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MatchFriend
FirstFriend

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MatchFriend Match A FriendTeaching diverse youth to connect Through this program, each participating autistic youth is paired up with a specially trained 'friend' (from teen to young adult age) providing 1:1 attention and connection with mutual benefit for both. The preparation of the 'friend' for each autistic participant involves an education in arts, dance, nature, and humanities through a team of professionals who are part of Dance Into Unity's network. The aim is to elevate the quality of life of both parties - providing a healthy and meaningful connection to the autistic child and a rare educational opportunity to the 'friend', in so doing building a sense of purpose, confidence and consciousness in the growing generations of our society. While being aware of the needs and characteristics of youth affected with autism spectrum disorder, and providing the necessary components to meet the demands of this population, our focus is not on treating any illness but rather creating an environment where we can all go from a deep state of disconnection to a deep and perhaps most true connection.In order to make this happen Dance Into Unity is currently planning several fundraising events. We are so excited to open our doors to the community through "Match A Friend" providing a new, fresh and unique perspective working with diverse youth (both autistic and non-autistic) through dance, arts and nature.The immediate goal of the fundraisers is to create visibility to this project in response to the growing epidemic of autism while enriching our community by providing rare educational opportunities in arts and dance for diverse youth. The funding will go towards creation of the place and educating the first group of participants of how to connect through dance, arts and nature. This place already has a name, which is "Dance Into Unity Academy", a top level center for arts, dance and culture, the training ground for generations of youth to come.The First Friend (How "Match A Friend" idea was started)Dance Into Unity has been actively involved in the cause of autism awareness for over five years. But in September 2010 we got in even further.Adam, who has a severe case of autism complicated by seizures had an accident in the midst of one of his seizures where he fell down and broke his two front teeth. The family was devastated and DIU responded by organizing a 24/7 care team to help. This turned out to be a most valuable experience for everyone!In addition to basic round the clock care we found a friend for Adam. The friend was a 22 years old Special Ed student named Cole, just a couple of years older than Adam. It turned out that this connection created miracle not only for Adam, but also for Cole. Adam, who was so withdrawn most of the time started to not only crave connection, but demand it and Cole grew as an individual to find strength and real sense of identity.Cole spent 7 months with Adam and when he left it was very difficult for us to find another friend for Adam. But we knew that after witnessing the miracle of such a bond, we much create the "Match A Friend" program to be an essential part of Dance Into Unity Academy project.
Old Photo

First Friend (read more...)

Adam (Left) with his friend Cole (right)

FirstFriend The First Friend“The connection that inspired "Match A Friend" program. Adam (left) with his friend Cole (right).”In September 2010 Adam who has a severe case of autism, which is complicated by seizures, had an accident - during one of his seizures he broke his front teeth. Family was devastated and Dance Into Unity” responded by creating 24/7 care team in Adam's Home. From September 2010 till September 2011 we were able to care and define needs of an individual who requires most attention. It turned out to be the most valuable experience! Other than constant basic care, we found a friend to Adam, a 22 year-old Special Ed student, just a couple of years older than Adam. It turned out that this connection created a miracle not only for Adam, but also for his new friend Cole. Adam, who was so withdrawn most of the time started to not only crave connection, but demand it, and Cole grew as an individual gaining self-esteem and maturity. When Cole left it was very difficult to find another friend for Adam, and we decided to train "Friends" and teach them to connect through arts and nature. So this way we can set up a consistent program connecting autistic individuals with "friends" and providing them with a means of expression through healthy sensory related activities. We came with idea of "Match A Friend" program. Through "Match A Friend", each participating autistic youth is paired up with a specially trained 'friend' (from teen to young adult age) providing 1:1 attention and connection with mutual benefit for both.
Old Photo

Adam (Left) with Cole (right)

MagicTango

Magic of Tango Workshop: Timeless Tango. August 15, 2009

Elena welcomes 79 years old guest teacher Howard Barsky
Magic of TangoEnriching Communities: Argentine Tango workshops for adults to improve health and quality of life.As a part of our mission to enrich the community by introducing top level arts and education programs, DIU in association with the non-profit Unity in Diversity Arts Foundation offered the program "Magic of Tango" in West Hollywood where Elena Alexandra created a series of workshops (lectures, exhibitions, lectures, articles) for adults to improve health and quality of life. The program started in May 2009 and has been popular since.In this video Elena welcomes 79 year-old guest teacher Howard Barsky who shares his 12 years of experience dancing Argentine Tango with the group. "Tango gave me health, tango gave me life," Howard said.To educate the community abElena created number of inspiring articles

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