'Kindness Grows' in Queen Anne's

STEVENSVILLE — Through an original musical show by YouthAbility, all ages were welcomed to share in a message of kindness at the Kent Island Library with “Kindness Grows” April 3.

With vibrant colors, fun music, heartwarming anecdotes and engaging choreography for everyone, Kindness Grows was a half an hour upbeat musical, bringing forth smiles and telling the history, science, and benefits of kindness.

As part of the Horvitz Youthability of Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland, (JFSA), exceptional young adults with developmental disabilities are empowered through volunteerism, according to program director Heidi Solomon.

Dancing and singing to popular songs that included words of friendship, compassion and helping others, the YouthAbilty ambassadors brought forth smiles and, recognizing kindness starts within each individual, welcomed everyone to share kindness with each other.

“Seeing their expressions of joy and how they can spread joy is amazing,” she said.

The YouthAbility ambassadors recounted historic acts of kindness including tales from Harriet Tubman and the health benefits kind acts can provide.

One musical tale featured the story of Patricia Moore who, in 1979 at the age of 26, traveled across North America disguised as a senior citizen to raise awareness on the difficulties faced by the elderly and was instrumental in advocating for the Americans With Disabilities Act.

“We believe we help ourselves by helping others,” she said.

Based in Ohio, the JFSA program serves disabled and at-risk youth by engaging them in volunteer service, vocational activities, and social enrichment.

The young adults with developmental disabilities who participate in the program are “ambassadors” because they have the privilege and responsibility of representing themselves and others just like them, she said.

The YouthAbility group tours around performing volunteer projects and one such prominent aspect is to create original shows with a positive message.

“We are so excited to be so warmly received,” she said.

After the performance, Queen Anne’s County Parks and Recreation Park Rangers and staff hosted the YouthAbility ambassadors to tour the Queen Annes’ County Watermen’s Marina, the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center and learn about local wildlife.

More information about JFSA YouthAbilty can be found at https://www.jfsa-cleveland.org/horvitz-youthability.