Vista, CA…The Vista Elks Lodge received a $2500 grant from the Elks National Foundation to provide a carnival for T.E.R.I. special-needs children.  T.E.R.I. stands for training, education, research, and innovation.  TERI’s mission is to change the way the world views and helps children and adults touched by special-needs.

Elk-Michael-Paguirigan-sits-in-the-dunk-tank-while-students-and-aides-wait-in-line

TERI serves children, adults, and seniors with autism and other developmental and learning disabilities.  TERI serves both the student and their family with a bridge of support from childhood into successful adulthood, and throughout the senior years, especially for those facing a gap in needs not met by other programs.  Students’ families are aided with support services and resources.  TERI offers students: 2 Adult Learning Programs, Residential Homes, 2 Non-public Schools in Oceanside and San Marcos, Agriculture & Urban Framing, Equestrian Therapy, Special Needs Life Quality Coach Training, Life Quality Planning, ABA and Behavioral Support, Family Support Services, Vocational Training, and Enrichment Programs such as Culinary, Music, Theatre, Fitness, and Arts & Crafts.

Aides from their In-Respite Program serve children who are taken care of at home by their families, while the Out-of-Respite Program serves children in TERI’s Residential Program.  The Elks carnival was all about developing friendships through support, recreation, fitness, and activities in the local community for these students.

About 30 students and their individual aides showed up at the Lodge on Saturday, October 29, to enjoy the 2 bounce houses, the dunk tank, face painting, art wheels, prizes, and food.  24 Vista Elks worked the carnival and 7 Marines from Camp Pendleton arrived to barbecue food for the students.

Vista Elks Lodge #1968  – 1947 E Vista Way, Vista, CA  – (760) 724-1968