OPN Monday Nights: Cupcake Decorating
Nov
4
6:00 PM18:00

OPN Monday Nights: Cupcake Decorating

Sheree Warrick will be joining us to help our residents learn some fun cake decorating skills! Everyone will have their own cake to decorate, and Sheree will walk us through a few Thanksgiving and Christmas themed decorations to gear up for the holidays. All supplies will be provided. OPN Community Classes are open to ALL Current and Waiting List residents. If you are not on the waiting list but would like to sign up for just the classes, please let us know. Classes are hosted at the Community Room at Friendship House 5 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (please note the change of time from previous semesters). Due to the nature of this class, there will not be an option to zoom in.

OPN Community Classes are open to ALL current and waiting list residents. If you are not on the waiting list but would like to sign up for just the classes, please contact Ashley Matthews.

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Autism TN: EmployME Chats
Nov
4
6:30 PM18:30

Autism TN: EmployME Chats

EmployME Chats: Autistic Entrepreneurship

Join us for the EmployME Chats on Autistic Entrepreneurship on November 4th, a 90-minute session featuring five Autistic entrepreneurs sharing their unique experiences and insights. Panelists will explore key topics such as starting and growing a business as an Autistic entrepreneur, balancing neurodivergence with business demands, effective cross-neurotype client communication, avoiding burnout, leveraging Autistic strengths, navigating neurotypical business norms, and marketing and funding strategies. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable advice, learn from challenges, and hear success stories from Autistic entrepreneurs.

Find out more about the four panelists and sign up by clicking here!

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Presidential Election
Nov
5
7:00 AM07:00

Presidential Election

If you’ve not yet registered to vote, you must do so by October 7. You can register online at https://ovr.govote.tn.gov/. You can register by mail to vote in Tennessee by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer at your local election office.

If you don’t know where to vote on Election Day, you can use this Davidson County Polling Place Finder to identify your polling location.

Polls will be open from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.

WeGo Public Transit will provide free rides all day, for all trips, on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, within Davidson County to maximize opportunities for voter turnout. No special measures are needed for riders to take advantage of this opportunity: they can simply board the bus and go.

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Empower TN: Empowered Gents
Nov
7
4:00 PM16:00

Empower TN: Empowered Gents

Empowered Gents is a social group that gathers to learn about assistive technology and other resources that increase the independence and confidence of men with disabilities. Participants share experiences and life hacks with their peers. Participation is free. Topics vary. 

When? Monthly on the 1st Thursday, 4:00 - 5:30 PM CT (5:00 - 6:30 PM ET), except when otherwise noted.

 Who can participate?

  • Nonbinary, Trans, or Cisgender Men who:
    • are at least age 18
    • have any disability

  • Participants are primarily located in Middle Tennessee, but eligible men are welcome to attend virtually via Zoom

  • New Participants are welcome anytime

Registration is required to join the group and participate in each meeting. Details on discussion topics are posted on the Empower Tennessee Facebook page and emailed to returning participants prior to every meeting. 

Please feel free to contact Quoc "Q" Lam by phone/text at 615-212-9250 or by email at q@empowertn.org with questions or with a specific accommodation request.

Click Here to Register!

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Special Saturdays
Nov
9
9:00 AM09:00

Special Saturdays

Christ Presbyterian’s Special Needs Ministry invites kids and adults with special needs (and their siblings) to enjoy an uplifting time of Bible stories music, and crafts.

This group meets monthly. Mark your calendar for upcoming Special Saturdays the rest of the 2024-2025 academic year: December 1, January 11, February 8, March 1, and April 12. Contact Gigi Sanders with any questions.

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Fall Festival at Discovery Stable
Nov
9
10:00 AM10:00

Fall Festival at Discovery Stable

Autism Tennessee Connect — the organization’s social networking group for adults — is holding an in-person Fall Festival at Discovery Stable, an equine-assisted growth and learning facility located at Cumberland Bend Farm in Madison.

Participants will spend time together at the farm, enjoying a hayride, bonfire, and connecting with the horses, donkeys, goats, and turkeys. This event is a great opportunity to relax, spend time with community members, and embrace the fall season in a supportive, neurodivergent-friendly environment.

If you’re interested in attending, you can register here. Contact Casey Davis with any questions you might have about Connect.

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Autism TN : Game Day
Nov
9
12:00 PM12:00

Autism TN : Game Day

You are invited to join us for a Game Day Special Event - a Friendsgiving Potluck! Thanks to funding from Kiwanis Club of Nashville, AutismTN is providing the centerpiece of our feast with delicious ham and turkey. Attendees are asked to bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share with the group. We will pull out the board games and have Game Day as usual once everyone has eaten and clean up is complete.

