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Kristopher's Story

How one child built friendships and social skills at CARE Clubs

By: Heartspring

Friendship and relationships are an important part of our CARE program and especially our CARE Clubs. The clubs offer a wide range of social-skill building opportunities through games, activities, and time to interact with other children in the same age range.

“The main goal is to make friends, but while they are doing that we want them to enjoy their time,” Tristen Moore, CARE Coordinator said. “We want them to want to come back. We do some natural correction of social behaviors. We give them the tools that they need to be a good friend.”

Kristopher is homeschooled and the services Heartspring offers and the social opportunities at clubs mean a lot to him and his family. So much that they drive the hour-plus drive to Heartspring from Salina, where Kristopher and his family live.

“I was hoping in these groups they’d be able to work on the give and take of social groups,” Misty, Kristopher’s mom said. “Or how to treat one another. He would be in a protected environment.” 

In the safety of the Heartspring campus, Kristopher has learned teamwork and communication skills through fun activities like making igloos and straw airplanes.

"I've learned teamwork a lot better,” Kristopher said. “It’s the only time I get to play with people my age.” 

The long hours in the car paid off for Kristopher. He has learned how to deal with different things that are hard for anyone to deal with including not doing as well as his peers in games. Or when it might be good to tell someone they need to take a break. Most importantly, Kristopher has learned new social skills and made friendships he can keep long after clubs.