In Warren County, the YMCA has been offering free therapeutic swim sessions for children and adults with special needs for decades.

The program, known as Rainbow Swim, runs Fridays from 6 to 7 p.m., September through May, and is sponsored by the YMCA and the Don Mills Achievement Center.

Swim instructor Sue Nielsen emphasized the program’s welcoming atmosphere, stating, "Whatever disability you may have or what your child or family member has, this is a time where you can come in and experience the pool in a lower sensory setting. It's a safe place where you can come in, get used to water, get acclimated to it, and learn some skills."

Alicia Kay has been bringing her son for many years and credits the program with helping her son thrive.
"I've been bringing my son to this program since he was 8 months old, and he's 10 now. This is a really good opportunity for him to meet new people and exercise. He was born without legs, but that doesn't stop him. He was jumping off the diving board since he was 3—unsupported, no goggles—and he did awesome. I'm so happy to say that he's a stronger swimmer now than I probably ever will be."

The YMCA is participating in Warren Gives on Wednesday, May 14th. Any donations to the event made to the Warren County YMCA, will help fund community programs like Rainbow Swim, which provides free services for local families.

For more information, about the Warren Gives donation event, visit here.