Lolly Jar Circus, South Australia’s only inclusive social circus, is among more than 60 of the State’s not-for-profit organisations sharing a $1.97 million State Government funding boost.
Providing young people from all backgrounds, including those with a disability or who are socially at-risk, Lolly Jar Circus will receive $38, 537, which founder and CEO, Judy Bowden said would go a long way towards helping sustain the charity business which is celebrating its 10th year.
For Judy, a mother of five children, the inspiration behind Lolly Jar Circus came after volunteering for the Special Olympics.
“I saw the amazing skills these athletes had and wanted to create an accepting space where people could come and feel socially relaxed with no judgment,” she said.
And the space has achieved just that. “A lot of them wake up in the morning asking if its Circus day, with their clothes folded at the end of the bed ready to go. The pure joy on their faces says it all.”
Teaching the art of tumbling, trapeze and juggling, the trainers at Lolly Jar Circus are educated in disability and understand different learning styles and sensory needs in an environment that is accepting and not overwhelming.
The inclusive sessions, which run on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the Estonian Hall in North Adelaide, and on Thursday nights at Spruance Hall in Elizabeth, are open to everyone, offering a great place for siblings to share a common interest, or for anyone who feels comfortable in the non-judgmental environment.
NDIS approved, the sessions are great for developing motor skills, improving coordination and gaining confidence.
Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook said the grants are are all about helping our small non-profit organisations who do so much to help others in the community.
Other grant recipients in the Governance and Sustainability rounds $1.97 million boost, include Kura Yerlo Inc, which offers inclusive services to the Aboriginal community, The Queer Society, The Adelaide Day Centre for Homeless Persons Inc and Ernabella Arts Inc.
Lolly Jar Cricus
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