Club Fierce Aims to Create Inclusive Space For All Children

Fundraiser set for Sept. 19 at Brown's Farm to help bring vision to life

Club Fierce is working to create something organizers say is missing in Ohio County — a place where children of all abilities can play, belong and simply be themselves.

Club Fierce, founded by Brian and Wendy King, is a nonprofit organization focused on creating an inclusive indoor play space designed with children with special and unique needs in mind, while remaining open and welcoming to all children.

Board President Dawn Overton said the goal is to build an environment around the needs of the child rather than expecting the child to adjust to an environment that may be overwhelming or inaccessible.

For families of children with special needs, something as simple as going somewhere to play can come with concerns about noise, crowds, accessibility or how others might react if a child becomes overwhelmed.

Overton, whose son has autism, said those concerns can keep some families from going out at all.

“So many families just don’t go because of the fear of judgment,” she said. “It’s sad, but it’s the reality.”

At Club Fierce, she said, children will be free to make noise, cry, play or take the time they need without families worrying about how others will respond.

“That’s why we’re there,” Overton said. “To give them that opportunity.”

Plans for the facility include hands-on and sensory activities, specialized swings, water and sand play, interactive features for children with mobility limitations and larger play equipment. Organizers are also working toward an indoor playground, rock wall and trampoline area.

But Overton stressed that Club Fierce is not intended only for children with special needs. Creating a place where children of all abilities play together is an important part of the organization's mission.

“We want it to be an inclusive environment so that it’s also a place that neurotypical children want to come and play,” she said. “They can interact and learn each other and learn how to interact together.”

Club Fierce also hopes to become a source of support for parents and caregivers. Future plans include family nights, educational programs and information on resources such as Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs. The organization also hopes to eventually offer after-school programs and summer camps designed to accommodate children with special needs.

Staff and volunteers would receive training to better understand and support the children they serve.

The facility is still in the works, with fundraising playing a major role in how quickly it can become a reality. Specialized equipment comes with a significant price tag. Overton said just a few of the larger pieces the organization is working toward purchasing total about $40,000.

The hope is to have Club Fierce open by the end of the current school year, if not sooner, allowing programs to begin during the summer.

To help move those plans forward, Club Fierce will host a fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Brown Farm.

The evening will feature live music from Rosine Sound, Kyle Whitaker, Lucas Whiteley and Kylie Page. King's BBQ and Burgers food truck and Mama Lacey's Sips on Wheels will be on site.

Families can also enjoy hayrides to the pumpkin patch, the farm's playland and cornhole. A silent auction will be held during the event.

There is no set admission price. Instead, donations to Club Fierce will be accepted at the entrance.

Overton thanked Brown Farm for donating the use of its space for the fundraiser and helping the organization take another step toward opening its doors.

For Overton, the goal goes beyond providing somewhere for children to play. It is about creating a place where children and their families know they are welcome.