WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- For parents of special needs children, it can be difficult to find activities the children can take part in.

That's why a local gym owner started the "Hugs" program. It has opened many doors for children with disabilities.

Teresa Martin-Proctor began the Spirit Gymnastics Academy Plus seven years ago.

"We are a gymnastics facility mainly, but we have after-school, we have summer camps, we have dance, we have cheerleading," Martin-Proctor said.

Five months ago, she added the "Hugs" program. It stands for Hope Unites Gymnastics for Special athletes.

"We can bring kids that have autism, and severe kids, kids that have no limbs, kids that have just about anything that they can't go into a regular class," she said.

The non-profit program is the only one in Polk County as well as surrounding counties and is free for special needs participants.

"We get to take those kids and bring them out and put them through the entire gym and just let them experience stuff that they would never get to do," Martin-Proctor said.

Janet Randle’s 7-year-old daughter, Jalin, first went to the academy last year dealing with severe autism, not speaking or interacting with others.

That has changed.

"She is now a silver level team competitive gymnast who has friends, talking, hugs, loves people. And it's just amazing," Randle said.

For the little ones, the possibilities seem endless. For Martin-Proctor, it's all about answering a call.

"I don't think that I'm a hero. I just think I'm doing what I'm called to do. I have a heart for kids. I have a heart for people."