We are conducting REACH programs remotely,
via Zoom for the start of 2021.  Volunteer
opportunities will be listed here.  Contact
Emily Erling at [email protected]
for more information. 

REACH Academy's WINTER 2021 session
begins Tuesday, February 2 and ends on
Tuesday, March 9.

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The future begins today. Special Kids Connect is impacting the lives of Monterey County's 10,000+ children with a special need. You can be an integral part of making a difference! Here are a variety of ways in which you can help.

Become a REACH Volunteer!

Download a Volunteer Application (PDF)

REACH Community Programs give children 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, understand each other's differences and have a LOT of fun! 

Special Kids Connect is looking for energetic, enthusiastic individuals who are committed to making a difference through the donation of their time and talents - no matter what their level of experience.  Throughout a normal (non-pandemic) year, we have seasonal volunteer opportunities in a variety of recreational pursuits.  During COVID, our volunteer opportunities are dependent on the online programs we are able to run.

• REACH Academy
  • Volunteer opportunities for ages 14 through adult to support academic enrichment programs for children with a wide range of abilities between the ages of 6 and 22.
  • Four to six week commitment (depending on the length of the program).
  • Programs operate via Zoom so no transportation required!
• REACH Basketball
  • Volunteer opportunities for ages 14 through adult to play alongside children with a wide range of abilities, ages 6 through 22.
  • Four to six week commitment (depending on the location).
  • No Basketball experience necessary...Just a desire to have fun!
• REACH Theatre 
  • Volunteer opportunities for young people with acting experience, ages 14 through 22, to take part in a REACH Theatre production at ARIEL Theatrical.
  • Volunteer opportunities for adults of all ages for "behind the scenes" support, including costuming, tech, music accompaniment and more.  (Note: This volunteer position requires the completion of a Special Kids Connect Volunteer Application and an ARIEL Theatrical Volunteer Application.)
• REACH Bowling
  • Volunteer opportunities for ages 14 through adult to play alongside children with a wide range of abilities, ages 6 through 22.
  • Four-week, one hour per week, commitment.
  • No Bowling experience necessary...Just a desire to have fun!
• REACH Golf
  • Volunteer opportunities for ages 14 through adult to play alongside children with a wide range of abilities, ages 14 through 22.
  • Six-week, one hour per week, commitment.
  • No Golf experience necessary...Just a desire to have fun!

For more information on REACH volunteer opportunities throughout the year, email [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 in Monterey.  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.