Introducing Special Kids Connect Inclusion Ambassador Program
Have fun making a difference in the lives of others while earning community service hours.

Now accepting Inclusion Ambassador/Volunteer registrations for the following programs:

REACH Culinary - Tuesdays 8/17/24 - 9/17/24 (Soledad)

Special Education Conference - Saturday 8/17/24  (Salinas)

REACH Boxing - Wednesdays 9/4/24 - 10/16/24 (Monterey)

Loteria Family Night with Emergency Preparedness - Friday 9/13/24 (Salinas)

Interested in being an Inclusion Ambassador this year?  Email Jessica Huddleson at [email protected].

What is a Special Kids Connect Inclusion Ambassador?

Special Kids Connect Inclusion Ambassadors are young people who believe there should be better representation of individuals with disabilities in all facets of life: school, community, and the workplace. Through Special Kids Connect’s training, along with experience gained through participation in SKC’s REACH programs, Inclusion Ambassadors learn key elements of inclusion so that they can be effective agents for social change in their own communities – both now and in the future. 

How can I be an SKC Inclusion Ambassador?

Beginning in 2023, all of Special Kids Connect’s REACH Program volunteers are enrolled in SKC’s Inclusion Ambassador program.  As an SKC Inclusion Ambassador, you will receive inclusion training as part of your participation in a REACH program.  No previous experience in working with individuals who have special needs is necessary.  

Can I earn Community Service Hours for being an Inclusion Ambassador?

Yes!  All of the training and participation hours can be counted toward community service credit.  Of course, you are not required to be in need of community service hours to be an Inclusion Ambassador.  Special Kids Connect’s hope is that you will continue being an Inclusion Ambassador even after your community service requirements have been fulfilled.

What will I learn as an SKC Inclusion Ambassador?

SKC Inclusion Ambassadors will learn:

• Effective welcoming skills
• Approaches to designing programs and activities that are inclusive of the abilities of all participants
• What it means to “presume competence” and why it is important
• An understanding of developmental disabilities and how they can affect social skills, behavior, and communication

Most importantly, SKC Inclusion Ambassadors will come to understand that that we are all more alike than different. 

After that, how far you go is up to you!  SKC Inclusion Ambassadors will be given opportunities to collaborate with fellow Inclusion Ambassadors to identify, initiate, and implement real change in how REACH programs operate. 

What are Inclusion Star Rewards?

Special Kids Connect’s motto is “Helping Special Kids Reach for the Stars” and, because Special Kids Connect believes all young people are special, we have opportunities for Inclusion Ambassadors to reach for their own stars, as well! 

SKC’s Inclusion Star Rewards Program is Special Kids Connect’s way of recognizing and rewarding inclusion efforts.  Inclusion Stars can be earned through participation in REACH programs and promotion of inclusive practices throughout the year.  Upon completion of your first full REACH program in 2023, you can achieve STAR Inclusion Ambassador status. Participation in additional programs and activities allows you to earn more stars which can be redeemed for more rewards. 

More information about SKC’s Inclusion Star Rewards Program levels and incentives are provided to enrolled Inclusion Ambassadors. 

Inclusion Ambassadors will need to Download a Volunteer Application (PDF)

Inclusion Ambassadors have opportunities, year-round, to support Special Kids Connect's REACH Community Programs.  REACH programs give youth and young adults with special needs opportunities to take part in recreational pursuits they may not otherwise be invited to do.  And, it provides them -- and our volunteers -- opportunities to work alongside each other and to have a lot of fun!  Inclusion Ambassadors do not need to have experience with any of the recreational activities or working alongside young people with special needs.  In fact, we encourage those without experience to join the fun!  

Here is a sampling of activities Special Kids Connect offers throughout the year - and throughout Monterey County!  Programs generally meet one day per week and Inclusion Ambassadors are needed for 2 hours per program day.  

• REACH Art
  • Volunteer opportunities to support youth ages 7 and up with acrylic on canvas projects 
  • Four sessions (generally one 2-hour after-school day per week) over a 4-week period
  • No painting or art experience necessary...Just a desire to have fun!
• REACH Badminton
  • Volunteer opportunities to play badminton alongside youth ages 10 and up.
  • Four sessions (generally one 2-hour Saturday morning per week) over a 4-week period
  • No badminton experience necessary...Just a desire to have fun!
• REACH Basketball
  • Volunteer opportunities to play basketball alongside youth ages 6 and up.
  • Six week commitment (depending on the location).
  • No basketball experience necessary...Just a desire to have fun!
• REACH Bowling
  • Volunteer opportunities to support youth ages 7 and up with bowling.
  • Four-week, two hours per week, commitment.
  • No bowling experience necessary...Just a desire to have fun!
• REACH Boxing
  • Volunteer opportunities to support youth ages 12 and up with boxing drills and agility for fitness, not fighting!
  • Four-week, two hours per week, commitment.
  • No boxing experience necessary...Just a desire to have fun!
• REACH Golf
  • Volunteer opportunities to support youth ages 7 and up with golfing lessons. 
  • Six-week, two hours per week, commitment.
  • No golf experience necessary...Just a desire to have fun!
• REACH Swimming
  • Volunteer opportunities to support youth ages 5 and up with swimming lessons.
  • Four sessions, two hours per session.
  • Volunteers should have swimming experience.

For more information on REACH Inclusion Ambassador opportunities throughout the year, email Jessica Huddleson [email protected] or call (831) 372-2730.

Serve as a Parent Mentor

“Most people see what is, and never see what can be”- Albert Einstein

Parenting a child with a diagnosed disability or impairment can often feel scary and isolating.  Special Kids Connect seeks to support families in their parenting journey by matching them with mentoring families who are in a position to understand the challenges, the struggles and help them find the joy in raising a child who, to others, seems "different."  If you are interested in donating your time and energy in supporting a family in their journey, please email [email protected] or call (831) 372-2730.

Support Special Kids Connect's Board of Directors

Do you have a heart for our organization and feel led to serve in a leadership role with Special Kids Connect's Board of Directors?  We have opportunities for parents who have children with special needs as well as others in our community who wish to share their time and talents to help shape the growth and direction of our organization.  Special Kids Connect's Board of Directors meet the 4th Thursday of each month, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm via Zoom.  Board members have opportunities to share their special talents with our organization beyond board meetings.  Whether you have a background in finance, are a communications expert or, perhaps, love planning events and help with fundraising, we have a spot for you!  For more information, contact Special Kids Connect's Executive Director Lori Luzader at [email protected] or (831) 372-2730, ext. 105.  

Donate Your Dollars

Programs and services for children are costly due to the level of training, experience, quality, and one-on-one assisted care these special children require. You can help by donating your dollars to support continued resource development, awareness initiatives, and support programs led by Special Kids Connect.

Donations made via check can be mailed to: 
Special Kids Connect
1900 Garden Road, Suite 230
Monterey, CA 93940-5334, or simply click on the DONATE button, on the left, to make an online donation using PayPal.