A wonderful time was had by all as Zumba instructors, participants, and volunteers came out to get some exercise, have some fun, and support a wonderful organization that has been providing services to Hernando County for over 35 years. A special thank you goes out to the volunteer instructors from MOVES Dance Fitness, Inc. and Mind Body Spirit Wellness Center whose energy and passion was infectious. Beginners and experienced alike followed along for 90 minutes of nonstop fun. Although tired, everyone left with a sense of satisfaction and a smile on their face!
United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay, Inc paired with Spirit in Motion Dance Academy, two organizations with a history of caring for children in the community.
United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving people with disabilities and their families, has a 66-year history of serving children, adults, and their families touched by a disability.
“We’re proud to support the Hernando County area by providing high-quality early intervention services to children birth to 3 years of age. We are able to improve the lives of over 120 children and families with the ongoing support of United Way of Hernando County and West Central Early Steps,” said Laura White, executive director of United Cerebral palsy of Tampa Bay. “Our program has a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and overcome challenges and can increase success in school and life.”
Early Steps is a federal and state program focusing on building the child’s strengths and teaching the caregivers activities that will help the child learn and develop.
Research shows that a child’s earliest experiences play a critical role in brain development. Starting interventions early puts children on the right path to learn and develop at their fullest potential. Early Steps services are done in a natural environment. Therefore, the program provides services to the family and child where they live, learn and play to support appropriate learning opportunities during everyday activities and routines. Most services will be held at the child’s home.
There is no income requirement to qualify for the program and families are not charged for services.
About United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay, Inc.
United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay, Inc (www.ucptampa.org) is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to guiding and assisting families and individuals, with any disability or other barriers, in achieving their full potential, resulting in community inclusion and independence. Founded in 1953, the agency serves more than 1,000 clients and family members annually in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando with programs and services that include early childhood education, supported employment and training services, and early intervention.