If this will be your first Game Day event, click HERE to learn more!

When: November 9, 2024Time: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Address will be provided in your confirmation email

Registration Details

Please read through these details before registering for this event.

  • Registration is required for this event.

  • There is a limit of 4 people per registration. (1 main registration + 3 guests)

  • Space for this event is limited to 50 people total.

  • Registration will close on November 1, 2024 to ensure we have enough seating and supplies for everyone.

  • There will be an additional sign up link in your confirmation email where you will signup for a specific side dish or dessert.

  • Please plan to bring enough servings to generously serve 10 to 12 people. We want everyone to enjoy these delicious dishes!

  • Anything that needs to be warm will need to be brought in a slow cooker.

  • Due to the nature of this event, we cannot guarantee safe options for those with food sensitivities or allergies.

If you have any questions, please email Ashley Lira-Rivera: ashley@autismtn.org or Sam Long: sam@autismtn.org

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EmpowerCON: Emergency Preparedness
Nov
12
10:00 AM10:00

EmpowerCON: Emergency Preparedness

Our friends over at Empower TN have another amazing opportunity coming up: A Free, Virtual EmpowerCon meeting on Emergency Preparedness.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 10 am CT
 
As we have learned in TN, severe weather and other emergencies can happen anytime. Join Empower TN at this upcoming Zoom sessions to create your own, personal Emergency Preparedness Plan and be eligible to receive one of 50 emergency go-bags filled with essential supplies.

Click here to Sign Up

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OPN Family Group - Emotional Regulation
Nov
12
6:30 PM18:30

OPN Family Group - Emotional Regulation

Our Place Nashville’s Family Group usually meets virtually the first Tuesday of the month. November’s meeting has been scheduled for today instead of September 5 to ensure people don’t have a conflict with getting to their polling station.

This evening’s focus is on emotional regulation — how family members and caregivers of loved ones with an intellectual and/or developmental disability can recognize and head off incidents as they are about to arise . . . and how best to manage them when they do.

Celina Turco, the Co=Founder and CFO of LifeConnect Health will speak on this topic and answer your questions. LifeConnect Health connects individuals with the supports necessary to optimize hjealtj and empower individual choice to achieve a fulfilling life. They provide a supportive community where each member receives a personalized treatment planfocusing on individual needs and goals. Their approach centers on Emotion Regulation Therapy using the Skills System by Dr. Julie Brown. Their program teaches nine core emotion regulation tools and three System Tools through DBT-informed group therapy sessions. Primary caretakers, including parents or DSPs, are involved in these sessions.

This group is for families of Friendship House resident friends and for the families of individuals on Our Place Nashville’s waiting list. Organizers will send you the link by email in advance of the meeting.

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OPN Monday Nights: Country Music-Style Petting Zoo
Nov
18
6:00 PM18:00

OPN Monday Nights: Country Music-Style Petting Zoo

Bow a fiddle, pluck a banjo, and strum a ukulele! Nicki Mortland from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will join us for a Musical Instrument Petting Zoo that will offer our friends a chance to try both new and familiar instruments. Nicki will teach us about each instrument and offer guidance as everyone tries their hand at all the”zoo’s” instruments!

OPN Community Classes are open to ALL Current and Waiting List residents. If you are not on the waiting list but would like to sign up for just the classes, please let us know. Classes are hosted at the Community Room at Friendship House 5 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (please note the change of time from previous semesters) … Due to the nature of this class, there will not be an option to zoom in.

For more information, contact Ashley Matthews

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Empower TN: Rainbow Crew
Nov
21
12:30 PM12:30

Empower TN: Rainbow Crew

Empower Tennessee welcomes you to join a free online support group for LGBTQ+ young adults with disabilities. The program is open to adults ages 18 through 28 who live in Tennessee, who self-identify as having a disability and as being in the LGBTQ+ community.

There are two versions of the Empowered Rainbow Crew. You may participate in either or both. The groups are facilitated from a neurodiversity affirming perspective by a licensed mental health provider who self identifies as LGBT.

In the private, therapeutic support group, we meet weekly for 8 weeks to learn about mental health, build community around our identities and experiences, play games, and make art. 

In the ongoing, monthly peer support group, we meet on the 3rd Thursday from 12:30 - 2:30 pm Central.


To sign up for either group or to learn more, contact Dan Dumont, LCSW at dan@empowertn.org or simply reply to this email.

Note: Zoom Meeting details for Empower Tennessee Peer Groups will only be provided to those who register to protect the privacy of all participants.

