TASK History
In the summer of 1996, a journey began with a tee ball league designed for children with special needs. On a borrowed church field, twenty-six eager, young players came together, and from this one of a kind gathering, TASK was born. Founded by the visionary Deb Fruend and nurtured by dedicated special education teachers, TASK gradually increased its programming in the years that followed.
By 2000, TASK transformed into a vibrant hub, offering recreational programs three nights a week at various schools, churches, and facilities across St. Louis County, reaching nearly 2,000 participants. Volunteers emerged as the lifeblood of this initiative, lending their unwavering support to our participants. It was during this time that TASK summer camps took flight.
As time moved on, TASK not only expanded its sports offerings, but also embraced the arts, theater, culinary delights and monthly social gatherings. In 2012, after tireless fundraising and with incredible support from the community, TASK was able to purchase a permanent home in Fenton.
In 2017, TASK unveiled the Next Steps program, a haven for adults with special needs to discover purpose, cultivate pre-vocational skills, forge friendships, and foster a sense of community.
Today, TASK continues its mission of providing recreational, social, fine arts, and day programs, welcoming all who seek a joyful place to play. With a tireless spirit, we persist in our fundraising endeavors, seeking contributions to sustain our cherished facility, compensate our dedicated staff, broaden our programs, acquire new and updated equipment, and nurture a true home for our special individuals.
Thank you for your interest in TASK! Your support for our participants and programs is greatly appreciated. We would not be here without you.
Task History
In the summer of 1996, a journey began with a tee ball league designed for children with specialneeds. On a rented church field, twenty-six eager young players came together, and from this one ofa kind gathering, TASK was born. Founded by the visionary Deb Fruend and nurtured by dedicatedspecial education teachers, TASK gradually increased its programming in the years that followed.
By 2000, TASK transformed into a vibrant hub, offering recreational programs three nights a weekacross various schools,churches, and facilities in St. Louis County, reaching nearly 2,000participants. Volunteers emerged as the lifeblood of this initiative, lending their unwavering supportto support our children. It was during this time that our summer camps took flight. As time movedon, TASK not only expanded its sports offerings but also embraced the arts, drama, and culinarydelights,butintroducedmonthly social gatherings into the mix.
In 2017, TASK unveiled the Next Steps program, a haven for adults with special needs to discoverpurpose, cultivate pre-vocational skills, forge friendships, and foster a sense of community.
Today, TASK continues our mission of providing recreational, social, fine arts, and day programs,welcoming all who seek a joyful place to play. With a tireless spirit, we persist in our fundraisingendeavors, seeking contributions to sustain our cherished facility, compensate our dedicated staff,broaden our programs, acquire new equipment, and nurture a true home for our special individuals.
