the zoo”, everyone enjoyed a social hour where they shared their holiday traditions and wishes for gifts, and good tidings were offered to all.  

This year a few of the DDP staff used their amazing talents to make gingerbread houses. Each house was shown to the clients with a vote being taken as to whose Gingerbread House was the best. It was a close vote, but we are pleased to announce that the winner of this year’s gingerbread house building contest was DDP Assistant Program Director Sheila Krausert! For at least this year, Sheila is the reigning queen of gingerbread houses in DDP.  

The night closed with a raffle offering fabulous prizes and a singalong to everyone’s favorite holiday tunes.  

In a world where so much is still uncertain, it is so important for CFCS to continue traditions like these for the people we serve. We are thankful for the many upsides there are to hosting parties like this one on Zoom! Not only does it make these events more accessible for our clients, but it’s also a way to see the world without having to travel. For instance, the Jacksonville Zoo is located in Florida, which is a plane ride away! Our clients were able to enjoy a fun trip from the comfort of their own homes.  

A very special thanks to our DDP staff for all of their hard work arranging such a successful holiday party! The always put so much care, enthusiasm and heart into creating fun activities for our families.