YMCA Special Friends Dances: Parties that Bring Adults Together for Socialization and Fun
Once a month, the Methuen YMCA’s gymnasium transforms into an old-fashioned dance hall for the Special Friends Dances for differently-abled adults to meet, enjoy a snack, and dance for two hours! Guests are all smiles and there is a lot of laughter as they take over the gym and share fabulous dance moves.
YMCA Executive Director of Child Care and the Methuen YMCA Cathy Redard greets the guests and makes sure the dance floor stays busy. “The YMCA is a place where all are welcome and celebrated,” she said. “These dances provide a social opportunity for the community to come together in fellowship and fun.”
The Y promotes the power of choice to enhance the quality of life for individuals of all abilities. Through membership and programs, the Y provides diverse, accessible recreation in an environment that fosters dignity, success, and fun.
Nichelle Delgado who attended the School for Exceptional Studies in Lawrence was one of the first on the dance floor when the Village People’s “YMCA” song was played. This 33-year-old enjoys meeting new people and dancing.
“I love connecting with other people and meeting new friends. I’m making important connections. It’s very nice what the YMCA is doing for people with special needs. It’s important for us so we can connect with one another,” she said. Delgado works at the Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport and is on their Peer Support Board and shares that she is a self-advocate for people with disabilities.
Kevin McCarthy, 56, is all smiles when he talks about coming to the Special Friends Dances. “I work across the street at Market Basket as a bagger—people love me there. It’s good to have the Y here. I have a lot of friends and it’s a great place to meet people,” he said. McCarthy lives on Tower Hill in Lawrence and has worked at Market Basket, a job he loves, for 32 years. “I love to dance and I love the music!,” he said.
Waystone Health and Human Services direct care workers Martin Mburu and James Cann-Jamakloe brought four residents to the Y for dancing and fun. “Our residents talk about it all week,” Mburu said. “It’s a good thing for them to get out in the community. They love to get the opportunity to come and meet other people.”
Methuen native Mike Pauk picked up his girlfriend Jessie Hampton for a date at the dance. “We’ve been coming for years. It gives us something fun to do and a great place to go to,” he said. Hampton was waiting to dance when Abba’s “Dancing Queen” and Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” was part of the musical rotation.
Pauk and Hampton met in elementary school in Lawrence and as adults worked at American Training together. After a busy work week at his job as a Utility Specialist at Warde Senior Living in Windham, NH, a position he has held for 20 years, he loves dancing at the Y.