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OPN Cooking Class with Vanderbilt Dietetic Interns
Nov
21
5:00 PM17:00

OPN Cooking Class with Vanderbilt Dietetic Interns

Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Dietetic Internship Program and Our Place Nashville are partnering for a seventh year with dietetic interns teaching Friendship House residents about cooking — how to make it easy, tasty, healthy, and inexpensive.

The classes are among our most popular and are earmarked for Friendship House residents; if there’s enough room, individuals on our waiting list are welcome.

This final class for the spring semester will meet at Friendship House FIVE. Please let Ashley Matthews know if you plan to come and she will reserve a spot for you.

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OPN Monday Nights: Building Community with Food
Dec
2
6:00 PM18:00

OPN Monday Nights: Building Community with Food

The Nashville Food Project brings people together to grow, cook, and share nourishing food, with the goal of cultivating community and alleviating hunger in Nasshville. Toni Newsome, a member of the NFP culinary team, will be joining us to help Friendship House residents deepen their knowledge of healthy eating and the importance of taking care of their bodies with nourishing meals.

The Nashville Food Project grows organic food intensively and shares resources with others interested in growing their own food. In their kitchens, they use recovered, donated, and garden-grown food to prepare and cook made-from-scratch meals. In our community, they share nourishing meals in partnership with local poverty-disrupting nonprofits and community groups.

OPN Monday Night Classes are open to ALL Current and Waiting List residents. If you are not on the waiting list but would like to sign up for just the classes, please contact us. Classes are hosted at the Community Room at Friendship House 5 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Contact Ashley Matthews for more information.

This class will has a virtual option for residents unable to join in person. Click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2593782809

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OPN Holiday Party
Dec
6
6:00 PM18:00

OPN Holiday Party

Our Place Nashville’s Friendship House community — you’re invited. If you live at one of our Friendship Houses, if you’re on the waiting list to move into a Friendship House, or if you’re a family member, this holiday party is for you. Hosted by OPN’s family-run Family Group, organizers have all kinds of fun planned, including a DJ in the house!

Save the Date — Friday, December 6 — and you’ll be getting an invitation with more details closer to the day of the event.

Same location as last year. Same fun and good time as last year — minus the tornado warning!

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Franklin Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade
Dec
6
to Dec 7

Franklin Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade

Winding through the heart of Historic Downtown Franklin, the Franklin Christmas Parade is a beloved community celebration of Christmas traditions and the magic of Main Street. For over 30 years, this event has filled the streets of Franklin with holiday cheer, bringing joy to participants and spectators alike as they gather to celebrate the season and welcome Santa Claus to town.

This year, the parade’s theme is “Miracle on Main St.” — a tribute to the wonder and charm that makes Franklin’s Main Street so special during the holidays. The parade will highlight the historic beauty of downtown while celebrating the warmth, spirit, and togetherness that define historic Franklin’s community. You can see the Parade route here.

The Franklin Christmas Parade is always held on the first Saturday in December, following the City’s Christmas Tree lighting which takes place on the first Friday of the month — meaning this year’s festivities begin on Friday, December 6, at 6:00 pm.

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OPN Monday Nights: Soul Line Dancing
Dec
9
6:00 PM18:00

OPN Monday Nights: Soul Line Dancing

Let’s brush up on our dance skills with Ke’Anna Rose from 615 Soul Line Dance, a nonprofit organization and collective of volunteer instructors dedicated to encouraging physical activity through the art of soul line dancing. 615 Soul Line Dancing strives to build a healthier community by promoting physical and mental wellness, diversity, and creativity.

OPN Community Classes are open to ALL Current and Waiting List residents. If you are not on the waiting list but would like to sign up for just the classes, please let us know. Classes are hosted at the Community Room at Friendship House 5 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (please note the change of time from previous semesters) … Due to the nature of this class, there will not be an option to zoom in.

Contact Ashley Matthews for more information.

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A Christmas Carol at the Rabbit Room Theatre
Dec
15
2:00 PM14:00

A Christmas Carol at the Rabbit Room Theatre

Christmas Eve arrives in Victorian London, but the miserly old Ebenezer Scrooge isn’t having any of it. He’d rather support prisons than feed his own apprentice or celebrate the season. But he will be haunted by a parade of spirits before the sun comes up on Christmas Day, and in their wake, even the coldest heart may yet be changed. This new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story is both a faithful retelling and a fresh turn on a timeless classic, reminding us that our past need not define us, our future is not yet written, and the present is a priceless gift.

Our Place Nashville is holding 20 tickets for Friendship House residents for this exciting new production. If you’d like to attend this play, please contact Carolyn Naifeh to reserve your spot.

