F.A.C.T.
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
F.A.C.T. is a highly praised organization that provides critical support and resources for families with children, specifically those with diagnosed abilities and children on the autism spectrum, catering to a wide age range from elementary school through adulthood. Beyond its core support services, it also hosts specific themed family events like a Valentine's Day Dance, indicating a multi-faceted approach to family engagement and support.
Key Highlights
- ✓Provides significant support and resources for families with children with diagnosed abilities.
- ✓Specifically noted as a 'Great organization for families and children on the spectrum of all ages'.
- ✓Offers 'RESOURCES for Families under one roof', described as a 'Godsend'.
- ✓Staff are consistently described as 'CARING, RESPECTFUL, attentive, friendly and knowledgeable'.
- ✓Facility is 'very clean'.
- ✓Hosts specific, themed events, such as a 'Valentine's Day Dance on February 15'.
Standout Features
- ⭐Comprehensive support and resources for families with special needs children under one roof.
- ⭐Highly praised staff for being caring, respectful, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable.
- ⭐Exceptional cleanliness of the facility.
- ⭐Organizes themed family events (e.g., Valentine's Day Dance).
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Families seeking support for children with diagnosed abilities or on the spectrum should 'call for a tour' to see the available support.
- →Keep an eye on their event schedule for specific family engagement activities like dances.
Things to Consider
- ⚠No negative points were raised in any of the provided reviews.
Price & Value
Pricing information is not mentioned in the reviews, but the extensive resources and support provided suggest high value, especially for families with special needs who often struggle to find comprehensive assistance.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Explicitly described as providing 'support with diagnosed abilities' and being 'Great organization for families and children on the spectrum of all ages', strongly indicating specialized accessibility and accommodations for special needs.
- •Staff are 'caring' and 'respectful', which is crucial for families with diverse needs.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not mentioned in reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •Not mentioned in reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Not mentioned in reviews.
🛡️Safety Features
- •The presence of 'Caring, Respectful Representatives' and 'attentive' staff implies a focus on safety and well-being, especially for a population with special needs, though specific features are not detailed.
⏰When to Avoid
- • No specific situations to avoid were mentioned in the reviews.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
I Can Shine Bike Camp
Every couple of years
Grant-funded (Virginia Beach Youth Services Club for one past event)
One-week clinic that teaches children with developmental disabilities how to ride a traditional two-wheel bicycle. Creates opportunities for social interaction, improves fitness, and boosts self-confidence.
Family Fun Days
Several seasonal celebrations during the traditional school year (five per year)
No entry fees
Seasonal themes (e.g., Halloween, Christmas) with games, prizes, crafts, and more. Offers opportunities for parents to network while children and adults with ASD and their siblings play in a safe and supportive environment.
🍎Food Policy
- • Staff is mindful of dietary restrictions for campers.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Camp Gonnawannagoagin': Knowledgeable, compassionate staff maintains a 1-2 guardian-camper ratio. Everyone is assigned a neurotypical 'peer buddy' that models expected behavior and offers acceptance and encouragement. Staff is mindful of sensory integration needs, language processing delays, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and limited awareness of environmental dangers. Communication and behavioral supports provided.
- • Teen Time & Social Club: Adult staff and peer volunteer chaperones provide a 1:6 supervision ratio. Peer volunteers' primary purpose is social interaction, not supervision.
- • Out-n-About: Adult staff provide a minimum 1:2 supervision ratio. Communication supports available. Individuals who wander, run, or exhibit unusual behaviors will be closely supervised.
- • Family Fun Days: An adult must accompany students with ASD for these events.
- • Sports Programs: Adult supervision is limited, and caregivers are required to stay on-site during instruction.
📅Booking Policy
- • Teen Time & Social Club: RSVP online a minimum of 48 hours prior to the event. Space is frequently limited and may be sold out before the deadline.
- • Out-n-About: RSVP online a minimum of 48 hours prior to the event. Space is frequently limited and may be sold out before the deadline.
- • Family Fun Days: No registration required.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Elicia Parker
3 months agoF.A.C.T is so amazing and I'm coming back for the Valentine's Day Dance on February 15
Vee
a year agoFor years I have felt so alone trying to seek help for my child (elementary, high school). As a parent you provide support with diagnosed abilities. My now ADULT child was introduced to CARING, RESPECTFUL Representatives of FACT and the RESOURCES for Families under one roof has been a Godsend! My message to Families, please call for a tour and see the support for your child. Community Partners, please visit and consider supporting with your time and donations to continue this need for Families.
Kiara S.
8 months agoLove this facility. They are very clean, very attentive, very friendly and knowledgeable. I literally have nothing negative to say about them.
Aa a
10 months agoGreat organization for families and children on the spectrum of all ages.
Karen McGinnis
a month agoAmazing facility
Contact Information
3509 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA
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