(CHARLOTTE, NC , March 3, 2010) -- According to the Child Health Assessment and Monitoring Program (CHAMP), 22 percent of children are classified as “special needs.”  In 2007, Monkey Joe’s became a champ to special needs families living in the greater Charlotte area.  Since then, on the fourth Wednesday of every month, Monkey Joe’s Pineville, Matthews and University has opened its doors to families touched by a special needs child.  
 

Said Nancy Nestor, president of the Mecklenburg County Chapter of the Autism Society, “[Special Needs Night at Monkey Joe’s] is pretty unique, in that it’s free and it’s closed, just for our kids and siblings.  A lot of our families don’t go out. People stare so much, and that’s really hard on siblings.  Monkey Joe’s is a respite where they can go and play … and enjoy their siblings. They need that.”  
 

“When we realized what these families went through in their daily life, we just knew we needed to reach out and find a way to bring some relief and much-needed fun and joy into their lives,” said owner and general partner, Michael Torcellini. “Sometimes Monkey Joe’s playtimes are the only time these families venture out.” 

 While fun is the name of the game, safety remains a top priority at Monkey Joe’s Parties & Play.  Trained staff carefully label and check wristbands so parents are assured their children will not wander out of the secure facility.  All inflatables and surfaces are sprayed by Swisher Hygiene to prevent the spread of H1N1, and eliminate 99.9 percent of germs.  Friends and playgroups often convene around the Mini Monkey Zone, a play place specially designed for toddlers.  

Monkey Joe’s is all about having fun – for kids and adults.  Kids can jump, slide, climb, and play air hockey and video games, while parents can relax in the lounge, which is equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, the latest magazines and comfortable seating. 
 

Special Needs Night is held the fourth Wednesday of every month from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.   All families touched by children with special needs are invited to stop by for this private playtime.  Admission is free.   
 

For more information visit www.monkeyjoesnc.com.  

MATTHEWS:  10101-C E. Independence Blvd., 704-845-1150  PINEVILLE:  601 N. Polk St. , 704-889-1211  UNIVERSITY:  10215 University City Blvd., 704-549-1588  

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