TryCan Celebrates Local Special Needs Children

The stage was set for a fun night of baseball for local special needs children on Friday night. Through TryCan, an educational and athletic mentorship program for special needs children, the kids were given a unique chance to show their athletic skills at Jefferson Field while under the lights and donning official uniforms donated by Summit Junior Baseball for the event. A tailgate party which included food that parents pitched in to bring, started at 6:30 p.m. and the game commenced at 7:15 p.m.  with 13 children participating. At the end of the night all the players received a personalized trophy to celebrate their participation.

City officials who were present expressed their admiration for the TryCan program and the support the children received as they played.  

"The best part of this is seeing the kids helping other kids," Mayor Jordan Glatt said.  "It's great to watch everyone come over and support the kids. This is what it's all about for Summit."

The kids couldn't wait to get on the field to show their skills as exemplified by participant, 6-year-old Nicholas Barbella who was already wearing his baseball mitt and getting excited during the tailgate party. His grandfather, Gene Leppik was proud of his grandson and was happy to see the kids' enthusiasm. 

"I think it's terrific that they think they're at Yankee Stadium," Lippik said smiling. 

Nicholas' mother Tara Barbella said the event was a great way to bolster confidence among the children who participated. "It's an amazing opportunity for kids who would otherwise not get an opportunity to show off their skills," she said. 

Ward I Councilman, Thomas Getzendanner showed his support as he watched the team prepare to play.

"This is a great community happening," he said. "Five years ago, I don't think we were emphasizing special needs children as much as we do now. I believe we really have come a long way."

He noted that the event isn't just about what happens on the field, but about how the community has come together to support special needs children.

TryCan president Eileen Forman Ludden agreed stating the event is more about support, mentorship and even networking for the parents of participants.

"This is a great way for parents to meet each other and good for networking," Ludden said.

She explained that TryCan is funded by state grants and has trained over 300 mentors since it first started three years ago. 

Director of Community Programs, Judith Leblein Josephs said that in addition to offering educational support and mentorship for special needs children in Summit, Berkeley Heights and New Providence, athletic games are offered such as baseball, lacrosse, tennis, soccer, softball and football.

TryCan originated in Summit and was known as "SummitCan", before expanding to Berkeley Heights and New Providence.

"By partnering with other towns, we are able to offer more programs," Ludden said.

Both Josephs and Ludden threw the first pitch to commence the game.

"This is the one time the children can play and have a big crowd cheering them on," Josephs said.  "It's just an amazing night."