Board members L-R: Nicki Kopp, Jessie Hawkins, Iliana Aguirre, Kelsey McGrevey, Jenny Obregon and Maryjo Bullock
Embrace Abilities is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering families of children, teens and young adults with different abilities, serving individuals up to age 21. Founder and Executive Director Bridgett Lee tells us more.
WHAT IS EMBRACE ABILITIES’ MISSION?
Our mission is to foster meaningful connections, create inclusive opportunities and bridge the gap in support for children, siblings and caregivers. We strive to ensure every family feels valued and supported through free programs, community engagement and tailored resources.
SHARE A BIT ABOUT EMBRACE ABILITIES’ HISTORY.
Embrace Abilities began with a simple park meetup. As a mom to a child with special needs, I saw firsthand how developmental gaps with same-aged peers left my daughter, Emma Kate, feeling lonely and excluded. Wanting to create a space where children with disabilities could feel included and celebrated, I started small — with snacks, drinks, and a homemade sign. Since becoming a nonprofit in April 2024, we’ve grown to serve over 120 families, offering diverse programs and building a thriving, inclusive community.
WHOM DOES EMBRACE ABILITIES SERVE?
We’ve served over 120 families, focusing on children, teens and young adults ages 3–21 with various disabilities. While our programs are designed for families of children with disabilities, we welcome anyone who wants to participate. Our open-door policy reflects our commitment to true inclusion. Regardless of diagnosis or background, everyone can find community and support with us.
WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING WITH EMBRACE ABILITIES?
We’re excited about the launch of Sibshops in July, a sibling support program made possible through a partnership with Summer Wilton, a certified facilitator and fellow special needs mom. Hosted at The Arc, these workshops may increase in frequency depending on demand.
In April, we hosted our biggest event to date: an Easter Egg Hunt with over 2,800 eggs donated by the community. In May, we held a sensory-friendly “Moana” movie night, ensuring a welcoming space for those with sensory sensitivities.
In honor of Mother’s Day, we visited Truewood Assisted Living, where our children shared flowers and gifts with residents while practicing social and communication skills. This intergenerational outreach was a wonderful way to foster kindness and connection beyond our usual events.
In June, we teamed up with Encore Rehabilitation for a functional exercise event tailored to our families’ needs. We also offer monthly organization-wide events and two to three parent ambassador park meetups each month. These meetups, hosted by parents and tracked via QR code sign-ins, help connect families and strengthen community ties.
HOW IS EMBRACE ABILITIES IMPACTING THE COMMUNITY?
Embrace Abilities supports not just individuals with disabilities, but their entire families — recognizing that disability impacts everyone in the household. We’re committed to addressing every piece of the puzzle, providing practical and emotional support for children, teens, young adults, siblings and caregivers.
One of our most significant accomplishments is the Parent Ambassador Program, which empowers parents to connect, lead and build supportive networks in their communities.
With Sibshops, we’re offering siblings a safe space to connect, share experiences and feel supported. Coffee with Caregivers is another key initiative, giving parents and caregivers valuable tools, solidarity and a sense of community through expert guidance and shared experiences.
Beyond these programs, our sensory-friendly events and ongoing community outreach create welcoming, inclusive spaces where every family feels seen, valued and connected. Through these efforts, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community across the Coast, ensuring no family ever feels alone.
We’re honored to have been recently selected by Smalls Sliders as their Smalls Town Hero, receiving a $1,000 donation to support our programs and expand our impact in the community.
HOW DOES EMBRACE ABILITIES EMPOWER OR SERVE WOMEN?
Empowering women — especially mothers — is central to Embrace Abilities’ mission and daily work. Our organization is more than a nonprofit; it’s a movement powered by women who turn their love, resilience and hope into real change for families navigating different abilities.
We openly acknowledge the unique challenges mothers face, recognizing that caregiving can be isolating and exhausting. Many moms feel unseen and overwhelmed, so we prioritize creating safe, judgment-free spaces where no one must walk this journey alone.
What sets us apart is our women-led leadership. Our board is comprised of allied professionals, educators and parents with firsthand experience raising children with disabilities. Their blend of professional expertise and lived experience allows them to uplift, mentor and empower other moms in our community. This leadership ensures our programs are compassionate, relevant and grounded in real understanding.
Through these efforts, we create a ripple effect of women supporting women, fostering a community where every mom feels seen, heard and better equipped to face the unique challenges of caregiving with renewed purpose and strength.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED OR GAINED PERSONALLY BY BEING INVOLVED WITH EMBRACE ABILITIES?
This journey has taught me the value of connection and inclusion — not just for children but also for their families and caregivers. Being part of this organization has given me a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. Watching families find joy, connection and support through our programs has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s a constant reminder to never underestimate your ability to create change in your community.
WHAT ARE EMBRACE ABILITIES’ GOALS OR HOPES GOING FORWARD?
Our goals center on growth, inclusivity and long-term impact. We aim to expand our reach, especially into underserved areas, by growing initiatives like the parent ambassador park meetups and launching our new teen/young adult group. We’re committed to strengthening whole-family support with programs like Sibshops and addressing essential topics in Coffee with Caregivers. Building sustainable partnerships with local businesses and professionals also is key to keeping our programs accessible and impactful. Ultimately, we hope Embrace Abilities will remain a lasting source of connection, empowerment and joy for families across the Coast.
WHAT DOES EMBRACE ABILITIES DO WELL, AND WHAT IS IT SEEKING TO IMPROVE?
We excel at building meaningful connections and fostering community through inclusive, sensory-friendly events and programs. Our Coffee with Caregivers gatherings and collaborations with allied professionals ensure families receive high-quality, relevant support.
At the same time, we’re committed to continuous improvement. We’re working to make our events even more sensory-friendly by partnering with experts and listening closely to family feedback. Expanding our reach to underserved communities is a top priority, and we’re always seeking new ways to better serve our families’ evolving needs.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD OUR AUDIENCE KNOW ABOUT EMBRACE ABILITIES?
Our events, programs and services are free, removing financial barriers so every family can access support and opportunities. Whether it’s sensory-friendly events, Coffee with Caregivers, Sibshops or community outreach, Embrace Abilities is dedicated to building a supportive, inclusive community for families across the Coast. If you’re looking for connection, support and a place where your family feels valued, Embrace Abilities is here for you.