SNR director honored for work with disabled
Spirit Lake resident Angie Goucher, director of Specialized Needs Recreation, was recently awarded this year’s Disability Rights Advocate Award by the Coeur d’Alene Disability Action Center because of her commitment and service to the disabled community.
Specialized Need Recreation is a nonprofit organization that offers recreation programs for youth and adults who have challenges participating in other programs because of a learning disability, sensory impairment, and mental, emotional or physical handicap. In 2007, SNR served 2,895 duplicated participants in their various programs.
As a young child, Goucher regularly accompanied her father to the Wyoming State Training School, a resident school for developmentally delayed children. Because she grew up around people with disabilities, Goucher realized very early that her career would involve working with people who have disabilities.
In 2000 Goucher started as a part-time employee with SNR, working out of her home. After a few years, her position became full time, but she stills works out of her home because SNR does not have enough money to rent office space.
“In her heart she feels how vital it is for these children to be able to participate in social activities,” says Steve Anthony, of the Coeur d’Alene Recreation Department. “Since Angie has been involved, SNR has grown by leaps and bounds.”
SNR was started 22 years ago by Anthony and interested parents Karen Hudson and Patsy Fealko, according to Anthony. Today SNR serves Kootenai and the other four northern counties, in addition to parts of Washington.
SNR is funded by United Way, the cities of Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden and Rathdrum, various grants and monthly fundraisers. SNR receives donations and contributions from the community and local businesses to help individuals attend various activities.
SNR sponsors Club Homestead meetings once a month where members have meaningful discussions on matters ranging from national and global events to personal concerns and achievements.
SNR also provides five to 10 monthly activities such as dances, talent shows, bingo, cooking classes, pizza nights and trips to the Spokane Arena for members.
Camp Allstars Day Camp offers age-appropriate activities for ages 4 to 21. The camp is six hours a day, and transportation is provided to and from all activities.
SNR maintains after-school programs in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. Activities include a summer day camp that goes nine to 10 weeks throughout summer break; winter day camp that goes one to two weeks throughout winter break; and spring day camp that goes one week during the spring school break.
“Our goal is to provide recreational opportunities to all people with disabilities regardless of their ability to pay,” says Goucher.
Parent Dawn Grillo has a daughter who has participated in SNR activities for eight years.
“I so appreciate Angie’s dedication to the SNR program,” Grillo says. “Her heart and soul goes into providing social and recreational activities for the children.”
SNR has a minimum staff and is always looking for volunteers. In 2007 about 50 volunteers logged 5,310 hours, according to Goucher.
“We need dedicated volunteers and donations to help our program succeed and grow,” said Goucher. For more information, call Goucher at 755-6781.