What Happens When School Is Closed but Life Isn’t?
When we found out that many local schools were open but special schools were still closed, we knew it was going to be a long day for a lot of our Friendship Circle families. Instead of leaving everyone to figure it out on their own, the FC staff jumped into action and, within a few hours, turned the day into a Snow Day Open Play at the Center.
Because of the space the Center gives us, we were able to open the doors and simply say: “come in, we’ve got you”.
Families walked into a room full of movement and joy. Kids bounced, rocked, built, explored, and played at their own pace. There was a bounce house going nonstop, rocking boards and Mega Blocks spread across the floor, and plenty of sensory play; Play-Doh, sand, and more. The sensory room stayed open all day for anyone who needed a quieter moment. For the older kids, the volunteer lounge became the place to be, with foosball and table tennis keeping them happily occupied.
Volunteers showed up, many bringing their buddies along, ready to help and entertain wherever they were needed. Their flexibility and good spirit set the tone and made families feel comfortable and supported from the moment they walked in.
Food has a way of making things feel taken care of, and we felt that deeply. Our Soul Cares WhatsApp group immediately came together to make sure everyone had a hot lunch, and KosherTown generously sent over warm cups of coffee for all the adults – a small gesture that meant a lot on a cold winter day.
We closed out the afternoon with a beautiful winter craft led by Marika Thunder, giving the kids a calm, creative way t o end a busy day. (Watch her reflections below.)
This program was pulled together at the last minute. But it rested on something steady: a community that pays attention, a staff willing to respond, and a Center that gives us the space to say yes when families need it most.
Sometimes, that’s all a snow day needs.
