Local Couple Honored for Advancing Inclusion at Batavia Library

A local couple from Batavia, Illinois, will receive the prestigious Library Leader award next month for their remarkable contributions to the community, particularly in creating inclusive programs for individuals with special needs. Ken and Terri Mate are being recognized for their role in establishing the Inclusion Game Night, a program designed to provide children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to socialize, play games, and form friendships in a welcoming environment.

The Mates, who have two adult daughters, Amanda and Melinda, recognized a significant gap in services when they moved to Batavia in 1997. According to Ken Mate, Amanda’s arrival was “a shock to the system” due to the lack of support systems available at the time. Driven by their desire to offer Amanda and others like her the opportunities they deserved, Terri approached the staff at Batavia Public Library with her vision for a program that would foster social interaction and community.

In 2014, the Mates’ efforts culminated in the launch of Inclusion Game Night, which has since become a cherished event in the Batavia area. Currently, the program attracts an average of 40 to 60 teens and young adults each month, who gather at the library to enjoy various games and win prizes. This initiative not only benefits participants but also provides a vital support network for parents, caregivers, and siblings, fostering lasting friendships among families.

The award ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on September 2, 2023, in the Founders Room of the Batavia Public Library, located at 10 S. Batavia Ave.. The event is open to the public and will feature a brief ceremony along with light refreshments. Following the celebration, the Inclusion Game Night will commence, continuing the spirit of community and inclusion that the Mates have worked so hard to promote.

Ken Mate, who works as a magician and serves as Amanda’s caregiver, and Terri Mate, a special education teacher with the Mid Valley Special Education Cooperative, expressed their gratitude for the recognition. “We appreciate people paying this honor to us, but we definitely couldn’t do it on our own. We couldn’t do it without the Library,” Ken stated, highlighting the collaborative nature of their efforts.

The Library Leader award, established in 2003 by the Board of Library Trustees, is awarded biennially to individuals whose significant contributions enhance the services and outreach of the Batavia Public Library District. The recognition underscores the Mates’ dedication to ensuring that all community members have access to resources and opportunities that enrich their lives.

As the celebration approaches, the Mates remain focused on their mission to empower individuals with special needs, demonstrating that with passion and commitment, positive change is possible in any community.