To access the flyers with more info, visit our calendar!
Families United in Newtown provides individuals with special needs, and their families, social opportunities in a caring environment through monthly themed meetings.
Our Story
As a family, with a special needs child, the Jones family recognized how difficult it was to go out together. To begin addressing this gap, they started fundraising activities in 2006. After their son Tyler’s unexpected death in 2009, the Jones’ decided to create a lasting tribute to their son. In 2010, the first FUN meeting was held in the fall with nearly 60 people in attendance. From its inception, members of the Newtown High School National Honor Society have participated as mentors for the program. Since that time FUN has held regular meetings with typical attendance of 80 to 100 people.
We provide special needs students social and emotional enrichment in a safe and caring environment through themed monthly meetings including appropriate activities, food, dancing and art. Parents can relax and connect with their peers, knowing that their children are cared for and having fun. Volunteer mentors work with the special needs students, creating respect, understanding and lasting bonds.
While FUN focuses on the special need’s families, the program strives to enrich the lives of its many volunteers. Through F.U.N., mentors are exposed to, and enlightened about, the challenges of raising a special needs child. Their volunteer experiences support future goals of becoming advocates and ambassadors in the community.
F.U.N. officially started hosting events in 2010, that means we have been providing this recreational program for more than 10 years.
We do everything in our power to offer creative and fun events throughout the year. They are usually themed and seasonal.
Each year we aim to provide safe and supportive events to as many families as possible.
We provide a safe, welcoming and enriching environment for those with special needs and their families to thrive. Here are the 6 ways that we make this happen:
Provide social opportunities for special needs individuals who are often isolated and lacking social engagement.
Give parents opportunities to share and learn with their peers while their children are engaged creating community and social and emotional support.
Promote art and music as a means of providing therapeutic experiences.
Create an army of empathetic volunteers by providing an opportunity to better understand special needs.
Provide community volunteers and members of the National Honor Society an opportunity to interact with individuals with special needs and abilities.
Create a model for expansion of FUN into new geographies.
FUN meetings allow children, teens, and adults to be themselves in an environment free from judgment while allowing parents to enjoy a brief respite from the daily challenges faced by a parent of a special need’s child. Newtown and surrounding communities are welcome to participate in monthly recreational “themed” gatherings that promote our mission.
Our Founders
Parents to Lindsey, Austin, and Tyler, Linda and Duane took the tragedy of Tyler's passing and turned it into a positive living memorial for their beloved son.
Linda, a local registered dietitian, licensed family therapist and advocate for the Autism community, saw a need for a community-based recreation program for families with special-needs children. She started fundraising in 2008 and hosted the first F.U.N. meeting in 2010. Since then the group has expanded and serves many families from around CT and NY.
Linda and Duane have turned this passion project into a true force for good in the community. They want to invite any and all families to join them at an upcoming F.U.N. meeting.
FUN Founder, Linda Jones, pictured with comfort dog, Maggie.
Tyler & Austin
Meet Linda and Duane’s twin boys, Tyler and Austin. As you might have noticed, Families United in Newtown is a recreation program in memory of Tyler who tragically passed away in 2009. His legacy lives on through his loving family and their commitment to bringing local families together to offer social and emotional support events.
Families United in Newtown is always looking to grow and get more people involved. We are open and accepting of all families and volunteers. Click below to learn more about F.U.N. opportunities or how to make a donation and support the cause.
Interested in checking out a F.U.N. event? Guess what they are free and open to all. Check out the events calendar below.
Looking to do some good and feel good about it? Sign up to be a volunteer at a future F.U.N event.
Feeling generous and hoping to help a local cause? F.U.N. is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization.
Colonial Subaru
Newtown Congregational Church
Newtown United Methodist Church
Dickinson Memorial Park
Church of Latter Day Saints
Edmond Town Hall
BD Provisions
