Today we’d like to introduce you to Helene Prokesch.
Helene, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I worked as a special education teacher of children with physical and cognitive disabilities in Fulton County Schools. Seven years into my teaching career, my nephew, Jeremy was born with Down syndrome. While our family lived in Atlanta, Jeremy’s family lived in Evanston, IL. Jeremy received physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and also attended the Lekotek in Evanston. My sister-in-law raved about Lekotek and explained that there was nothing like it and that I should start one in Atlanta.
So, I embarked on a trip to Evanston to learn more about Lekotek. Lekotek is a Swedish word that means “play library.” During one-hour play sessions, Lekotek leaders model the use of adapted toys, educational materials, computer and iPad apps. All are then loaned to the family, and all family members participate in play/learning sessions with the child. Initially, the Lekotek inventory consisted of toys only. With a grant from Apple in 1988, computers were added and, most recently, iPads.
Returning to Atlanta, I realized that many of the skills I was teaching in the classroom could be taught through play, as all infants, toddlers, preschoolers learn through play. As a special educator, it was my belief that all children can be successful with adaptations and my goal has always been to create an environment to empower children with disabilities and position them for success in the classrooms, communities and homes as they interact with family members and peers.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Lekotek became my new passion. Not knowing anything about the nonprofit world and how to fundraise I nonetheless decided to try to establish a Lekotek in Atlanta. I created a nonprofit board of directors and attended workshops given by the Georgia Nonprofit Resource Center. Five months into the endeavor, we received our first grant from Liz Claiborne. Nine months after returning from Evanston, Eastern Air Lines and Citicorp gave grants. Now with a total of $15,000 in the bank, we were offered space in the basement of Easter Seals. I then began to order an inventory of adapted toys and conducted the first play session, October 1, 1984. My initial visit to Evanston where I first learned about Lekotek had been just 14 months, prior – July of 1983.
In the first year, we provided services to 52 children. Today, Lekotek proudly celebrates 35 successful years during which we have helped and provided services for more than 6,000 children and families. What began in a basement facility, has now expanded to six locations serving families from 40 Georgia counties.
As a nonprofit dependent on corporate, foundation and individual support, we are so grateful to the Atlanta community for rallying behind Lekotek and supporting our efforts on behalf of children with disabilities.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Lekotek of Georgia story. Tell us more about the business.
Lekotek’s vision is to create a world in which children with disabilities feel empowered and included in their families, school and community. Using adapted toys, educational materials, computer equipment and iPads, Lekotek provides opportunities for kids to have fun and learn along the way. It is a safe haven from medical appointments and therapies. It is a place where there are no expectations to perform, a place where parents find resources and support.
With a library of toys, technology and tools suited to various learning styles, children visit Lekotek once a month for one-hour play sessions. During that hour they build cognitive abilities, fine motor skills and language skills while increasing their self-esteem and motivation. Our experienced Lekotek leaders facilitate these sessions, providing an opportunity for failure-free learning and encouraging development through exploration and discovery. Our leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and specialties in education, child life, music, recreation and speech therapy, creating an environment that is ready and able to help any child and family meet their goals.
Lekotek serves children with a wide range of disabilities including, but not limited to, attention deficit disorders, speech delays, cognitive delays, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, hearing and/or vision loss, mitochondrial disorder, other neuromuscular disorders, and spina bifida. We primarily serve children from birth to 8 years of age, with computer services also available to adolescents and young adults.
Lekotek occupies a unique niche in the lives of children with disabilities. The world of Lekotek is one filled with laughter and joy coupled with hard work and personal challenges. Children with disabilities face challenges interacting with family members and participating in school and community activities. That’s why we’re here. Lekotek facilitates successful inclusion in all aspects of life.
I am extremely proud of our low administrative and fundraising expenses, which allow 92 percent of all dollars raised go to direct services for our children and families. We are so appreciative of the community’s continued support as we strive to make a difference for every child who needs Lekotek.
What’s your favorite memory from childhood?
Growing up as a “tomboy”, my favorite childhood memories were of being included with my older brother’s friends as the “extra man” in a basketball game at the neighborhood park. Perhaps, what made these memories and activities favorites were because I adored my big brother. I enjoyed the game but more importantly, I enjoyed being included. This is the essence of Lekotek.
My childhood was filled with playful, carefree and joyful experiences with my family and friends, and it is these fond memories that Lekotek creates for all children. Because while they seem like simple childhood memories, play is actually an integral part of a child’s development. Lekotek is a place where a child with disabilities can just be a child and parents can find the resources and support they need.
Pricing:
- Play session fees are $240 per year.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1955 Cliff Valley Way
Suite 102
Atlanta, GA 30329 - Website: www.lekotekga.org
- Phone: (404) 633-3430
- Email: info@lekotekga.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lekotekga/
Image Credit:
Lekotek of Georgia
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