Building Community and Cultivating Belonging with Deer Sullivan and Jeni Landers

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Programs at the Center for Developmental Disabilities' located at The Center at Cape Cod Village foster a deep sense of belonging. That sense of belonging creates a safe space to learn and grow. The Center's holistic and innovative programs foster social and emotional wellbeing and promote creative expression. Their focus on creating a community center for residents and day students extends into the broader community.

Programs have blossomed under the guidance of Program Coordinator Deirdre Sullivan. Her background as the director of three UU children and youth ministries, as a counselor and advocate at Independence House, and as an art facilitator is perfect for this role. Deer is passionate about nature-based explorations and cultivating a deep sense of belonging. Her approach to art facilitation and creative exploration is trauma-informed.

Newly appointed Executive Director Jeni Landers is passionate about bringing members of the broader community to the Center for special events and classes. She's also excited about technology advances. New technologies help adults with developmental disabilities do daily activities which might otherwise be challenging or impossible. Technology coupled with embodied approaches to fostering belonging (like ecosomatics) help build confidence for disabled adults finding pathways toward independence.