Founder Mari Kennedy with her son Ryan
NEW LOCAL GROUP GIVES OPPORTUNITIES TO THOSE WITH DISABILITIES Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Kelli White
Fishers recently welcomed a new organization that adds to the city’s ongoing efforts to make the city accessible and inclusive for all residents. Thrive Social Club offers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) the opportunity to connect with their peers through activities and events sponsored by the city. The idea for the club was set into motion by Mari Kennedy, who has a son with IDD and is a member of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability (FACD).
With the exception of highly structured entities such as the Special Olympics or integrated employment, adults with IDD have few opportunities for social interaction with anyone outside their family. Thrive Social Club seeks to fill that void. The goal is to facilitate positive interactions and the chance to develop friendships within the support of the club. “Since my son Ryan has Down syndrome, the idea of something like this has been mulling around in my mind for years,” Kennedy says. “I feel there is a post-high school ‘cliff ’ where after leaving school, NOVEMBER 2020
there is little opportunity to find a social group. I always knew something like this was needed. “At first I considered starting the club through my church, but then I discussed the idea with Cecilia Coble, Fishers city councilor and chairman of FACD. She said, ‘Why don’t we make it a city club under the umbrella of FACD?’ The club was launched in the last few months from there,” Kennedy says. Thrive Social Club is guided by an advisory board consisting of members with a strong interest in the club’s mission. Joining
