“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” - Ecclesiastes 4:12
The goal of this longitudinal 501(c)(3) organization is to help youth with Spina Bifida or acquired spinal cord injuries grow up to be confident, resilient, independent, and contributing members of society who have an intimate ongoing relationship with their peers and with the Triune God of scripture. To accomplish this, we will have bimonthly meetings consisting of four components:
1. a nondenominational study of the Bible to learn about the God who created the universe;
2. a speaker, presentation, activity, or field trip to expose participants to a wide variety of interests, conversational topics, skills, potential hobbies, leisure activities, vocations, community resources, and networking opportunities;
3. exploration of and provision of service to others; and
4. pleasant carefree leisure.
The Tricord Club will begin with about seven to 10 three year olds with Spina Bifida or spinal cord injuries and an equal number of three year olds without disabilities. Eight to 10 core volunteers will be recruited to assist the director with the children in the club meetings. The volunteers will be screened by passing the required background checks. Policies and procedures for the organization will be developed and the core volunteer team will receive training to ensure a clear cohesive vision for the club.
After the initial year, the three year olds will have the option to continue as they turn four, and can remain in the age appropriate subcategory of the club until the age of 18, when they may become adult volunteers. The second year of the club we will have a section for three year olds and a section for four year olds, with club sections for consecutive ages through 18 designed and added annually. When children do not choose to move forward to the next age category, new participants will be recruited to fill their absence. Each year, the Tricord Club will add curriculum and activities for the next phase of the child’s age and development. As the club progresses, we will continually adapt it as we explore the best practices and effectiveness of various strategies and we may collapse some of the age groups as needed.
As club participants mature within this enduring community they will contribute by:
· discovering their spiritual gifts and talents while developing a legacy of giving back;
· using their personal abilities to enable the club to serve more participants; and
· gaining experience in mentoring, leadership, and service for their own personal growth, integration into the community, and the ability to build resumes for high school, college and work.
Peers and older children, as well as adults and the parents of club members without disabilities will be invited to participate as speakers in order to:
· gain familiarity, comfort, and friendships with people who have physical diversity,
· become friends and allies of children with physical differences to promote inclusion in their wider community and neighborhood peer networks, and
· contribute to disabling ableism.
During each stage of implementation of the Tricord Club, we will measure indicators of success and make changes to continuously improve. The first club will be in Metairie, Louisiana. God willing, the club will be replicated in other geographic areas.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
