April 2025 Newsletter
- Mansi Swaminathan
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Hello Everyone! Aside from all the April fool pranks and other exciting events taking up your time, I hope you have an enjoyable month ahead!
Monthly Updates
SEMINARS & TRAININGS
MONTHLY EVENTS
FAMILY PICNIC (Meet & Greet for Families)
APRIL 26, 2025- 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Cost - $10 per family/per car
Parking -FREE (WeEMBRACE will be paying for the paking fees and a parking code will be provided after registration) by EMAIL. Make sure to save our email address admin@weembrace.org
Enjoy entertainment and games for the entire family.
Families with neurodiverse individuals are welcome.
The gathering will be at the Rotary Grove area in Mather Regional Park.
Each family is asked to bring a dish for the POTLUCK, VEGETARIAN FOOD ONLY.
A link to RSVP for the potluck will be given after registration.
WeEMBRACE will supply cutlery and beverages.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE - APRIL 15
LIMIT - 50 FAMILIES
If you have any questions, please email admin@weembrace.org or call/text Meena at 510-386-6842
2025 VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Pls check this out, if you are interested in directly of indirectly working with our individuals who are Neuro-Diverse
Volunteer of the Month
Where selfless commitment meets change: Meet Matthew Tibbitts
Matthew’s journey with WeEMBRACE began when he was working as a respite worker at UCP. Anurag's dad introduced him to a WeEMBRACE family event, and he saw an opportunity to use his knowledge and experiences to help others. As someone who is on the autism spectrum as well, Matthew was thrilled to help people just like him! His goal has always been to create an adaptive exercise experience that brings individuals out of their homes while building social and emotional connections through sports.
Since joining, Matthew has coached basketball and soccer, assisted with the annual Sports Day, and helped at various events. He enjoys making connections, high-fiving participants, and engaging in conversations. One standout moment was last year’s basketball session, where playing music brought everyone together, reinforcing that joy and connection matter more than a perfect lesson plan.
Through volunteering, Matthew has learned the importance of attention to detail, constant improvement, and leading with heart. He believes that making an effort, even without knowing everything, can make a big difference. To balance volunteering with other commitments, he incorporates lesson planning into his weekly schedule.
Matthew advises new volunteers to start small and build their network. Trying new things might lead to unexpected passions, and if one activity isn’t the right fit, there are always other ways to contribute.
Matthew actively promotes WeEMBRACE through word of mouth, vendor fairs, 5K events like the Turkey Run, and online collaboration. His goals include learning names better, exploring programs beyond sports, and reaching more individuals from low-income backgrounds.
Matthew believes in focusing on a few things and doing them well. His message to the community: “Be kind, it goes a long way!”
Thank you, Matthew, for your dedication and passion. Your impact at WeEMBRACE is truly inspiring!
Family of the Month
Meet Yasmin and her wonderful family!
Yasmin and her family—two moms, an adult son with unique abilities, and two energetic young boys—found a home in WeEMBRACE after moving from the East Coast. They were searching for a supportive community where their son could thrive, and they discovered just that.
Introduced to WeEMBRACE by Meena, Yasmin immediately felt a true sense of belonging. From talent shows and dance performances to bowling, recreation days, and summer camps, her family quickly became part of the vibrant community. Virtual workshops, arts, and music classes have also enriched their lives, creating meaningful experiences for all of them.
For Yasmin’s family, WeEMBRACE is more than a support network,it’s a safe haven. Her younger boys have learned empathy, and her adult son is included and valued in every way possible, whether fully participating or just being present. Some of their favorite memories include festive celebrations like Diwali, Holi, and Christmas, as well as family picnics and mom get-togethers. They also love movie nights and outdoor activities, always finding ways to make them sensory-friendly.
Balancing daily life can be challenging, but with the flexibility and support of WeEMBRACE, Yasmin and her family have found a way to prioritize self-care while staying engaged.
To new families, Yasmin offers this advice: Get involved! No matter your journey, you will find understanding and support here. Participation looks different for everyone, and that’s okay—WeEMBRACE is a place where every family is valued.
Looking ahead, Yasmin hopes to see WeEMBRACE continue to grow and to help create a world that celebrates neurodiversity. She and her family are deeply grateful for the friendships and support they have found and look forward to many more cherished moments with the community.
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