January 2026 Newsletter |
Volume 5 - Issue 1 |
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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?
- December Highlights
- How You Can Get Involved |
The start of a new year always invites reflection, and as we look back on 2025, we are struck by just how much has changed and grown within Circle of Friends. This past year brought meaningful progress as our programs expanded, relationships deepened, and long-held hopes began to take clearer shape. None of it happened on its own. It happened because of a community that believes deeply in connection, inclusion, and showing up for one another.
Alongside that growth, 2025 also carried loss. Many of us experienced moments of grief, transition, and uncertainty, both personally and collectively. These experiences have reminded us how essential compassion and showing up for one another truly are. They’ve shaped the way we care for one another and strengthened our commitment to building a community rooted in understanding and grace. |
Looking ahead to 2026, we are filled with both hope and determination. In the year ahead, we’re excited to continue expanding our programming, creating even more opportunities for connection, growth, and belonging. At Flourish Café, we look forward to providing increased support for our team and the Friends who work there, strengthening a space that has already become such an important part of our community.
We are also continuing to move forward with our Home Starts Here capital campaign as we work to find and secure land for an intergenerational, neuroinclusive community. This vision of a place where people can live, work, and grow together remains at the heart of our future, and every step brings us closer to making it a reality.
Thank you for walking with us through every season. Your belief in this mission makes what we do possible, and we are deeply grateful to begin this next chapter together.
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. |
2026 Gala
Sponsors Needed! |
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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 are available now; ticket information will be shared soon! |
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Our January A Seat at the Table dinner was a truly special evening filled with great food, meaningful conversation, and shared purpose. We are deeply grateful to Chef Jesse for preparing an incredible multi-course meal that made the night unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped support our Home Starts Here campaign.
We loved gathering around the table with you and look forward to the next one in April! |
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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We’re back! After a refreshing winter break, Flourish Café is officially open and ready to welcome you. Thank you for giving our team time to rest and recharge! We’re excited to be back serving great coffee, delicious food, and meaningful community.
Hours: 7:00 AM–2:30 PM, Monday–Saturday (closed Sunday) |
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EVERY Tuesday | 6:00 - 7:30PM
Flourish Café
$10 | Medicaid Waiver |
EVERY Third Thursday | 2:00PM
Manor Lake (Hickory Flat)
FREE |
January 30th | 6:30 - 8:30PM
Hickory Flat Church
FREE |
EVERY Friday | 10:30 - 11:30AM
Hickory Flat Church
FREE |
EVERY Monday | 9:00 - 10:00AM
Flourish Café
FREE |
May 16th | 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Veterans Park Pickleball Courts
Stay tuned for more info! |
Flourish Café Staff Christmas Party |
Morning Music: Christmas Edition! With Caleb and Del |
Holiday Hoedown and Talent Show |
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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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