A Quiet Space...
Bring on the marbles, the action figures and the superheroes because Darrius & Xavier love to play and they are full of energy!
Raising typical eight and nine year old boys takes a lot of love, energy and devotion. Raising 8 and 9 year old boys with special needs, coupled with learning disabilities, severe behavior challenges, Austism, ADHD/ADD and PTSD takes that and more! Xavier and Darrius and their bountiful energy are a blessing to Mom and Dad. They have taught their parents about the importance of taking time to notice the little things - like the garage door opening and closing - and the importance of relaxing and just being. Mom adds, "They taught me how to be a better person, too." (And they must have done one heck of a job because our team reports (and I agree) that this is a wonderful, caring, devoted and oh so appreciative Mom!) Every child needs a space where they can be calm and retreat. Some kids need this more than others. This is a first for Cecily's Closet and we're very happy to provide this deserving family with a quiet room for their beautiful and active boys, Darrius and Xavier. We've taken on sensory integration proejcts before - but never to this level. Thank you to Metro Flooring for donating the carpet to pad the walls and provide a soft, luxurious and relaxing backdrop to the room. It transformed the room into a meditative space - a space for the boys to go when they need time to just relax and be still. Mom was thrilled with this gift! She said, "The amazingly professional workmanship on the walls is more than I could have hoped for. All I had to go on were quiet rooms at schools and hospitals. Without exception those rooms have an institutional feel. Our room is relaxing and soft without feeling "padded". And Thank you to PaintGreen for providing the beautiful, blue backdrop to the room. The combination of the carpet and paint just created a soothing environment! This supportive family was nominated for this room because they exemplify the spirit of Cecily's Closet. They put their kids needs first - and they are always looking for ways to make their children's lives more fulfilling and happy.These two boys were nominated by their instructor at their therapeutic riding program, PoVa Therapeutic Riding Center. When this Mom is not caring for her boys - she is caring for others. She donates her time and talent to aid this local non-profit that services children with special needs in San Diego. The nomination was glowing about this Mom and everything she does for her kids. She is described as having a heart of gold and a "can do" attitude. She and her husband loves and nurture their boys with compassion and devotion and are committed to ensuring they get the services and help they need to overcome their disabilities. Both boys require large amounts of sensory input. We created this room to provide them a safe and nurturing space for them to relax, blow off steam and rest. The room was designed to be a calm and quiet room where the boys can take out whatever frustration they may be feeling without hurting themselves. Our team worked hard to make sure this pragmatic room hit the mark. It is a function over fashion room - but we love it and we're happy to report the family does, too. Thank you Julie, Gina, Metro Flooring, PaintGreen - our dedicated painting partner from day one, and of course the wonderful teens and supportive parents from TVIA. You all deserve such a HUGE pat on the back! This was a major effort and one of the biggest projects we have ever taken on. Thank you for your dedication, passion and commitment and for making this Sweet Dream Makeover possible for Darrius and Xavier. This is the first of something very exciting! |
Teen Volunteers in Action (TVIA)
Thank you to Teen Volunteers in Action (TVIA) for helping us transform another space for children with special needs in San Diego! This is our 5th time working with this wonderful organization and we couldn't be happier about this partnership! These teens put in the time, sweat and energy and they are a wonderful testament to the next generation. We are always impressed with the quality of their work and their respect for the families we work with.
Perhaps the best compliment came from their host! "Voltaire and I were floored by how hard working, polite and personable the teens were. What proud parents they must have! And what a terrific resource for Cecily's Closet projects. If we would have tackled the quiet room on our own, my boys would be teens themselves before we had it completed." Teen Volunteers in Action is an organization of young men who, together with their families, participate in structured programs of volunteerism, philanthropy and personal development. TVIA believe that through volunteer projects like Cecily's Closet, these young men will grow up to become strong community leaders. We had seven teens help with every aspect of the room – from painting the closet, to building the furniture, cleaning, and interviewing the family. We would like to commend them for their hard-work and we look forward to working with TVIA in the future! 
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