Meet April Green: Mama of 3 Promoting Inclusive Play with Inflatable Racetracks | South Houston Moms

April Green, a proud Sugar Land area mama, is using her love and creativity to create something special. When she noticed that her son, JoJo, who has special needs, was struggling to develop important life and social skills during the pandemic, she came up with the idea to create JoJo’s Raceway, an innovative inflatable racetrack rental business designed to foster inclusivity and bring families of all abilities together to have fun.

In this interview, we’ll get to know April on a personal level, learn more about the inspiration behind JoJo’s Raceway, and discover how her passion for creating a more inclusive community is making a real impact.

She’s also offering our followers 15% off an inflatable racetrack rental (some small enough to fit in your driveaway) through the end of March using the code SOUTHHOUSTONMOMS! So feel free to get in contact with her any time!

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
Resilient- just like many other moms; life happens, obstacles come and go, and we are sometimes placed in unfair situations and experience unforeseen circumstances. However, I feel as though I’ve learned to recover from those situations, find the lesson and move on by helping others.

 

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
People would be surprised to know that I’m actually 69 years old, just kidding.

 

Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you along your motherhood journey?
Without a doubt, my own mother has helped me along my motherhood journey. I get teary-eyed just thinking about her unconditional love. Her support and advice has positively guided me in every situation of not just motherhood but my entire life. Thank you mama, I love you so much!

 

Please introduce us to Jojo and tell us all about Jojo’s Raceway!
Jojo is my eldest child and the co-owner of Jojo’s Raceway. Although he has a diagnosis of Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome (RTS) and Autism; he is also funny, smart, and caring. Jojo’s Raceway was formed to help Jojo with important life and social skills; it also gives him a sense of ownership. We focus on promoting inclusion all while delivering smiles to children’s faces with our super cool inflatable racetracks with bumper cars, go-karts, and other rides for ages 1 and up. We have ride-ons for parents to ride with their kids and adaptive mobility equipment for inclusive play.

 

What inspired you to get Jojo’s Raceway up and running?
Jojo’s Raceway was created in 2020 during the pandemic. Jojo wasn’t able to socialize with anyone outside of our home for health reasons. I watched him become less engaged and motivated. I knew that something had to change and I realized that this would be the perfect opportunity for Jojo to socialize briefly and in an outdoor setting.

 

Inclusivity is so important. What are some ways we can express this to our children?
Thank you so much for this question. Although, I’m a parent of a child with unique and special needs; I’m a former teacher of 20 plus years. Whether you are in a classroom setting or any public setting, we will all interact with people of different races, cultures, backgrounds, and disabilities. It’s so important to express to children that we are all unique and to accept those differences with open arms. Teaching children that a simple wave or smile to someone that is disabled is a true example of showing kindness and acceptance. I actually wrote a children’s book about accepting differences titled, Let’s Follow Jojo. It is available on Amazon as well as our website.

Are there any programs, groups or organizations you can recommend for local families of children with disabilities?
When Jojo was first diagnosed with RTS, there were very few resources available for families. Now there is a wide range of support groups, social clubs and other resources available for the community. I would highly recommend Hope for Three, The Arc of Ft. Bend County, Texana, and Family to Family Network for Support.

 

What is the best way for parents to book a racetrack with you and how much space is required?
We are always available anytime to answer questions that you have regarding booking and availability at 832-847-0718, however all information is also available on our website for up to date availability and pricing. We have a variety of racetracks with different themes and sizes, they include unicorns, jungle animals, race car themes and more. Our smallest racetrack can fit in a standard size double driveway. We service birthday parties, childcare centers, schools, and church events as well.

 

We love to support local small businesses. What is your favorite place in the Pearland and/or Sugar Land areas to: 

Take your kids out for some fun: We Rock the Spectrum- Sugarland
Have a date night: Sugar’s Restaurant
Have fun as a family: Main Event
Get your hair done: Hair Works Unlimited (North Houston)
Shop for your kids: Once Upon a Child- Richmond

To book a super fun inflatable racetrack for your next birthday party or play date, head over to jojosraceway.com! Use code SOUTHHOUSTONMOMS to save 15% through the end of March. 

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