Karen’s Journey from Shy to Active
In 2025, Karen started saying yes and everything changed.
March 24, 2026
Karen had been involved with Little City programs for years, but she rarely stepped outside her comfort zone.
In 2025, everything changed when she started saying yes – bringing her greater happiness, better health, and a year rich with achievement.
“Karen never really got involved much with our recreation program before, but I am so proud of the big changes she took on this past year,” said Katlyn Shute, Adult Recreation Therapist and Special Olympics Head Coach. “She tried volleyball for the first time, went to state for bocce ball and won silver, joined the choir, and became so active. You can see how happy it makes her.”
Katlyn noted that Karen had always been shy and reserved, but trying volleyball helped her overcome fears of not being good enough or letting her team down. Once she embraced new experiences, Karen began participating in more activities and became a regular, attending recreation programs four times a week.
“It was night and day when she realized she didn’t have to be the best to try something new,” Katlyn said.
“She started saying yes to challenges and transformed her routine, her confidence, and her health.”
The recreation program offers a wide range of activities that promote social, emotional, and physical wellbeing – from swimming and basketball to cooking classes and choir. In 2025, a new partnership with Harper College gave participants access to additional gym space, creating even more opportunities to engage with the community.
Karen says she loves all the activities she’s exploring and is even giving basketball a try, despite occasional nerves.
“She’s grown so much this year,” Katlyn said. She’s even beginning to tackle some of the tasks that aren’t as enjoyable – like strength training and conditioning – and it’s had an enormous impact on her. She tells me she is feeling better and has more energy. I’m so proud of her.”
This is the power of your support – helping friends like Karen overcome their challenges and experience an amazing transformation.
Because the ASE program serves participants with the highest support needs, donors like you play a critical role in providing spaces and experiences like this expansion onsite that helps each individual grow, practice independence, and discover new interests.