ZUNI, NM (Nov. 14, 2023) — For the second year in a row, the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project commemorated Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October with a special “Buddy” event in the Pueblo of Zuni. Last year, the nonprofit youth organization held a Buddy Walk; this year, on Oct. 28, it hosted a Buddy Booth at Major Market Inc.’s Halloween Trunk or Treat.
ZYEP’s “Buddy” events are important annual initiatives for raising awareness in the community and providing support for special needs families, according to Buddy Booth organizer Kenzi Bowekaty, who is one of ZYEP’s Food Sovereignty leaders.
In advance of this year’s event, she worked with family, friends and colleagues to prepare gifts for all Zuni families that have a member with Down Syndrome. Along the way, they opened up the gift-giving effort to include families with other special needs.
As the parent of a 3-year-old son with Down Syndrome, Bowekaty said this inclusivity is important to her. She noted that all young people with special needs deserve to be recognized, as do their parents and caregivers.
“Special needs children aren’t always included, so we want to let them know they’re special, they’re loved and cherished, and they’re being celebrated,” she explained. “And special needs parents aren’t always recognized for their hard work and the challenges they face, so we want them to know we see them.”
The ZYEP team had the gifts ready for families at the Buddy Booth on Oct. 28, but the blustery day kept many families home. Bowekaty said she understands that on a very personal level.
“When you have a child with special needs, your day might not go as planned,” she said. “The weather might be too much for them, or a new event might seem scary. So, since I had the gifts in the trunk of my car, we decided to deliver them to the families at home!”
The goal was to provide each gift recipient with something to eat, to wear, and to do. Adorned with tissue paper and colorful helium balloons, each large gift bag included thoughtfully curated items such as a cake kit, a hot cocoa kit, a “squishmallow” that could serve as a pillow or trick-or-treat bag, a Slinky, fidget toys, a dartboard-style game, socks, a beanie and gloves for cold weather, wristbands, keychains, and more.
The kits also incorporated a variety of positive messages, from the little keychains to treat sticks for the cakes.
“We reminded parents and caregivers that your child loves you even when you feel invisible, and real superheroes live in the hearts of children,” Bowekaty said. “We are ‘The Lucky Few.’ And we reminded the children that what makes you different is what makes you beautiful.
“Our families have a lot in common, and I’m so glad we could make this accommodation to go to their homes,” she continued. “Everyone was happy. It was such a good feeling.”
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09)
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
