Our Admissions and Outreach team members are thrilled with the success of our Virtual Social Hours. Over the past nine months, we have seen people in our online Prader-Willi syndrome community thrive. Latham’s Social Hours groups have blossomed, welcoming more and more attendees. Those who previously stayed on mute the whole time are now coming off mute and entering into the conversation. Some of the children have never known anyone else with the same diagnosis – now they can say they not only know people with PWS, but they are friends with people who have PWS. Adult participants who have met one another previously at conferences now have monthly check-ins. While each Social Hour includes music and dancing, we’ve also centered our discussions around timely themes. In October, both the student and adult participants celebrated Halloween. Everyone was encouraged to wear a Halloween Costume, and we saw everything from the zombie scarecrow to a strong superhero. Students and adults were encouraged to write their own scary story or poem as well!
November’s Social Hours were ALL about the singing and the dancing. Every attendee suggested a Karaoke song (that of course was appropriate for everyone). While the focus was always on a specific singer, everyone was encouraged to sing along. The best part of this session, by far, was the supportive environment. Every performer received applause and kudos.
In December, the participants celebrated things for which they are grateful. Facilitators Patrice Carroll, Brittni Kliment, and Katrina Fryklund planned a discussion devoid of food topics, instead focusing on the meaning of gratitude. The majority of the participants in both the student and adult social hours said that they were most grateful for their families.
On January 20th and 28th, we’re getting back to the music, and we can’t wait! With a brand-new Mindfulness Dance Song Wheel, each person will have the opportunity to spin. The Adult Group will also focus on music education and songs they’ve written, while the Student Group will participate in a surprise writing activity celebrating Valentine’s Day.
If you know someone with Prader-Willi syndrome who is between the ages of 8 and 22 who would like to join the Student Social Hour, or someone with PWS who is 21 or older who would like to join our Adult Social Hour, please reach out to Ashley Pouliot, Admissions Assistant, ashleypouliot@lathamcenters.org.
