The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods will pay for six months of hippotherapy for a second child this year through Easterseals Happiness House
SARASOTA, Fla. (March 2, 2023) — The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods is helping a local child in need. The five-year-old boy, who is living with cerebral palsy, lost his motorized scooter and home during Hurricane Ian. Now, The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods has gifted him with a new scooter, as well as six-months of hippotherapy at Easterseals Instride Therapy in Nokomis.
He is the latest Watermark Kid being sponsored by The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods, a senior living community in Sarasota. The therapy offers a unique way to strengthen his muscles and improve postural control as well as work on overall sensory processing, something that people with cerebral palsy often struggle with. The scooter has also opened a new world of opportunity for the boy and his family.
“This scooter has blessed him with so many new opportunities for adventure that he would not otherwise have due to the presence of crowds,” said his mother. “He gets easily overwhelmed when a lot of people and noise are present, and the scooter gives him a sense of security that allows him to sit down and stay calm. We are now going to enjoy farmers markets, museums, amusement parks, the zoo and local art festivals.”
Earlier this year, the community sponsored six months of therapy for 10-year-old Brayden Scarsella, who has spastic hemiplegia. For both young boys, hippotherapy is life changing, but also quite expensive and not always covered by medical insurance.
“The benefits of this therapy make the services necessary, but the cost often keeps them out of reach for families,” said Michelle Sayre, Community Life Director at The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods. “We’re grateful to have the opportunity to sponsor another young child who will no doubt thrive because of the therapy offered at InStride.”
The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods sponsored both children through Watermark for Kids. The national nonprofit is associated with Watermark Retirement Communities, which manages The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods and more than 70 other communities nationwide. Watermark for Kids is committed to helping children ages 6 through 22 access life-changing opportunities to be their true self regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or religious affiliations.
Sayre connected with both families through Easterseals Happiness House. The Community Life Director worked with Easterseals at a previous community and was fond of the care and services they provide to children, youth, and adults with disabilities. She asked Easterseals if they had a family, or two, that could benefit from Watermark for Kids, and the organization connected her with the local residents.
For more information on Watermark for Kids, visit www.watermarkforkids.org.
About The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods
Located at 3260 Lake Pointe Blvd., The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods is a retirement community in Sarasota, located on a 53-acre property with lakes, walking trails, mature trees, native wildlife, migrating birds and gazebos. The community offers independent and assisted living with short and long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation at The Springs, an on-site health center operated by Summit Care. The Fountains offers a country club lifestyle featuring three dining options, an extensive calendar of events, outings, classes, clubs and fitness opportunities. Managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods is committed to creating an extraordinary and innovative community where people thrive. For more information, visit http://lakepointewoods.watermarkcommunities.com.
About Watermark for Kids
Watermark for Kids is a national non-profit organization with a mission to reduce barriers so that all kids can thrive. Awards are based on the ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of kids ages 6 to 22. Funds are raised through payroll deductions and fundraising projects spearheaded by residents and associates of more than 65 Watermark retirement communities nationwide. In return, Watermark Kids are encouraged to visit the community and share their success stories with residents and associates. To learn more visit www.watermarkforkids.org.
About Watermark Retirement Communities®
Watermark creates extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute and published on Fortune.com. A privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, Watermark manages more than 70 retirement communities in 22 states coast to coast. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is ranked as the nation’s 9th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.
Easterseals Happiness House has been part of our community for nearly 75 years. Offering the highest quality of care and services to children, youth and adults with disabilities so that they can enjoy access, opportunities and increased life choices. Easterseals Happiness House is committed to remaining a leader in disability services and an organization to which individuals and their families can turn for resources and support with a continuum of care throughout their lives.