In the summer of 2014, Rob and Cheryl Williams, long time educators of children with special needs and Dual Language immersion in the Oceanside and Encinitas Unified School districts, decided to not only put their careers on hold to travel with their 2 children, Kirra 11 and Kai 8, on epic road trip adventure through Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and finally to Costa Rica to live for a year, but also decided that this experience would be a wonderful spring board to help children in need and The Shine Project Foundation came into fruition.
With the support of volunteers and donors, The Shine Project Foundation has been able to provide a variety of enrichment activities and opportunities for those with special needs to comfortably explore their interests, creativity, and vocational skills completely free of cost. In the past year alone, The Shine Project Foundation has served roughly 500 special needs individuals, connecting them with an inclusive special needs community.
The Shine Project Foundation has multiple recurring programs to connect those in the special needs community with resources and support. Here are some of our recurring events and programs:
This event provides a welcoming space for families with children, teens, and young adults with special needs to participate in hands on arts, crafts, music, movement activities, as well as the opportunity to perform special talents they have on a stage. The event offers interactive activities lead by local organizations, businesses, and volunteers; connecting families and individuals with special needs to each other, and to local community resource partners.
Learn more & see the full gallery from past Discovery Arts & Showcases by clicking here.
Over the course of the summer, we provide multiple fun, safe, and structured days at the beach. Our community and typical peer volunteers help guests learn how to surf, play with them in the water, and play games with them on the beach while parents are able to relax and enjoy their day on the beach.
Learn more and see the gallery of past Beach Fun Days by clicking here.
Cheryl Williams, a special education teacher for students that have moderate to severe disabilities for the Oceanside Unified School District, strongly felt the need and importance of being able to provide all children with special needs access to enrichment activities and opportunities in their communities. These opportunities help to facilitate and develop important life skills that will be needed for their well being and success in life.
Her husband, Rob Williams, is also an elementary school teacher for the Encinitas Unified School District. Together their passion for helping children manifested in the creation of The Shine Project Foundation with an emphasis on all children with special needs.
