LIHU‘E — Young Life Capernaum Ministries’ message is simple yet sincere: to help young adults with disabilities have fun, develop self-esteem and to build lasting friendships with others.
Volunteers, young adults with disabilities and their families let loose and had fun at the club’s second meeting, held Thursday at Lihu‘e Missionary Church.
Young Life ministries, founded almost 70 years ago, builds lasting relationships between children and adults, according to its Web site.
In 1986, the Capernaum program was established, which helps young people with mental and physical disabilities establish friendships with others.
The Kaua‘i chapter of Capernaum, which is the only one in the state, focuses solely on the children.
“The kids come in, and it’s there time to shine,” said Gina Kozerski, an occupational therapist who works with special-needs students. “They are the stars, and we make them feel like the center of attention.”
The meetings are designed to offer a support system for families, and allow the children to let loose and have fun, said Kozerski.
“There’s not a lot of resources for teens and young adults in the community,” Kozerski said. “It’s a life challenge.”
At Capernaum club, children play games, eat snacks, act out skits and share messages from the Bible.
About 50 people attended the ministry’s first meeting, held last month.
The organization hopes to build enough support and interest to hold weekly meetings and find other venues around the island to host meetings.
Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. attended Thursday’s meeting.
Lihu‘e Missionary Church is on Rice Street across from the Historic County Building.
To volunteer or for more information, call Ana Munoz at 652-5173 or Sheila Ringor at 651-1650.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or afrainier@kauaipubco.com.
