When a child with severe emotional disability (SED) reached out for help funding the ReDirect program, we responded. Believing in the benefits of physical activity for our kids, our Board approved the request for three months of classes after learning more about the ReDirect Youth Program: “The goal of our program is to use athletics as an outlet. During the program the group is pushed to complete tasks despite being tired sore or if it is difficult. We use fitness to help kids target their anger, depression, and many into a healthy outlet rather than bottling it up or letting it out in inappropriate ways. We use boxing bags to give them an appropriate and healthy place to express their emotions and help them learn when it is appropriate to let it out. Along with the fitness we have group discussions during the workout to target a few topics during each session. We will often pick two words to focus on during the session and incorporate in the workout and group discussions. Word examples are trust, confidence, focus and many, many more.”
