By Ms Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco (Prafulta Psychological Services), Nerul, in association with Wading Through Life – Holistic Wellness a support community for parents of children with special needs – is thrilled to announce the extension of its Support Community to Don Bosco, Novitiate House Nashik. The inaugural Support Group Meeting was held on 31st May 2025 at Don Bosco, Novitiate House, Nashik, and marked a significant milestone in our journey of compassion, connection, and collective strength.

What began as a heartfelt initiative at Don Bosco, Nerul, has steadily evolved into a vibrant community of families, educators, and professionals united by a shared purpose: supporting children with special needs and empowering their parents. Envisioned as a holistic support ecosystem, the community has steadily grown from simple parent conversations, testimonials and therapy based discussions to a multifaceted network that includes playdates, therapy services, recreational events, and spiritual retreats.

The journey took a meaningful leap with the creation of Ikshana, a therapy care centre catering to children with special needs. This initiative was soon followed by recreational and developmental programs, including a highly successful Wading through Life’s Funtoosh – Football, Basketball and Skating Sports Camp conducted during April and May. Parents and children also enjoyed a joyful event, a picnic outing to Aquamagica, strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories. We are also looking forward to our upcoming Table Tennis and Funtional Fitness sports activity in the month of June. With plans for meditation sessions, spiritual retreats, and more community engagement events and celebrations in the pipeline, the Nerul chapter continues to thrive with more families connecting from all over Navi Mumbai and beyond.

The opportunity to extend this initiative to Don Bosco, Nashik, was met with enthusiasm and a sense of mission. With the warm support of Fr Gonsalves Wyman, Rector of Don Bosco Nashik, and Fr Royal D’Abreo, Parish Priest, the first support meeting was a resounding success. The session was led by Fr Barnabe Dsouza, Director of Don Bosco Academy Nerul, and Ms Wenonah Castellino, Educational and Vocational Advisor at DBA and Director of Wading Through Life – Holistic Wellness

Ms Castellino outlined the vision and mission of the support community, focusing on the importance of shared experiences, open dialogue, and emotional resilience along with therapy based discussions with our Psychological Counsellor Mr Stephin Anthony. She emphasized the value of creating safe spaces where parents can connect, share their experiences, find solutions together, network and build community activities.

The session was deeply moving, with parents courageously sharing their stories and challenges. Their trust and willingness to engage affirmed the importance of this initiative. With this inspiring beginning, Wading Through Life looks forward to nurturing another compassionate and dynamic support group—one that stands as a pillar of strength for families navigating the unique journey of raising special children.