03/29/2024
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IMG_1502By: Erin Smith

A new therapeutic learning center has opened its doors in Elizabethtown with the goal of assisting children in uncovering their dreams and overcoming obstacles to achieving their life goals.

DreamWorks Therapeutic Learning Center offers recreation therapy for children to assist children in achieving their goals. The center is located at 207 S. Poplar Street in Elizabethtown, beside Bargain Town.

Shayla Yancey said that many folks are not familiar with the term “recreational therapy” and what it means.  Yancey explained that it is both physical and occupational therapy.

“We use activity to help people in rehabilitation whether it is physical, social or emotional,” said Yancey.

She said, basically, the program focuses on children with disabilities from birth through age 21. Yancey said the disabilities faced by the children could be mental, intellectual or developmental. She said it is about overcoming whatever restricts a child from being a child.

Yancey said the therapy process is designed to assist in overcoming the obstacles they face. The types of activities that children take part in range from arts and crafts to music to sports. Some examples of therapies utilized include golfing, putt-putt, learning to care for a pet, and going on hikes. They are all based on the child’s individual needs.

Yancey said anyone can make a referral —parents, teachers, or neighbors. She added that DreamWorks is working with Bladen County Schools to develop a program within the school system.

Yancey said that DreamWorks can perform an assessment to determine what the needs are and develop a a plan to assist the child. For example, she said they can take a child to the county park and watch them play and learn what skills the child may need to work on.

DreamWorks can be reached by calling 910-874-8130 or visit the website to learn more.

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