KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) is a non-profit organization which offers children of all ages, and with all disabilities (including autism), the chance to participate in various sports in a fun and encouraging environment. And best of all, it's FREE to the participants & their families. KEEN has several programs in the Washington DC area, and have recently added branches in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and a few other cities. Beginning next month, they'll add Phoenix to their list.

8:43 KEEN video

If you're interested in learning more about KEEN in Phoenix, you can visit their website, or you can attend a Town Hall meeting next week:

What:	A town hall meeting to learn more about KEEN and how this unique program will soon be available to kids with disabilities in the Phoenix area.
Who:	Parents, volunteers, agencies, organizations, and other interested parties.
Where:	Sonnenshein Nath & Rosenthal, LLP 2398 E Camelback Rd, Suite 1100 Phoenix, AZ 85016
When:	Tuesday, February 26, 2008 6:00 – 7:30 pm
RSVP:	If you plan to attend, or would like more information, please call by Friday, February 22 at 602-508-3939, or email at info@keenphoenix.org

We've had some mixed success with programs like these in the past, but I'm looking forward to meeting the KEEN folks and giving this a try. I'm amazed that they've been able to do all this without charging for services.. We've met a few people and organizations over the years who have great intentions and want very badly to make a difference, but funding, volunteers, and resources often becomes too big an obstacle to overcome, and they eventually either change to a pay-for-service model or their services and energy deteriorate over time. The fact that KEEN has some history and has been successful in other locations is giving me reason to hope.

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