The Exceptional Families Program (EFP) is rapidly becoming a pivotal community initiative in Coronado, uniting families while providing essential support and resources for those raising children or caring for adults with special needs. Launched just a year ago through a collaboration between the Coronado Community Foundation, Camp Able, the City of Coronado, and the Friends of the Coronado Library, EFP was created to address the unique challenges faced by many Navy-connected families. Rudy, a 50-year-old Coronado resident, entered his first EFP event with hopes of meeting new friends and left with an entirely new community.
“I found my crew,” Rudy said with evident joy. That sense of belonging encapsulates the essence of EFP—a program designed to facilitate genuine connections among families who often feel isolated due to their circumstances.
EFP’s monthly events, which include various engaging activities, offer families the opportunity to interact and connect in a supportive environment. Led by camp director Jenelle Nettles, these gatherings allow families to be themselves without judgment.
Parents like John Leslie, a Navy veteran, have felt the immediate and profound impact of EFP. Leslie’s family, facing the challenges of advanced MS, autism, and Down syndrome, often struggles to engage together. After attending an event, he shared how his family was embraced by the community, allowing him and his wife the rare chance to enjoy a moment of tranquility while experienced staff cared for their children with kindness.
“I had tears in my eyes. It may sound small, but it was everything,” Leslie recalled. These moments of respite and connection have not only enhanced the lives of individual families but have also fostered lasting relationships within the community.
The success of the program is evident through heartfelt testimonials from participants. A Navy mom described a transformative experience for her autistic son, who typically feels overwhelmed in groups, stating, “He could be himself. We felt included. That never happens.” Another mother, exhausted after her son’s surgery, revealed how she was encouraged to attend an art activity at the Coronado Library, where she experienced warmth and care, leaving her feeling uplifted for the first time in weeks.
The Friends of the Coronado Library also play a key role in this initiative, as they co-sponsor EFP events in the Winn Room. Carl Luna, President of the Friends of the Coronado Public Library, expressed pride in their collaboration, stating that the library’s services extend beyond its walls through partnerships that enrich community experiences.
Since its inception, the Exceptional Families Program has attracted over 250 participants, illustrating its impact on creating inclusive, enriching experiences within Coronado. The reach of the program has also grown significantly, with Camp Able’s summer enrollment surging from 400 participants in 2023 to over 700 in 2024, showcasing the trust and connections built through EFP outreach.
“It’s about more than events,” Nettles emphasized. “It’s about building a Coronado where every family—regardless of need—feels like they belong.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the community, reinforcing the program’s mission to foster acceptance and understanding.
The Coronado Community Foundation stands as a testament to the power of community initiatives like EFP. The foundation listens to the needs of the community, identifies gaps, and brings diverse groups together to create meaningful, lasting programs.
As EFP embarks on its second year, the foundation remains dedicated to expanding outreach and strengthening partnerships. Their commitment echoes a fundamental belief: every Coronado resident deserves to feel connected and valued.
In this light, the Exceptional Families Program exemplifies the vibrant spirit of community, showcasing what it truly means to care for one another and create a space of acceptance and inclusion for all.
image source from：coronadotimes
