The Heart Behind What We Do Part 3: Mendocino’s “Must See” Attraction
When I started researching opening a recreation facility in Mendocino County, I’ll admit I was concerned with sustainability given the local economy. I looked closely at all of the statistics and carefully considered the startup costs, the prices I'd have to charge for entry, and the community's ongoing ability to afford the entry price. I spent months researching. What we needed was to bolster the local economy and the only way we could really do that ourselves was to bring funds from outside the region into the region.
Partnerships We’ve Made in The Community: Imitation Studio
Community partnerships are a huge part of Mendo LEAP’s identity and values, and our collaboration with Portia Schnieder of Imitation Studio is a huge part of what makes our Maker Space so special. Portia is a professional photographer, art history teacher, and Artist at and Owner of Imitation Studio, which offers art classes and photography services. To our delight, she comes into Mendo LEAP and uses our Maker Space to teach her classes.
The Heart Behind What We Do Part 2: Play for All
After all of the stress and loneliness we experienced during the pandemic, we decided to provide a space where families could play and enjoy their time together. We saw how important play was in our own little family. We saw that we had a really cool backyard with fun things to play on and my kids had their own playroom with everything they could ever want...but if the kids next door don't have those things, and the students in our kids classes don't have those and aren't able to benefit from the joy of play, then what's the point of us enjoying it all by ourselves?
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the diversity of human minds and the infinite variations in neurocognitive functioning within our species. Humanity is neurodiverse, just as humanity is racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse. When an individual diverges from the dominant societal standards of “normal” neurocognitive functioning, they don’t “have neurodiversity,” they are neurodivergent.
Mendo LEAP is committed to fostering unity and embracing diversity. Through its facilities, Mendo LEAP creates opportunities for inclusivity, connection, acceptance, and love. By maintaining an open environment for the public, specialists, and organizations, LEAP advocates for collaborative efforts centered on empathy and comprehension. Our core belief is in the inherent worth of every neurotype, embracing diverse thinking patterns and communication styles.