CROWN POINT – The bags were blue, but the mood was anything but as the Notre Dame Club of Northwest Indiana participated in the University of Notre Dame’s 12th annual Global Day of Service on April 26.
Thanks to social worker Andrea Voisard of Gary, the club’s community service coordinator, members teamed up with Ben’s Blue Bags, headquartered in Crown Point, to raise autism awareness.
Founded by firefighter/paramedic Matt Kodicek in 2019, Ben’s Blue Bags is dedicated to Matt’s son Ben, now 11, who is autistic. Matt had noticed that many first responders lacked essential tools and training to care for children on the autism spectrum, and he was determined to make a difference. The nonprofit, headquartered in Crown Point, has as its goal the distribution of bright blue backpacks filled with rubber balls, Rubik’s cubes, fidget spinners, headphones, plastic puzzles and whiteboards and markers – all sensory stimulation items that first responders find useful when approaching children and adults in crisis who may have autism or mental health issues.
“A lot of people with autism are calmed by watching things spin,” noted Gabrielle Price, of Crown Point, who volunteers with the nonprofit while studying for a master’s degree in nursing. “We also add a whiteboard and markers, so someone who is nonverbal can write or draw a message to communicate.”
The mission statement of Ben’s Blue Bags is: “Educating and supporting first responders with bags containing sensory stimulation items that help to de-escalate autistic and special needs patients during overstimulation emergency situations.”
The bags, which also come with essential training to help first responders better interact with the special needs population and effectively use the tools in various situations, are being given to each Lake County fire and police department, as well as hospitals. “We are also trying to get the bags on Special Education buses,” added Price. Some have even been delivered to emergency departments in Canada, Washington D.C., and other states that reached out through Facebook.
Ben’s Blue Bags is funded through private donations, grants and fundraising efforts. To date, Ben’s Blue Bags has provided 700+ bags to 3,000+ first responders in seven states and two countries.
A caregiver for a child who has now reached 18, Price said she has “helped kids all my life, and I know that if they have a developmental disorder, it doesn’t mean they can’t do things. They are always happy and helping them is so worthwhile.”
Helping fill the backpacks was Jerome Pruzin, of Munster, a 1983 Irish grad whose son and daughter are also ND alumni. “My wife actually made note of this project and I need to give back more, so I signed up with my son Sean,” said Pruzin. “You always get more than you give when you help others in need. It makes you feel better to help someone else.”
Volunteer Kathy DeGuilio Fox, of Highland, said she has more time to volunteer since she retired as development director for the Town of Highland. “I was busy with my career, but I’ve recently reconnected with the ND club and I think it’s a great idea to put these bags together. It’s a fabulous idea, and I’m happy to help.”
DeGuilio Fox said she knows there have been times when first responders didn’t recognize people with special needs, but when they are instructed about Ben’s Blue Bags and the contents, it can avert a crisis during an emergency. “Not only are you helping the community by volunteering, but it offers a great opportunity to meet other club members and people affiliated with ND,” she added.
To learn more about Ben’s Blue Bags or get involved, visit www.bensbluebags.com or email bensbluebags@gmail.com.
For more information about the Notre Dame Club of NWI, email ndnwi@alumni.nd.edu.
Caption: Fran Callahan (right), of DeMotte, and Kathy DeGuilio Fox, of Highland, lead the assembly line of Notre Dame Club of Northwest Indiana members and friends filling Ben's Blue Bags with items for autistic and other special needs youth and adults who need calming in a crisis. The service project for the Crown Point nonprofit was part of the 12th annual ND Global Day of Service. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
