Adaptive rec program promotes self-esteem, independence

When Northwest resident Renee Shoemaker went to jot down an upcoming dance on her calendar, she was met with a conflict -- a family vacation to Nebraska the same day.

The 32-year-old woman chose to cancel vacation in lieu of the New A.G.E. after-work recreation program for adults with developmental disabilities , social night, said her dad, Dale Shoemaker.

Renee Shoemaker has Down syndrome and epilepsy and for 10 years has been a part of New A.G.E., which stands for activities, games and exercise. Her dad said they were thrilled when the program got a new home last January.

From 1:30-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Centennial Hills Active Adult Center, 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, adults 22 or older can gather for a variety of activities and special events that promote individuality, self-esteem and independence .

What was a temporary move from Lorenzi Park may be permanent, said Jennifer Winder, senior adaptive recreation leader for the city of Las Vegas Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department.

The adaptive recreation program, which arranges a variety of activities for participants, spent decades calling the park, at 333 W. Washington Ave., home, but renovations required it to create a partnership with the center and the YMCA of Southern Nevada.

The center offers more room, facilities for activities such as kickball and swimming and access to walk able destinations, which is ideal for the program because city funding for transportation is tight, Winder said.

Trips to the nearby park, library and shopping center, coupled with regular activities such as Zumba, kickball and crafts, help New A.G.E. keep its eye on the prize.

"The whole goal is to have a recreation program for them to be social and independent," Winder said. "We don't want them just sitting around watching T V."

Renee Shoemaker is a regular at New A.G.E. events, her dad said. She joins about 35 people registered for the program after working mornings at Variety Early Learning Center, 990 D St .

"She's got a routine and she loves it because she's amongst friends she likes," Dale Shoemaker said. "She's certainly not bashful, and I think that program helps her some out in public."

Bowling is her favorite activity, and the program meets Tuesday and Thursday at Santa Fe Station, 4949 N. Rancho Drive.

Winder works with the adults daily and said she keeps her eyes open for signs that New A.G.E. is making a difference, whether it be purchasing an adaptive bowling ball or exchanging cell phone numbers.

"My favorite thing is to see them talking with each other and not the staff," she said. "It's the nicest thing to see them do things on their own."

The fee is $7 a day, and staff members request that participants come at least three days a week.

To register or learn more about the program, call 229-5177 or 229-1702.

Contact Centennial and Paradise View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.