Brotherly Love: Kate's Place Builds Friendships

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Young people with developmental disabilities have just as much desire for friendships as anyone else, but it's not always easy to socialize when you don't drive or you're out of school.

A parent found a way to give those young people a place to meet. Three times a week, there's a place for young adults to socialize.

JoAnn McNamee, the mother of 22-year-old Kate (who also goes by Katie), got the idea after talking with other parents of special needs people.

"Their children were at home alone with no friends in the neighborhood and nothing to do after school was over," said JoAnn.

So JoAnn started Kate's Place, a non-profit that funds activities for ages 18 and up at First United Methodist Church in Moorestown.

At Kate's Place, they have plenty to do. They play volleyball, learn yoga, even recently put on a performance of songs from the musical "Grease."

JoAnn's daughter Katie said, "I love it here because I have friends here."

Mostly, it's a place to hang out with friends, "be able to get away from their parents a little bit and feel like they're young adults," said JoAnn.

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"We have a couple of relationships that have developed," she added.

Katelyn Wood, 20, explained, "Eric is my boyfriend."

"They're at the age where there's nothing handicapped about hormones!" said JoAnn.

Parents like Mary Mondotsos have nothing but praise for everything JoAnn and Katie have done.

"I think JoAnn's fantastic. I think what she did for these is just so good. Words just don't describe it," said Mondotsos.

There's more to come.

"We've decided in September we're going to have a Kate's Place prom," said JoAnn.

That way, these young people can have another unforgettable experience.

Kate's Place meets three times a week. There is a $20 fee per day to defray the costs. JoAnn also accepts donations.

RELATED LINK:

Kate's Place: http://www.kates-place-nj.org