There are minimal resources available in Crittenden County. This is especially true for our population who have developmental disabilities. 

Hard-working adults with developmental disabilities have lost their employment because of behaviors that were associated with their disabilities. After hearing the complaints of many parents of adults with disabilities and from some of those adults who have disabilities, the Crittenden County Extension Office started a club to support these individuals.

After surveying guardians and club members about what they wanted to learn, I pulled Family and Consumer Science lessons, focusing mainly on leadership, Human Development, and Food and Nutrition. Each club meeting has a lesson and then an activity.

The target audience has been adults with developmental disabilities and their guardians.   It is an opportunity to teach the participants life and social skills and teach guardians self-care practices. As well as simply providing them all a chance to socialize and interact with others in similar situations.

So far, we have had several partners work with our group. Employees of our Animal shelter, our Ag Agent, SNAP-Ed Agent, a local dietician, retired teachers, and a local nurse have all volunteered with the Forever Friends Club.  

We also have scheduled our Chamber of Commerce and a pickleball enthusiast to volunteer for future clubs.

Participants have expressed that they are happy when they are at the club, and they feel understood.   Many participants have invited friends.  Guardians have shared that the adults with developmental disabilities have started communicating with each other more, increasing their social life.   The guardians have also stated that it is reassuring to be with other adults who understand the unique needs of caring for adults with disabilities. One guardian emailed Kentucky State University and said "I’ve been able to attend with other parents some times and it touches my heart to watch them laugh together, talk, and just enjoy the company of other young adults that are similar to them and accept them.  As a mom of special needs adults, I am SO grateful that Ms. Woodall saw the need in our community "