Social and Recreational Programs

Bittersweet offers year-round social and recreational programming for teens and adults with autism. These programs are based at our Whitehouse location, with events taking place in the community across Northwest Ohio. Every offering aims to foster community inclusion, social and life skills, communication, independence, and fun!

For more information and to apply for social & recreational services at Bittersweet, contact Community Outreach Coordinator, Simeon Smith, at ssmith@bittersweetfarms.org or 419-262-3206.


NW Ohio Social & Recreational Program

Based at our Whitehouse location with programs taking place throughout the Toledo area, the NW Ohio Social & Recreational Program provides an array of intergenerational opportunities for autistic teens and adults. SRP events take place year-round on weeknights or weekends, perfect for busy students and working families. NW Ohio SRP currently offers three types of programs:

  • Adventures in Skills Series: Every other month, we offer an intensive community-based social skills series called Adventures in Skills. Each series features a different program theme (e.g. art, bowling, theatre, martial arts, etc.). Each series is typically 4 weeks long, with one session per week.

  • Single Events: On the months when a series is not taking place, we offer single recreational respite events. In the past, these have included trips to the Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo, a Jingle Ball holiday dance, craft & DIY nights, ice skating at The Ribbon, and more!

  • Family Events: Family Events provide opportunities for families in SRP to connect and enjoy community activities together! These events are often FREE! Unlike the other offerings in SRP, Family Events are unstaffed and parents/guardians are required to stay and enjoy the activity with their participant.

 

Whitehouse Summer Enrichment Program

For 25 years, Bittersweet has offered a 6-week Summer Enrichment Program for adolescents with autism. The program is based at our Whitehouse farmstead, with daily outings focused on community integration. Outing locations include Toledo Zoo, Imagination Station, SkyZone, local libraries, and more. Activities at the Farm include swimming, sports, arts and crafts, and more! Program goals include community integration, vocational exploration, social development, life skills, and preparation for a successful transition to adulthood.

 

Get Involved with Social & Recreational Programs at Bittersweet!

We are currently accepting new participants in SRP! Here’s how to get involved:

  1. Fill out an application for services at Bittersweet Farms.

  2. Reach out to Simeon Smith to request the registration form for the current SRP session. Event registrations are conditional for new participants until the below steps are complete.

  3. Once your application & registration forms have been received, we will reach out to schedule a required admissions observation (meet & greet).

  4. Admitted participants are required to complete intake forms (liability waiver, emergency medical form, release of information form, pick-up form, and photo consent form)

Please Note:

  • The SRP program is private pay only, with generous scholarship funding available.

  • Bittersweet is not able to provide transportation to or from SRP events.

  • Bittersweet does not pass meds at SRP events.

For more information, contact Simeon Smith, Community Outreach Coordinator, at ssmith@bittersweetfarms.org or 419-262-3206.

 
 

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