One of Our Place Nashville’s good friends — actor Henry O. “Chip” Arnold — will be playing Scrooge and he’ll meet with our group after the play (as soon as he gets out of his costume)!

Some background on this production: Since 2015, A.S. “Pete” Peterson has developed original and re-imagined works of theatre in partnership with Matt Logan. Each of their productions have received glowing reviews from audiences and critics alike. Now, in 2024, and in partnership with Matt Logan Productions, the Rabbit Room is bringing Charles Dickens’s beloved ghost story, A Christmas Carol, to life with an all new adaptation written by Pete Peterson and developed in the Nashville theatre community. They appeared recently on WKRN-TV’s “Local on 2” to talk about A Christmas Carol. You can watch the clip here.

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Holiday Party, Monday Night Style
Dec
16
5:00 PM17:00

Holiday Party, Monday Night Style

December 16th will be the last Monday Nights Class for the Fall semester, with classes to resume in the New Year. Plan on celebrating the jolliness of the holiday season with music, games,, snacks and plenty of camaraderie. There might even be some karaoke with “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bells,” so come prepared to sing one of your holiday favorites!

OPN Community Classes are open to ALL Current and Waiting List residents. If you are not on the waiting list but would like to sign up for just the classes, please let us know. Classes are hosted at the Community Room at Friendship House 5 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Contact Ashley Matthews for more information.

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Indoor Soccer League
Nov
2
12:30 PM12:30

Indoor Soccer League

The Metro Parks’ disABILITIES Sports Leagues will be hosting an Indoor Soccer League this Fall. Participants will learn the basics of indoor soccer and how to improve their soccer skills! Saturday Leagues are open leagues for community individuals. Saturday Leagues will include disABILITIES Leagues & Inclusion Leagues. You can register here

League dates are:

November 2, 9, 16, and 23 and

December 7 and 14

For questions or more information, please contact the disABILITIES Program Office at 615-862-8489 or email Jonathan Shelton at jonathan.shelton@nashville.gov.

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The Extra Mile
Nov
2
10:00 AM10:00

The Extra Mile

The Extra Mile is the largest Down syndrome awareness event in Tennessee and is the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee’s awareness event in Tennessee and is DSAMT’s primary source for program funding . . . but you do not have to fundraise to participate.

Whether you know someone who has Down syndrome or just want to show your support, take the first step and donate or register today.

If you have any questions about The Extra Mile, please email Tanya Chavez or visit The Extra Mile’s website.

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The Arc - National Convention
Nov
1
to Nov 3

The Arc - National Convention

The Arc’s National Convention — being held this year in Columbus, Ohio — is an unmatched opportunity to connect and learn with advocates, professionals, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. If you are interested in employment, education, advocacy, housing, criminal justice, and more, our sessions are sure to challenge, inspire, and motivate!

In 2024, the National Convention and NCE Fall Leadership Institute will take place back to back. Leaders across The Arc’s chapter network and other disability organizations will spend two days networking, learning, and sharing at the NCE Fall Leadership Institute before connecting with the broader disability community at the National Convention.

Online registration deadline is Monday, October 21. You can register for The Arc’s National Convention here. You also can access the Convention’s schedule and a list of presenters at the same link.

Two people from Nashville will be speaking at the Convention: Lead Presenter Meghan Burke, Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, and Co-Presemter Susan Usery, Senior Director of Special Education Programs at the Tennessee Department of Education. Of special interest to many of us in Nashville is co-presenter Carrie Hobbs Guiden, Senior Executive Officer, Chapters and Community, The Arc of the United States and formerly both the Director of ECF CHOICES at Wellpoint (then Amerigroup) and Executive Director of The Arc Tennessee.

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OPN Glass Making Class: Holiday Ornaments
Oct
30
6:00 PM18:00

OPN Glass Making Class: Holiday Ornaments

Join us as we continue to create amazing glassworks with Nashville Glassworks! Our final glass making class for the year will be October 30 when we make holiday ornaments!

Classes with Nashville Glassworks take place on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Friendship House 5’s Community Room. Please contact Ashley Matthews if you have any questions.

Please support the amazing artists at Nashville Glassworks by checking out their storefront at 100 Taylor Art Collective - 100 Taylor Street, Suite C13 Nashville, TN 37208 or going to their online catalog.

