New STEM Equipment
Karen West recently accepted a $22,197 Meta Community Action Grant that the Friends of Gallatin Miracle Park has used to purchase new STEM equipment at the park (coming soon!) We are so excited to bring new and engaging park equipment to the Miracle Park!
Here is Karen’s speech:
First of all, I’d like to thank Meta for this amazing gift and this opportunity.
The FOGMP is so excited and thrilled to receive this grant! Part of the FOGMP mission statement is to provide inclusion and accessibility within the city of Gallatin parks (specifically the all-inclusive Gallatin Miracle Park) and that is exactly what this grant is going to do!
You see, for those of you that may not know, our organization serves families that have been affected by some sort of disability. It could be intellectual. It could be physical. It could be mild. It could be severe.
This grant is going to be providing 3 pieces of STEM-designed equipment (appropriately called Miracle Machines) for the GMP that will create learning through play!
These pieces have magnetic features and engaging sounds that encourage play while providing sensory input. They are designed for people to experience cause-and-effect insights, fine motor experiences and cognitive learning ALL while encouraging inclusion with others at the Gallatin Miracle Park.
Many of the families that we serve look specifically for these types of activities and (usually) invest into therapies during the summer just for this type of input and exposure for their child.
These Miracle Machines could NEVER replace school services or alternate therapies but, how cool is it to have these resources accessible and available to families during the summer months or in between services.
Many of the families that visit the GMP travel from around the state (and even out of state) so you can only imagine the impact these additions will have!
It’s just simply immeasurable.
We are so grateful to Meta for elevating and supporting our mission with this grant so that we can provide these invaluable connections, resources and experiences to our community and its visitors!
