It’s hard to believe it’s been a year.
That’s what Laura Perez, executive director of the Special Needs Support Center, said when we met Thursday afternoon at the nonprofit organization’s home in downtown White River Junction.
It had been a year since the nonprofit, which supports children and adults who have disabilities and their families, moved from Lebanon to White River Junction.
The move has served the center well.
Located next to Trail Break Tacos on South Main Street, SNSC’s new space gives off warmth. It’s cozy, with subdued lighting and comfortable colors in the open space. Pictures painted by participants are evenly spaced on the walls. Unlike its previous home that featured individual offices, this one is conducive to the nonprofit’s ever-expanding programs — both online and in-person.
Perez started the tour outside, pointing to the nearby bus stop and ramp that make it easier for people to access. After entering the space, to the right is a cool-down area where anyone experiencing a sensory overload may find relief. There’s a tent, dark sunglasses and noise-canceling headphones, among fidget toys such as a wooden Jacob’s ladder, part of the nonprofit’s goal to purchase more sustainable items.
“It helps to quiet down the senses,” Perez said. “This spot is well-used.”
Instead of individual desks, there is a large table where the center’s five full-time staff members can work comfortably. They all gather there at least one day a week and regularly work remotely. Other times, they book the space for meetings.
“Because of COVID, we had the opportunity to think very creatively about the space,” Perez said.
That includes programs, like the book club and art class known as Art Lab, which take place in person and on Zoom. A cooking club focuses on dishes that can be made in a microwave, toaster oven or blender.
“They’re really accessible, nutritious and fun to make,” Perez said. The recipes typically call for three to four ingredients.
Hybrid programs have worked out well for SNSC. It’s expanded its reach and allowed it to do more programs with Zack’s Place in Woodstock. People who have moved away from SNSC also Zoom in to visit friends. Other people who might face transportation challenges or medical conditions that make it harder to get to the center can also attend.
“They have absolute control over their sensory experience,” Perez said. “It’s been incredible for us to watch and learn how empowering it is for people to have access virtually.”
The pandemic was the first time the center had experimented with virtual programming, but going forward, it will always play a role, Perez said.
“We had a huge learning curve and then it’s just been awesome,” she said. “We went from basically having programs for adults once a month to having programs almost every day of the week.”
Then there’s the bathroom, which is across the hallway in the back of the space.
“This is one of my favorite parts because it’s amazing how many people don’t have access to a dignified bathroom experience,” Perez said. “There’s plenty of room if you have a wheelchair or need assistance or support.”
It also includes a shower, and the nonprofit hopes to raise money to install an adult changing table.
The center hosts all-ages movie nights that simulate a movie theater — participants get tickets outside the door to give to an attendant and then get concessions from a snack stand. Simulating those real-world experiences can help people in the autism spectrum become more comfortable in different situations.
Being in downtown White River Junction has also more closely connected SNSC participants to the greater community. They participate in first Friday events and a recent CATV Halloween movie contest.
“It’s really expanded the level of programs that we have available for people,” Perez said.
Editor’s note: For more information about the Special Needs Support Center and a calendar of events, visit snsc-uv.org.
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
