Finding Your Sparkle at the NKHS Community Skills Group
Everyone deserves a place where they can truly shine. For many individuals with developmental disabilities, finding that space means discovering a supportive community that encourages personal growth and self-expression. The NKHS Developmental Services (DS) Community Skills Group is committed to fostering independence through engaging activities and shared experiences. Participants build meaningful connections while learning valuable life skills. The program operates on the belief that everyone has a unique "sparkle", a distinct set of talents, interests, and qualities that deserve to be nurtured.
Kindness and mutual respect form the foundation of every interaction, as the program helps participants develop a strong sense of self-worth through practicing life skills, building resilience, and expressing their individuality. They learn that their contributions matter and that they are an integral part of the broader community.
The NKHS Community Skills Group operates in two primary locations: St. Johnsbury (soon to be in Lyndonville) and Derby. The Community Skills Group in Derby meets every day in a building that was once a functioning restaurant. This layout is incredibly beneficial for the culinary activities the group undertakes. The commercial-style kitchen provides ample room for participants to move around safely while practicing their cooking skills. Participants work together to decide what to eat and then share the responsibility for making it happen. For some, tasks that initially seem daunting—like using a knife to safely chop vegetables—transform into skills that they genuinely enjoy.
The St. Johnsbury Community Skills Group is moving soon to its new location on Elm Street in Lyndonville. Renovations to this new building include an updated kitchen, a walk-in pantry, a large space for projects and programs, and plenty of room for the self-advocate group meeting.
To further encourage attendance and participation, the Derby group utilizes a positive reinforcement system. Each participant receives tokens for attending the group sessions. They can save these tokens over time and eventually trade them in for fun items like games, puzzles, toys, and trinkets. This system not only motivates participants but also teaches basic concepts of saving and delayed gratification.
The daily schedule for both groups is packed with diverse activities designed to engage the mind and body. Arts and crafts consistently rank among the top favorite skills. Participants pour their creativity into a wide variety of projects, including coloring, diamond art, and other crafts.
CJ, who attends the St. Johnsbury Skills Group, loves the opportunity to learn and says he’s never bored. He loves the Tai Chi class, but he’s especially enthusiastic about the cooking classes. He shared that when the group celebrated Dr. Seuss’s beloved The Cat in the Hat, they made green eggs and ham for lunch. He assured us the eggs were only green because of food dye, nothing to worry about. C.J. likes making tacos almost as much as he enjoys making friends at the meetings.
The group focuses on many aspects of holistic well-being and civic engagement.
Participants take part in:
Gardening: Learning how to plant, nurture, and harvest crops, which teaches patience and provides a connection to nature.
Yoga: Practicing mindfulness and gentle physical movement to reduce stress and improve physical health.
Cooking: Developing practical culinary skills and understanding nutrition.
Volunteering: Giving back to the local community reinforces participants' roles as active, contributing community members.
Voting: Learning about the democratic process and understanding how to make their voices heard in local and national elections.
Hosting Open-House Events: Welcoming the public into their spaces to share their achievements and break down social barriers.
By empowering individuals with developmental disabilities, the program actively shapes a more inclusive society. The program creates a ripple effect of kindness as participants experience a supportive environment, often replicating that kindness in their interactions outside the group. Group member Mindi spoke about how she loves playing Emotional Jenga, explaining how it’s one of her favorite activities because it “helps give you new ways to cope with how you feel and regulate your emotions.”
The DS Community Skills Groups prove that with the right support, everyone can find their sparkle. Through shared meals, creative projects, and active community engagement, participants build the independence and resilience needed to navigate the world with confidence.
