Current Programs

4 in-person meetups:  1/19, 2/9, 3/23, 4/13 (Sundays 2:30–3:30 pm PST)

K to 12th graders

Cost - FREE! 

Opening Doors PTA is excited to announce a free new Kids Hangout Club Buddy Meetups pilot program launching in the spring of 2025, featuring passionate teen volunteers from Belmont Parks and Recreation VOICES team as mentors!

This pilot program offers K–12 neurodiverse students the opportunity to practice social skills with a matched volunteer mentor while engaging with the evidence-based PEERS curriculum. Our goal is to help students develop and maintain meaningful friendships through natural conversations and playful interactions in a supportive peer-to-peer environment.

During our monthly meetups, students will enjoy one-on-one time with their matched mentors to deepen their relationships and participate in small teams to enhance teamwork, sportsmanship, and communication skills. They will also engage in group activities designed to build confidence within a safe and inclusive community. Students can stay connected through various Kids Hangout Club platforms, including Google Classroom, Zoom meetups, and Buddy Meetups.

Why the Buddy Meetups is Special:

• Both students and mentors must commit to attending all four Sunday meetups (1/19, 2/9, 3/23, 4/13) to help reduce anxiety and cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships.

• The program fosters a peer-to-peer environment where students can engage directly, building friendships in a safe and supportive space with guidance from their mentors as needed.

• Dedicated BCBA and PEERS providers carefully match students with mentors to ensure a supportive and meaningful partnership.

• Students will receive a Google Form a week before each meetup, allowing them to preview and get familiar with the upcoming topics and activities.

• Mentors will naturally incorporate the evidence-based PEERS curriculum through their interactions and behavior modeling during the meetup.

• Each student will receive a unique souvenir passport containing motivational messages and progress notes from their mentors on the final day.

Space is limited—sign up quickly after reviewing the information below!

Who:
Ten neurodiverse students in K–12 who are adventurous and committed to attending all four Sunday meetups to enhance their personal growth.

When:
Four Sundays from 2:30–3:30 PM: 1/19, 2/9, 3/23, 4/13.
(The session on 4/13 will conclude at 4:00 PM with a small celebration, including food chosen by the students!)

Where:
Belmont Senior & Community Center
(The facility includes amenities such as ping pong tables and indoor/outdoor games.)

Important Dates:

• 11/30: Application Deadline

• 12/15: Admission Notification

This FREE program is offered by Opening Doors PTA, with teen volunteer mentors supported by Belmont Parks and Recreation. The program is open to all neurodiverse students in K–12, with priority enrollment given to Opening Doors PTA members.

Dedicated BCBA and PEERS providers will offer training and ongoing supervision for teen volunteer mentors at all meetups. This is NOT a drop-off event; parents are required to stay and provide support as needed.

Please contact Anita Yu or Rianne Supie Mohammed if you have any questions.

Please click on the KHC Buddy Meetups Form - Spring 2025 to apply today!

*Kids Hangout Club is an Opening Doors PTA Program. Supervision of the group, including its activities and events, is provided by Opening Doors PTA staff.