A few days ago we had our first hangout (thank you to the parent who came up with that term to use) and I think it was amazing! We had 8 or 9 kids there (I don’t have my sign up in front of me and it’s 5:30am and I’m in bed), an adult per child + 3 additional, one teen mentor, and two safe adults from q Social Club.

The members at our first hangout got a backpack and every club member will receive a tee shirt with their favorite animal and their pronouns. We had 6 kitten lovers!

The only thing Ruthie would be mad about you snooping around in are her journals. Other than that, you can use whatever skin carehoodiesclothessocksoffice stufffoodwineetc. Ruthie is so cool isn’t-3.png

The silent dance party was great. Honestly, having a child with autism really taught me how important accommodations are! I really envisioned a space where children could come with absolutely zero pressure to push beyond their own comfort and safety zones. If they wanted to put headphones on and not talk to anyone, I wanted to that happen. But I also wanted kids who wanted to socialize and talk not be overwhelmed by loud music. I think it was a good balance and Heartbeats was so great! They gave us the nonprofit rate and communication with them was a breeze. I highly recommend them!

I learned:

3 Whole Foods pizzas is the perfect amount

Together we are doing something that really, truly makes a difference. THANK YOU.

We are in full swing!

Welcome!