Cindy and Son Brenner Inspire More Than 800 People With Annual Dance in the Park for Adults With Disabilities
Hundreds of families gather to celebrate community, confidence, and connection at Dance in the Park
Key Takeaways
- Cindy Belveal and son Brenner started Dance in the Park for adults with disabilities.
- The free inclusive event grew from 80 attendees in 2022 to over 800 in 2024.
- Dance in the Park helps adults with special needs build confidence and friendships.
Cindy Belveal and her son, Brenner, started Dance in the Park, an annual inclusive event where adults with disabilities can celebrate and connect. Here, they share their story with Woman’s World.
“Here’s two copies like you asked,” Brenner Parkinson said, proudly handing the pages to his mom, Cindy Belveal.
“Thanks, sweetie,” Cindy replied. An accountant at Silverhawk Realty in Caldwell, Idaho, Cindy’s office is a family-friendly agency where employees’ children often stop by — or even spend the day helping out. That includes Brenner, 37, who lives with autism.
Every Christmas, Silverhawk Realty collects employee donations to buy warm clothes for students at local schools. But in early 2020, the agency owner, Tracy Kasper, wanted to do more.
“What can we do this spring to help others?” she asked her staff, and Cindy spoke up.
“What about helping adults with disabilities?” she asked. “Kids with special needs get a lot of help, but once they grow up, they lose their social connections and feel isolated.”
Soon enough, Cindy and office manager Carla Frank began making plans. They included Brenner in their meetings to hear his thoughts.
“What if we host a big open-air dance party in the park and invite adults with disabilities and their families?” they suggested. Brenner loved the idea.
Cindy posted invites on various Facebook groups, writing, It’s going to be a free inclusive celebration where everyone can be themselves and not worry about how they look or act. Then the responses quickly poured in.
What happens at Dance in the Park for adults with special needs
In June of 2022, the first A Dance in the Park welcomed 80 adults with special needs and their families for a day of music, dancing, food and games.
“Our children don’t always have the freedom to do the things others take for granted,” says Jan Walgamott, whose son Adam struggles with mental health. “There’s no place they can go without worrying about people judging them.”
“That was the best time I’ve ever had,” Adam told his mom on their way home. “I can’t wait for next year so I can make more friends!”
Every year since, A Dance in the Park has grown. Last spring more than 800 people attended.
For Brenner and others, the event is more than a single day of fun.
“His confidence has grown by leaps and bounds,” says Cindy, fighting back tears. “He makes better eye contact and feels comfortable speaking to large groups and striking up conversations with cashiers and other strangers.”
As for Brenner, he’s sure this year’s celebration will be the best yet.
“It’s going to be great,” he says. “I want everyone in the state to come have a good time!”
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
