February 2026 Newsletter |
Volume 5 - Issue 2 |
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Inside This Issue:
- A Note From Our Founders
- Home Starts Here
- 2026 Gala Save the Date
- What's New?
- What's Next?
- January Highlights
- How You Can Get Involved |
Dear Friends,
February often centers around love, and for us, it’s a meaningful reminder of the many ways love shows up in our community. It’s found in friendships that continue to grow, and in the steady support that surrounds Circle of Friends every day.
We see this love most clearly in the spaces where people feel known and valued. At Flourish Café, and in our social gatherings, relationships are being built that go beyond activity calendars and schedules. They are rooted in trust, belonging, and the simple joy of being together.
This month, we’re also looking ahead with excitement as we prepare for our upcoming Gala, Building Bridges: Creating Homes on March 27th. This theme reflects the heart of our mission: connecting people, strengthening community, and working toward spaces where everyone has a place to belong. |
As we continue through the year, we remain focused on strengthening connections and moving forward with intention.
Through our expanded programming, ongoing support at Flourish Café, and progress toward our Home Starts Here capital campaign, we are working to create even more opportunities for people to live with purpose and dignity in community.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your generosity, encouragement, and belief in inclusion continue to make a lasting difference in Circle of Friends.
Flourish,
Diane & Glenn Keen
Founders |
At Circle of Friends, we believe housing is healthcare — and that a true home begins long before the walls go up.
Home Starts Here is a $2 million capital campaign to secure the land that will become the foundation for a vibrant, inclusive future for neurodiverse adults, their neurotypical peers, and older adults.
With your help, we can take the next step: securing the land that will one day hold the homes, connections, and opportunities this community deserves.
Because home doesn’t start with a building. It starts with belonging. And Home Starts Here. |
Sponsor the Circle of Friends 2026 Gala! |
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2026 Gala: Building Bridges, Creating Homes
Join us on Friday, March 27, 2026 for Circle of Friends’ 2026 Gala, Building Bridges: Creating Homes. Enjoy an elegant evening of dinner, live entertainment, and auctions while supporting our mission to create homes and opportunities for neurodiverse adults.
Sponsorships and Table Purchases are now LIVE on our website! Click the link below for more information. |
Social Activities: Survey Available!
Friends, parents, direct support people, we want your input!
Help us plan programs that work best for our community by answering a few questions. Whether you're a participant, parent, or direct support professional, your voice matters.
This survey should take about 5-10 minutes to complete!
Your feedback helps us plan meaningful, inclusive, and fun experiences for everyone!
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We're Hiring: Shift Leads!
Flourish Café is seeking part-time neurotypical team members who love coffee, food, working with adults with diverse abilities, and making a difference!
Location: Hickory Flat
Shifts: Monday-Saturday mornings and/or afternoons (closed on Sundays)
Join our inclusive team, mentor adults with diverse abilities, and serve great food & drinks in a welcoming space!
Essentials:
- Passion for community & inclusion
- Interest in coffee & food service
- Team player & friendly
Submit your resume here:
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Flourish After Hours
EVERY Tuesday | 6:00 - 7:30PM
Flourish Café
$10 | Medicaid Waiver |
Bingo with Seniors
MONDAY February 23rd | 2:00PM
Manor Lake (Hickory Flat)
FREE |
A-Not-So-Valentine's Day Party
February 27th | 6:00 - 8:00PM
Flourish Café
$15 | Medicaid Waiver |
Cards with Friends
EVERY Friday | 10:30 - 11:30AM
Hickory Flat Church
FREE |
Board Games with Barbara
EVERY Monday | 9:00 - 10:00AM
Flourish Café
FREE |
Spring 2026 Cooking Class
EVERY Thursday Afternoon
Hickory Flat Church
$125 | Medicaid Waiver |
2026 Garden Club
Beginning in April
Woodstock Community Garden
Stay Tuned for More Info! |
Pickleball Social
May 16th | 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Veterans Park Pickleball Courts
Stay Tuned for More Info! |
A Seat at the Table Home Starts Here Benefit Dinner |
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How You Can Get Involved: |
Join us in making a difference!
By volunteering your time or becoming a donor, you can help support neurodiverse adults in our community. Your involvement provides enriching social activities, supportive employment, and a nurturing community.
Learn more about how you can join our Circle of Friends! |
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