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OPN Monday Nights: Understanding ASL and Deaf Culture
Oct
28
6:00 PM18:00

OPN Monday Nights: Understanding ASL and Deaf Culture

Tonight’s class will focus on understanding ASL (American Sign Language) and Deaf Culture. Mike Helms oversees adult education and outreach at Bridges, a nearly 100-year-old non-profit organization serving Nashville’s Deaf/deaf and hard of hearing community. Mike will talk with us about the variety of ways they identify themselves. He, for instance, identifies with Deaf culture and uses ASL as a first language. Others may not identify with Deaf culture and language and may use cochlear implants and/or be oral deaf. Hard of hearing people may have mild to profound hearing loss and rely on captions, hearing aids, or other tools.

With residents in our community who are Deaf deaf or hard of hearing, and with people on our waiting list who are Deaf/deaf, this class could not be more timely, and it will empower us to be better housemates and neighbors.

OPN Community Classes are open to ALL current and waiting list residents. If you are not on the waiting list but would like to sign up for just the classes, please contact us.

Classes are hosted at the Community Room of Friendship House 5 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm . Some classes also will have a virtual option for those who are unable to join in person. Just click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2593782809.

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Movie @ The Belcourt Theatre
Oct
28
9:30 AM09:30

Movie @ The Belcourt Theatre

Join Metro Parks’ disABILITIES Program for a Community Day at The Belcourt Theatre. Doors open at 9:30 am and the movie will begin promptly at 10:00 am. This event is for individuals with Intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers.  There will be no cost to attend this movie, however you must have a ticket to attend.  Reserve your tickethere.

For questions about this event or any Metro Parks’ disABILITIES Program’s offerings, please email Glen Adkins or call the Metro Parks disABILITIES Program’s office at 615-862-8489. The movie title will be available the week before the showing, you can all MPDP’s office for the movio selection.

Community Days are programs and/or activities designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend with their caregivers/staff. There will be MPDP staff onsite to help facilitate the activity/event, but it is not the staff’s responsibility to care for individuals participating in Community Days. 

Upcoming Movie Dates:

  • November 25

  • December 16

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The Ascent
Oct
27
5:30 PM17:30

The Ascent

The Ascent is a group that meets twice a month on Sunday evenings with a time of fellowship, amazing worship, a fun activity, and a message geared toward adults with special needs. Please register so that they will know if you will be joining them for dinner to ensure they have enough food for everyone! You can register here.

Mark your calendars for all the Ascent events for the 2024-2025 year: October 27, November 10, December 9, January 12 and 26, February 9 and 23, March 9 and 23, April 13 and 27, and May 4.

For more information, contact Gigi Sanders. There is no cost to Ascent participants.

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Southern Festival of Books
Oct
26
to Oct 27

Southern Festival of Books

  • Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Southern Festival of Books is among the oldest literary festivals in the country, annually welcoming hundreds of authors and thousands of visitors to downtown Nashville each October.

The Festival, a program of Humanities Tennessee, is free and includes performance stages, food trucks, as well as publishers and booksellers.

You can see the weekend’s schedule here. The Festival will be located in between the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The Festival’s website has a map showing where you can find authors, exhibitions, music, and more.

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Corn Hole League
Oct
25
10:00 AM10:00

Corn Hole League

The Metro Parks' disABILITIES Sports Leagues will be hosting a 7-week Corn Hole League at the Centennial Sportsplex. League Games will be played on Fridays through mid-December. Upcoming Dates for the Corn Hole League are:

October 25

November 1, 8, 15, and 22

December 6 and 13

There is no fee to participate, but all athletes must have a valid Sports Physical and Sports Waiver.

For questions about MPDP’s Sports Leagues, please contact the Metro Parks’ disABILITIES Program’s office at 615-862-8489, email Johnathan Shelton at johnathan.shelton@nashville.gov or email Glen Adkins at golden.adkins@nashville.gov.

You can register to participate in this free activity here.

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OPN Monday Nights - SLIME!
Oct
21
6:00 PM18:00

OPN Monday Nights - SLIME!

Did you know that items like Play-Doh or slime can be used as tools for stress relief, self-regulation, and even creativity? Jordan H., a resident at Our Place Nashville, teaches high school science clubs around Nashville. This evening, Jordan will be helping our friends make their own slime and explaining how it can benefit both our brains and emotions.

OPN Monday Night Classes are an opportunity for all of our residents from all five Friendship House communities to join together for an evening of learning, socializing, and fun! Each week, we learn a skill, tackle a life skills topic, or invite guests to lead a class in a fun activity or hobby that can potentially make our lives better!

OPN Monday Nights are open to ALL current and waiting list residents. If you are not on the waiting list but would like to sign up for just the classes, please contact us.

Classes are hosted at the Community Room of Friendship House 5 from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm . Some classes also will have a virtual option for those who are unable to join in person. Just click here. Contact Ashley Matthews for more information.

