Greetings! I'm Candi Carter, a wife and mother of two wonderful children. My journey began when I realized that kids, specifically teenagers, like my son Emerson, faced a unique challenge – they often had no friends to call their own. Emerson, a teenager with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), couldn't simply join in on activities like other kids. Instead, he would typically accompany us or his sister to her events.

 

Moved by the desire to create a space where teens like Emerson could experience the joys of friendship, I set out to connect with other parents who shared a similar journey. This quest led me to a vision: a place where these incredible kids could come together, just like their peers, and enjoy life's simple pleasures – sharing pizza, grooving to music, dancing, playing, and so much more.

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The result? A heartwarming initiative called: We’ve Got Friends (WGF). 

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Our gatherings have brought boundless happiness into the lives of these remarkable young individuals, providing them with a social circle they can truly call their own. While it might seem like a simple concept to some, the impact on the kids and their families who attend our social groups is immeasurable.

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Join us on this heartwarming journey of friendship, inclusion, and unwavering support at WGF. Together, we are weaving a tapestry of joy and belonging for all.