Social and Recreational Programs

Bittersweet offers year-round social and recreational programming for teens and adults with autism. These programs are based at our Whitehouse & Lima locations, with events taking place in the community across Northwest Ohio. Every offering aims to foster community inclusion, social and life skills, communication, independence, and fun!

For more information and to apply for social & recreational services at Bittersweet, contact Community Outreach Coordinator, Katie Kuntz-Wineland, at kkuntz-wineland@bittersweetfarms.org or 419-262-3206.

NW Ohio Social & Recreational Program

Based at our Whitehouse location with programs taking place throughout the Toledo area, the NW Ohio Social & Recreational Program provides an array of intergenerational opportunities for autistic teens and adults. SRP events take place year-round on weeknights or weekends, perfect for busy students and working families. NW Ohio SRP currently offers three types of programs:

  • Adventures in Skills Series: Every other month, we offer an intensive community-based social skills series called Adventures in Skills. Each series is facilitated by our team of BCBAs and is assigned a program theme (e.g. art, bowling, etc.). The series is typically 4 weeks long, with one session per week. Every participant is evaluated by our BCBAs, assigned specific social and communication goals, and supported throughout the series as they work toward their individualized goals. At the end of the series, each family receives a progress report, including data and notable examples of progress.

  • Single Events: On the months when a series is not taking place, we offer single recreational respite events. In the past, these have included trips to the Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo, a Jingle Ball holiday dance, craft & DIY nights, ice skating at The Ribbon, and more!

  • Family Events: Family Events provide opportunities for families in SRP to connect and enjoy community activities together! These events are often FREE! Unlike the other offerings in SRP, Family Events are unstaffed and parents/guardians are required to stay and enjoy the activity with their participant.

 

Lima Social & Recreational Program

Bittersweet currently offers social & recreational programming twice a month at its Lima location, Betty’s Farm! These programs take place on weeknights or weekends, with approximately one event per month taking place on-site at Betty’s Farm and one taking place in the local community.

  • On-Site Events typically include the opportunity to cook and enjoy a meal together, followed by themed games, activities, and more! Past on-site events have included a Friendsgiving feast and a New Year’s party.

  • Community-Based Events provide supportive opportunities for Betty’s Farm participants to explore all that the Lima area has to offer! Recent community-based events have included a trip to the Lima Symphony Orchestra, Suter’s Pumpkin Patch, and the Mercy Health Bright Nights holiday lights.

 

Whitehouse Summer Enrichment Program

For more than 23 years, Bittersweet has offered a 6-week Summer Enrichment Program for adolescents with autism at our Whitehouse farmstead. Activities include swimming, sports, arts and crafts, daily community outings, and more! In addition to these traditional summertime leisure activities, the Summer Enrichment Program focuses on community integration, vocational exploration, social development, life skills, and preparation for a successful transition to adulthood.

 

Get Involved with Social & Recreational Programs at Bittersweet!

We are currently accepting new participants in NW Ohio & Lima SRP! Here’s how to get involved:

  1. Fill out an application for services at Bittersweet Farms.

  2. Reach out to Katie Kuntz-Wineland to request the registration form for the current SRP session. Event registrations are conditional for new participants until the below steps are complete.

  3. Once your application & registration forms have been received, we will reach out to schedule a required admissions observation (meet & greet).

  4. Admitted participants are required to complete intake forms (liability waiver, emergency medical form, release of information form, pick-up form, and photo consent form)

Please Note:

  • The SRP program is private pay only, with scholarship funding available.

  • Bittersweet is not able to provide transportation to or from SRP events.

  • Bittersweet does not pass meds at SRP events.

For more information, contact Katie Kuntz-Wineland, Community Outreach Coordinator, at kkuntz-wineland@bittersweetfarms.org or 419-262-3206.

 
 

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