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Halloween Costume Party
Oct
19
6:00 PM18:00

Halloween Costume Party

The KBK Project Initiative invites individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to come to a Halloween Costume Party at Progress Inc. A family member or caregiver can accompany the partygoer.

The cost is $5/person and the event will include food, beverages, music, and a fun, interactive environment.

For more information, call 615-497-6400 or email thekbkproject@gmail.com.

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Latin Dance Class
Oct
19
12:00 PM12:00

Latin Dance Class

  • MOVE Inclusive Dance - Bellevue Studio (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

MOVE Inclusive Dance offers a free Latin Dance Class every month. This class is a great workout, a fun way to meet people, and accessible for all ages and ability levels. Join in for an exciting and energetic class that combines fun, fitness, and the infectious rhythms of salsa, merengue, and Bachata.

No previous dance experience is required. You can register for the class here. To make the most of your Latin Dance experience, MOVE Inclusive Dance suggests bringing a water bottle and wearing comfortable shoes for dancing. Sneakers work great and provide the necessary support for the energetic movements involved. Get ready for a workout that not only benefits your body but also uplifts your spirits.

For more information, call the studio at 615-582-4993. Next month’s Latin Dance Class is scheduled for Saturday, November 9 at 12 noon.

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OPN Cooking Class with Vanderbilt Dietetic Interns
Oct
17
5:00 PM17:00

OPN Cooking Class with Vanderbilt Dietetic Interns

Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Dietetic Internship Program and Our Place Nashville are partnering for a seventh year with dietetic interns teaching Friendship House residents about cooking — how to make it easy, tasty, healthy, and inexpensive.

These classes are among our most popular and are earmarked for Friendship House residents; if there’s enough room, individuals on our waiting list are welcome.

This final class for the spring semester will meet at Friendship House FIVE. Please let Ashley Matthews know if you plan to come and she will reserve a spot for you.

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Empower TN: Rainbow Crew
Oct
17
12:30 PM12:30

Empower TN: Rainbow Crew

Empower Tennessee welcomes you to join a free online support group for LGBTQ+ young adults with disabilities. The program is open to adults ages 18 through 28 who live in Tennessee, who self-identify as having a disability and as being in the LGBTQ+ community.

There are two versions of the Empowered Rainbow Crew. You may participate in either or both. The groups are facilitated from a neurodiversity affirming perspective by a licensed mental health provider who self identifies as LGBT.

In the private, therapeutic support group, we meet weekly for 8 weeks to learn about mental health, build community around our identities and experiences, play games, and make art. 

In the ongoing, monthly peer support group, we meet on the 3rd Thursday from 12:30 - 2:30 pm Central. Our next gathering will be held virtually on October 17th, 2024.
To sign up for either group or to learn more, contact Dan Dumont, LCSW at dan@empowertn.org or simply reply to this email.

Note: Zoom Meeting details for Empower Tennessee Peer Groups will only be provided to those who register to protect the privacy of all participants.

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Stories for Everyone
Oct
17
11:00 AM11:00

Stories for Everyone

Metro Parks' disABILITIES Program is happy to offer an opportunity for adults with special needs to learn, socialize, assert their independence and find their place in our library community. Join in for a fun, interactive program filled with books, music, and activities designed for adults — regardless of reading ability-- and their support person. Caregivers are encouraged to participate.

Stories for Everyone meets at the Coleman Park Community Center and meets on Thursdays through

November 14.

Upcoming dates:

  • October 24 and 31

  • November 7 and 14

Call the disABILITIES Program's office at 615-862-8489 for more information.

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American Sign Language Class
Oct
15
5:30 PM17:30

American Sign Language Class

Our Place Nashville’s American Sign Language class resumed earlier this month after a summer hiatus. The class is small and students are at the beginner/intermediate level. The group meets virtually on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Instructor Marsha James is a Washington, D.C.-based television producer who learned ASL at Gallaudet University. Her enthusiasm is contagious and class participants learn and have fun simultaneously!

Please contact Carolyn Naifeh to register or if you would like more information. You should be at least at the advanced beginner or intermediate level if you would like to join in. This class is free for current and prospective Friendship House residents. Zoom information will be provided to people who sign up for the class.

October’s remaining classes are scheduled for October 22 and 29.

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OPN Monday Nights - Empower Music Therapy
Oct
14
6:00 PM18:00

OPN Monday Nights - Empower Music Therapy

Over the summer, Empower Music Therapy completed a six-week course in music therapy with a small group of our OPN residents. We are excited to have them back for a Monday night class- this time for the whole community!

