November 20, 2023 By Pamela Berigan
This Saturday, the Patriot Cinema in Hingham’s Shipyard played host to a heartwarming event organized by the South Shore Special Needs Athletic Partnership (SNAP). The occasion, aptly named “Morning at The Movies,” provided an enriching cinematic experience for nearly 100 SNAP families.
The event, a testament to community collaboration, was made possible through the unwavering support of David Scott and his dedicated team at Patriot Cinema. Over the past few years, Patriot Cinema has been an ally in ensuring that special needs families can enjoy a trip to the movies in a modified setting, complete with lower volume and dimmed lighting to reduce sensory overload.
The highlight of the morning was the screening of the newly released Trolls movie. Families gathered for a shared experience, appreciating the chance to enjoy quality time together. For many special needs families, such outings can be challenging, making events like Morning at The Movies invaluable in fostering a sense of community and inclusion.
“I started this event because it gives families a chance to enjoy time together. Sometimes that can be challenging with a special needs family member. With the support of Patriot Cinema, we are able to give our families a great experience with limited sensory overload. Our goal is this will be the first of many movie theater experiences for our friends,” shared Pamela Berigan, a key figure in the South Shore SNAP community.
The modified cinematic setting provided by Patriot Cinema not only allowed families to enjoy the latest film but also served as an opportunity for the special needs individuals to participate in a familiar recreational activity. The lower volume and dimmed lighting struck a balance, creating an environment that accommodated their needs without completely sacrificing the essence of the movie-going experience.
Now celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary, South Shore SNAP offers a variety of programs to enhance the lives of special needs individuals and their families. In addition to Morning at The Movies, SNAP provides sports-related programs such as soccer, basketball, skating, yoga, and of course our Summer Program at the South Shore Country Club. We are actively involved in Wreaths Across America, Bags for Vets, and the HSP Dock fundraiser, just to name a few.
For those interested in learning more about South Shore SNAP and their programs, including upcoming events and how to get involved, visit their website at https://www.southshoresnap.com/. The organization’s commitment to inclusivity and community support shines brightly through events like Morning at The Movies, demonstrating that with collaboration and understanding, everyone can enjoy the magic of the movies.