“Good to see you!”
Athletics Director Kirsten “Coach K” Robinson was volunteering at a World Games gymnastics event when she saw the familiar faces of Ricky Caldwell and Mark Porch. She knew them as part of a group of LJCC members who visit regularly from Glenwood, a residential and community service provider of autism and behavioral health services in Birmingham. “I’ve only ever seen them at The J, so it was good to see them enjoying The World Games, too,” says Coach K. “And from what they told me, they were taking in a full schedule of events.”
“At Glenwood one of our missions is to fully integrate the people we serve into their larger community,” says Glenwood President and CEO Ken Oliver. When exploring opportunities with organizations that could lead to meaningful experiences for Glenwood residents, The J stood out. “The ability for our individuals to be a part of a community center that offers so many amazing opportunities and resources was impossible to pass up,” Ken explains. “Once we toured The J we knew this would be a welcoming place for our people and that they would be able to come freely and grow as community members.”
Taking ownership
Although Glenwood members travel as a group, each Glenwood resident holds an individual membership. “It’s important for us and the individuals we serve to have ownership and a say in what they do,” explains Hunter Wimberley, director of adult community and vocational services at Glenwood. “After touring the facility, we wanted those who were interested to have the ability to choose if they wanted a membership. It’s important that they have ownership in the process and are members — just like those without disabilities who are members.”
The Outdoor Pool has been a popular destination for Glenwood members, along with the basketball courts, fields, and walking track. A few individuals even enjoy swinging their own tennis rackets on the outdoor courts. For the future, Hunter says it would be exciting to have fitness classes geared toward Glenwood members, plus Fitness Floor tutorials on some of the equipment.
Glenwood would love to increase community interactions through social programs and volunteer opportunities. But for now, Glenwood members are building relationships with other J members and employees — like with Coach K: “Ricky, Mark, and the others like telling me that I’m the hardest working person here because every time they see me I’m on the move. Then we all laugh,” she says. “Seeing the Glenwood crew at The J is always a day-brightener for me, and I know they’re really happy to be here. Everybody wins.”