Anna Laura McAfee is a certified music therapist whose favorite part of her work is “witnessing her clients open up and blossom into their true selves.” She uses music to help others build awareness, autonomy, and self-determination through improvisation, art-making to music, playlist creation, and songwriting. Anna Laura will lead our friends in a community songwriting class with a compassionate and inclusive approach!

OPN life skills classes are open to ALL current and waiting list residents. If you are not on the waiting list but would like to sign up for just the classes, please contact us.

Classes are hosted at the Community Room at Friendship House 5 from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm (please note the change of time from previous semesters). This class will also have a virtual option for those who are unable to join in person. Just click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2593782809 

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Intro Self-Defense Class
Oct
11
6:30 PM18:30

Intro Self-Defense Class

Autism Tennessee Connect In-Person is offering two one-hour intro self-defense classes at Executive Martial Arts, When you register, please indicate your preferred class time (6:30 pm OR 7:30 pm). Please note that registration for each class is limited to 15 people, and there is no cost to attend. You can register for this class here.

Executive Martial Arts, a school led by Grandmaster Chris Garland, is "a school of Neurodivergent people" that offers traditional Hapkido training for all ages, genders, and skill levels, including a program specifically for Neurodivergent students. In this introductory class, participants will learn beginning hand techniques, wrist breaks, and how to escape from a potential threat. 

Martial arts can benefit Autistic and other neurodivergent people of all ages by offering structured learning environments, clear and logical instructions, measurable goals, and a supportive community atmosphere. It provides skills in self-defense and conflict resolution, self-regulation techniques, and even the potential to develop a new Dedicated Interest!

AutismTN Connect In-Person is a welcoming space for Autistic adults to come together in-person and share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs.  If you have questions about Connect In-Person, please contact Casey Davis, the Connect Facilitator (and an orange belt in Kempo Karate). 

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Tennessee Craft Fair
Oct
11
to Oct 13

Tennessee Craft Fair

Join the Nashville tradition of celebrating and supporting American handmade craft at this premier event on the lawn in Centennial Park. Shop one-of-a-kind, finely crafted artwork directly from the juried, award-winning artists. A unique feature of Tennessee Craft Fairs requires artists to be on-site. While shopping, you’ll meet the artists, learn what inspires them and how they take raw materials like clay, wood, metal and glass and transform them into fine craft.

In addition to the array of high quality craft, visitors enjoy fun hands-on activities in our Kids’ Tent, food from area vendors and demonstrations from artisans aimed to educate as they create pieces in front of your eyes.

Tennessee Craft is a nonprofit organization that champions the local fine craft movement by supporting growth and creative expression for all artists, building a platform for high-quality craftsmanship and reinforcing the importance of fine craft for the entire community. Donate to Tennessee Craft and keep the fair free and accessible to everyone in our community!

The Fair is open Friday and Saturday (October 11 and 12) from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm and on Sunday (October 13) from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

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Film: "Accessing Democracy"
Oct
10
3:00 PM15:00

Film: "Accessing Democracy"

The National Disability Rights Network is premiering "Accessing Democracy," a documentary about voting access for people with disabilities.

The film follows Monica Wiley as she interviews disabled voters about barriers they face in civic participation. It explores how politicians often overlook this large minority group and what disabled voters want from elected officials.

Join the online premiere and Q&A panel with the filmmakers. Register here for the online premiere. You can watch the trailer here.

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Outdoor Market & Resource Fair
Oct
7
10:00 AM10:00

Outdoor Market & Resource Fair

Join the Tennessee Justice Center for an Outdoor Market and Resource Fair ! TJC has partnered with more than a dozoen community organizations to bring you an array of essential resources aimed at enhancing your well-being! ⁠ ⁠

They will have free groceries, legal resources, a vaccine clinic, arts & crafts for children, and a wealth of other community resources to support you & your family! ⁠ ⁠

Whether you're seeking assistance or you simply want to connect with your community, drop by the Tennessee Justice Center on October 7th. No registration necessary.

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American Sign Language Class
Oct
1
5:30 PM17:30

American Sign Language Class

Our Place Nashville’s American Sign Language class begins its fourth year today. The class is small and students are at the beginner/intermediate level. The group meets virtually on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Instructor Marsha James is a Washington, D.C.-based television producer who learned ASL at Gallaudet University. Her enthusiasm is contagious and class participants learn and have fun simultaneously!

Please contact Carolyn Naifeh to register or if you would like more information. You should be at least at the advanced beginner or intermediate level if you would like to join in. This class is free for current and prospective Friendship House residents. Zoom information will be provided to people who sign up for the class.

