Senior Emily Goodman is transforming community service into a creative and inclusive event. Through her work with Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) Chicago, she’s using art to empower children with special needs while inspiring Latin students to join in and make a difference.
A local nonprofit, KEEN provides opportunities that allow participants to learn new skills, build connections, and gain confidence. The organization offers free extracurricular activities for kids and young adults with special needs.
KEEN’s programming ranges from sports to games to art. “Their community is very warm and loving,” Emily said. “Families from all over the city utilize their programming.”
When Emily discovered KEEN, she knew she wanted to be involved. “I love working with kids and have a lot of experience working with kids who have special needs,” she said.
Before working with KEEN, Emily worked at Keshet Sunday School as a one-to-one aid throughout high school. Keshet’s Sunday School programs are a Jewish connection for kids with special needs, providing cross-community engagement and hands-on activities.
Emily’s involvement with KEEN began when she volunteered for their sports and dance program during her freshman year.
During her sophomore year, Emily took on the responsibility of organizing and hosting art events for KEEN at Latin. “[These events] provide families with a welcoming community that celebrates everyone’s strengths,” she said.
As the organizer of KEEN’s art events at Latin, Emily provides “open-ended and exploration-based” activities, usually centered around a theme. Some past themes include spring, mindfulness, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.
Emily aims to create activities where the kids can use their imagination and explore different materials. “I always have paint, canvases, and various collaging materials,” she said. “I also always have a sensory station with Legos and magnet tiles.”
At KEEN events, kids, their families, and a Latin volunteer create art together, along with a KEEN staff member who comes to support the events.
One memorable moment for Emily occurred during a recent art event when a child worked hard to make a sculpture of a rabbit in a tuxedo using different materials. Emily remembered how proud of himself he was. “It was just a really nice moment seeing how creative the kids are,” she said.
“Volunteering with [the kids] has been really fulfilling,” she added.
KEEN has helped Emily form many impactful relationships and allowed her to make a meaningful difference. “I have provided so many children and their families with an engaging and exciting project where they can be creative, socialize, and express themselves through art,” she said.
Senior Aria Balani has helped volunteer for KEEN events. “What kept me coming back was the inclusive environment [Emily] created,” Aria said.
During an event, Aria played with Legos with the kids and encouraged Latin students to get involved. “It’s a really good way to do some hands-on volunteering and is just a really great way to give back,” she said.
Upper School Director of Student Life Tim Cronister believes it is crucial for students to take active roles in service. “[Service] helps students learn to take action around causes they may care deeply about, gain perspective on their own lives, as well as gain empathy,” he said.
Latin students and other community members interested in volunteering with KEEN can either participate in Emily’s events, which are posted in Mr. Cronister’s email, or visit KEEN Chicago’s website to sign up for upcoming events. Emily emphasized that “[KEEN’s] programming needs volunteers to run, so it’s super important.”
Mr. Cronister spoke highly of Emily’s KEEN events. “Emily’s KEEN visits are always great,” he said. “Most importantly, students have valuable interactions with the residents from KEEN. This is a win-win result.”
