Leko-who? Leko-what? Lekotek! For 35 years, this nonprofit has been providing
children with disabilities an opportunity to have fun, learn and be successful in a low-stress,
inclusive environment.
The purpose of Lekotek is not to provide therapy but to ensure that children with physical,
cognitive and/or sensory disabilities have opportunities to interact with their peers and families
through play. Whether it be adapting toys, using innovative technology or offering recreational
programs, Lekotek is all about failure-free learning.
Executive director and founder of the Georgia chapter, Helene Prokesh, had been working as a
special education teacher for Fulton County when her nephew, Jeremy, was born with Down
syndrome. While visiting her nephew in Evanston, Illinois, Prokesh’s sister-in-law raved about
Lekotek’s program and how Jeremy was learning while playing with his brother and
sister at the facility. After visiting the National Lekotek Center, Prokesh returned to Georgia and
established a new chapter.
“The Atlanta community has been very generous, and our efforts have been successful to date,”
says Prokesh. “But, every year, we must raise $750,000 to continue funding six sites.”
In 1984, Lekotek of Georgia received their first grant from The Liz Claiborne Foundation and
set up shop in the basement of Easter Seals. Today, they have six sites statewide. In addition to
their main campus in Atlanta, they have locations in Alpharetta, Gainesville, Duluth, Peachtree
City and Kennesaw.
Fundraising events and sponsorships are key to Lekotek’s success. March 2 marks the
nonprofit’s fifth annual Brewfest which takes place at Monday Night Brewing Company, the
Garage location on the Beltline, from 7 to 10 p.m. Activities at the festival include live
music courtesy of Fynal Vynal, corn hole games, a live auction and dinner catered by Lovies
BBQ.
For more information and tickets, visit Lekotek’s website www.lekotekga.org.
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Who’s doing good? Each Sunday, we write about a deserving individual,charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To suggest an event or person for us to cover, contact us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com.
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