Welcome to the website of Sandy Cay, Inc. Sandy Cay, Inc. (SCI) is a nonprofit organization which began in 2000 to provide services and supports for at-risk individuals and families so that those being served may overcome barriers to allow them to reach their full potential. SCI assists children ages three and up with their communication, educational, social and behavioral needs. Over 100 families have benefited from SCI’s array of services.
SCI maintains qualified staff in addition to utilizing outside professionals as needed. SCI is an Autism Scholarship Provider and has also been supported by the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund, Autism Speaks, Easter Seals, foundation grants, state and county grants, private donations, fundraisers, local businesses, civic clubs and volunteerism.
In 2003, Sandy Cay, Inc. formed The Bryan Center for children ages 3 through 21 with an autism spectrum disorder including PDD and Asperger’s Syndrome. The first program of its kind in the area, The Bryan Center specializes in autism but also serves children with other disabilities. The Bryan Center runs a full day program addressing each student’s individual needs through a behavioral perspective. In addition to academics, programs may include life skills, social skills, sensory integration and behavior management. Although The Center utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, the focus of training centers on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) including Verbal Behavior. The Bryan Center works together with the student’s home district to develop and implement Individual Educational Plans. The 1:1 and small group ratio provided by The Bryan Center is costly, but it is often required for students with such extensive needs. SCI also serves students attending private schools by working on their IEP goals within that setting.
There’s much more to The Bryan Center than seat work and computer programs. The students are encouraged to learn through experiences within the community and beyond. Music therapy helps bring about an appreciation for the art of sounds working together. Equestrian therapy exhibits animals and people working together with mutual respect plus improves posture and balance. Students enjoy gym and swim through the generosity of the Bryan YMCA and the Imagination Station within the city park allows work on gross motor skills while having fun! Bryan Center students also enjoy a wide variety of educational field trips.
The Bryan Center’s Vocational Coordinator works on employment skills and seeking gainful employment for students who are getting ready for the transition to adulthood. Community service is also an important aspect for Bryan Center students who are able to complete the task.
The Coral Reef Project (CRP) is another division of SCI which provides a Ship-to-Shore Mentoring Program, respite care and Sandy Cay Kids Camp for campers with and without disabilities. The Coral Reef Project’s objective is to provide services for children with special challenges such as those dealing with bullying, anger, life skills deficits, academic failure, behavioral issues or emotional stress.
CRP’s Mentoring Program serves youth ages 7 through 19. Mentors help young people maneuver through the sometimes confusing task of maturing into healthy adults. Mentors uphold Christian values while having fun, maintaining a positive outlook and strengthening family bonds.
Sandy Cay Kids Camp is an eight week summer camp held at The Bryan Center and sometimes other locations so that campers may work on skills such as cooking, gardening and special projects… while working on those social skills too! Campers attend field trips according to their interest and skill levels.
The choices that are made for children today can have a dramatic effect on what the future holds for them tomorrow. This is true not only in the financial realm of saving millions of tax dollars by avoiding out of home placement, but also in the priceless category of self esteem, quality of life and safety issues that surround the child’s ability to function. Prevention through education and skill building are the underlining themes of SCI’s Bryan Center and Coral Reef Project.