by Michelle Stacy-Schroeder, Recreation Services Administrative Supervisor, City of Prescott
One of the main goals of the Recreation Services Department is to maintain a leisure services system responsive to and directed by the diverse and changing needs of the community.
One of the ways we do that is by offering special programming for our special needs friends. The Special Needs Activity Program, or S.N.A.P. as we like to call it, was created in the early 2000s to offer social, creative and educational activities for Prescott area adults with developmental and/or cognitive disabilities.
S.N.A.P. participants range in age from 18 to 70-plus years and vary in their level of functionality. The program is designed to help them develop and address their desire to be an active participant in their communities, while also helping them to improve their socialization with others and create an avenue for creative expression.
The program holds a craft night the fourth Monday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m.; bingo night, typically the first Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7:15 p.m.; and the ever so popular themed dance nights, which are held generally on the third Saturday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m.
All events are held at the Grace Sparkes Memorial Activity Center at 824 E. Gurley St. in Prescott.
Prior to and during COVID, the program saw a slight decline in participation. In the height of the pandemic, the program was canceled. Now in 2023, the program is stronger than ever.
S.N.A.P. is made possible by the servant hearts of volunteers, donations from community partners and businesses and the energetic and organized coordination of Recreation Coordinator Karlyne Crewse.
Because S.N.A.P is a nonprofit organization, it relies heavily on community support through donations and volunteerism. If you are interested in donating items such as food, bingo and door prizes or being a volunteer to help with event setup, please contact Karlyne Crewse at 928.777.1554 or via email at Karlyne.crewse@prescott-az.gov.
Monthly calendars for S.N.A.P. events can be found at www.prescott-az.gov/recreation-events/programs-special-events/programs/special-needs.
