Arthritis Foundation
10663 Loveland-Madeira Rd. Suite # 175
Loveland, OH 45140
Kids Get Arthritis Too
The Arthritis Foundation has supported children and families impacted by Juvenile Arthritis (JA) for many years through various programs designed to help them connect with others facing similar circumstances. JA programs are structured to be a fun and educational opportunity to learn more about the management of JA. Our programs help participants understand a JA diagnosis and treatment, develop peer-to-peer support, increase independence and self-confidence, discover interests, and develop the skills they need to be leaders, advocates, and champions in their everyday lives. We recognize that juvenile arthritis impacts patients, caregivers, and families in many different ways. In that spirit, our JA Activities are designed to incorporate components that focus on whole-child and whole-family wellbeing, connection, and growth.
Program Goals:
The primary goal of our 2023-2024 JA Activities program ("Kids Get Arthritis Too!") was to provide high-quality programming and events for children and families affected by JA in the Cincinnati Metro Area, with the desired outcomes of:
1. Increasing knowledge about JA through subject matter experts;
2. Increasing social connectedness and support for children and families through events together;
3. Increasing emotional and mental well-being of those affected by JA through a variety of mediums.
The objectives to achieve these outcomes were the following:
• At least 15 children from the Cincinnati Metro Area will attend JA Camp
• Hold at least three JA Day events in the Cincinnati Metro Area, including Family Day Camp
• Host at least 2 JA Connect Group meetings in the Cincinnati Metro Area
• Provide at least 30 Power Packs to children and teens newly diagnosed with JA in the Cincinnati Metro Area
• At least 15 JA children, caregivers and/or family members will attend the National JA Summit
JA Camp: Camp Wekandu will be held June 23-28, 2024, and registration is currently underway for the week-long in-person camp. Nearly 20 JA children have already registered, supported by funding from the Charles H. Dater Foundation. We anticipate more interest this year than last year, with increasing financial need from the families affected.
JA Day Events: Although the budget for this proposal included at least 3 JA Days, we were able to hold four JA Days during the course of this grant year. The JA Days held are listed below:
• 12/9/23 – JA Day, Northern KY Convention Center – 82 JA children (plus their families)
• 4/13/24 – JA Family Day Camp, Camp Joy – 51 family members registered (45 attended), including 16 JA children
• 5/19/24 – JA Day Sawyer Point – 72 JA children (plus their families)
• 6/9/24 – Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance Car Show – 29 JA children and their families participated as Youth Judges
Program Results:
JA Connect Group: In April 2024, 35 parents of JA children participated in an in-person panel discussion focused on the diagnosis, treatment, medications, physical and occupational therapy options, and current research related to a Juvenile Arthritis diagnosis in the family. In addition, we began a series of JA Family Events, providing opportunities for connection, relationship-building, and support during this grant year, including a JA Family Picnic, JA Family Bowling Outing, and a JA Family Cincinnati Reds Game Outing, all of which were partially funded by support from the Charles H. Dater Foundation.JA Power Packs: 39 JA Power Packs were distributed over the grant year through March 20, 2024; data for March 21st through the remainder of the grant cycle has not yet been released, but we have already exceeded our goal of distributing 30 Power Packs for the funding cycle.National JA Summit: Nine children and their family members attended the National JA Family Summit in July 2023.
Website:
http://www.arthritis.org Amount: $20,000
Date: September 2022