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OPN Monday Nights: Emotional Regulation
Sep
30
6:00 PM18:00

OPN Monday Nights: Emotional Regulation

How do we calm ourselves down when emotions run high? How do we find healthy coping mechanisms when our stress levels get the better of us? Ashley, a social worker and Resident Support Specialist at OPN will help teach our friends ways they can regulate their emotions on a daily basis, whether they are feeling sad, mad, anxious, or stressed! Don’t miss out on this one…

OPN Community Classes are open to ALL current and waiting list residents. If you are not on the waiting list but would like to sign up for just the classes, please contact us.

Classes are hosted at the Community Room of Friendship House 5 from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm (please note the change of time from previous semesters). This class also will have a virtual option for those who are unable to join in person. Just click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2593782809 

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Inclusive Non-Contact Boxing Fitness Class
Sep
27
1:00 PM13:00

Inclusive Non-Contact Boxing Fitness Class

Want to find a new and fun way to stay active or get in shape? Join Metro Parks’ disABILITIES Program and Title boxing for a non-contact boxing class! Learn about proper boxing technique, get a good workout, and make some new friends! No prior experience needed! This is an Inclusive event!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/781435864707?aff=oddtdtcreator

The class is free for all to attend, but you must purchase personal hand wraps which are yours to keep! Hand wraps are $10 and can be purchased from Title Boxing. Please make sure to fill out a wavier before the class and bring it with you. Click here for the waiver,

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to McKenzie Matthew or call the disABILITIES Program’s office at 615-862-8489.

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OPN Cooking Class with Vanderbilt Dietitians!
Sep
26
5:00 PM17:00

OPN Cooking Class with Vanderbilt Dietitians!

Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Dietetic Internship Program and Our Place Nashville are partnering for a seventh year with dietetic interns teaching Friendship House residents about cooking — how to make it easy, tasty, healthy, and inexpensive.

The classes are among our most popular and are earmarked for Friendship House residents; if there’s enough room, individuals on our waiting list are welcome.

This final class for the spring semester will meet at Friendship House FIVE. Please let Ashley Matthews know if you plan to come and he will reserve a spot for you.

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Stories for Everyone
Sep
26
11:00 AM11:00

Stories for Everyone

Stories for Everyone meets at the Nashville Public Library on Thompson the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Sponsored by Metro Parks disABILITIES Program, this program is designed for adults — regardless of reading ability — and their support person. Caregivers are encouraged to participate. While this program focuses ondisabled adults, all ages are welcome.

Participants get to learn, socialize, assert their independence, and find their place in Nashville’s library community.

The next dates for Stories for Everyone are October 10 and October 24. For more information, call the library at 615-862-5873.

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Lipscomb's IDEAL Program - Info Night
Sep
24
6:00 PM18:00

Lipscomb's IDEAL Program - Info Night

  • Lipscomb University Ezell Center, Rom 363 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Learn about Lipscomb University’s IDEAL Program: an inclusive, post-secondary education program for students with disabilities at Lipscomb University. Hear firsthand experiences from students and parents and find out how to apply for Fall 2025.

IDEAL stands for Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb.

To RSVP, click this link.

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Adaptive Ice Skating
Sep
24
9:30 AM09:30

Adaptive Ice Skating

Join Metro Parks disABILITIES Program most Tuesdays during day programs for an hour of ice skating at the Centennial Sportsplex! Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this event is perfect for everyone. Lace up and show off your best moves as you enjoy the chilly thrill of ice skating. Don't worry if you're new to skating, there will be instructors available to help you get started.

Upcoming Skating Dates:

  • October 1, 15, 22, and 29

  • November 12, 19, and 26

  • December 3 and 10

Note: there will not be ice skating on September 10, October 8, or November 5.

For more information, contact Glen Adkins or call the disABILITIES Program’s office at 615-862-8489.

To register, click here. This activity is free for all participants.

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OPN Monday Nights: MOVE Inclusive Dance
Sep
23
6:00 PM18:00

OPN Monday Nights: MOVE Inclusive Dance

Our fan-favorite class almost every semester is when our friends from MOVE Inclusive Dance join us for a free dance class! A number of our OPN residents are regulars at MOVE, and we love their mission and what they do. At the MOVE Inclusive Dance studio, individuals of all abilities are empowered to learn life skills through creative movement and music! Megan Jayroe will lead this fun class and show us the power of movement in an inclusive and supportive environment for all of our friends.

OPN life skills classes are open to ALL current and waiting list residents. If you are not on the waiting list but would like to sign up for just the classes, please contact us.

Classes are hosted at the Community Room of Friendship House 5 from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm (please note the change of time from previous semesters). This class will also have a virtual option for those who are unable to join in person. Just click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2593782809 

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