Mission Moment

Rockstar Katie!

Our N.E.S.T (New Employment Skills Training) Program celebrated several interns this month, including some that finished their training and some that are just getting started! This month we want to showcase our Rockstar N.E.S.T participant Katie!

Katie is from Old Lyme, CT, and is excited to learn some new skills this summer. During her first week, Katie enjoyed learning the ropes around the shop and making a new friend - her job coach Amelia!

HIGH NINE BENEFIT CONCERT

Save the Date
HIGH NINE BENEFIT CONCERT
On August 6th, 2022

Bands Performing: Local Honey and Butter Jones

Join us for a fun and vibrant afternoon and evening making memories and a difference!

Proceeds from the event will benefit A Little Compassion Inc. to help give wings to young adults with disabilities through The Nest Coffee House.

Hands Together Project for Racial Equality

The Deep River community, that The Nest calls home, has been impacted by the choices of individuals that do not represent what our community stands for. In response to the recent events, The Nest and A Little Compassion are activating a positive campaign called Hands Together for Racial Equality and Justice. This campaign is a simple, but meaningful, way to reject racism and promote inclusivity in our community.

We invite everyone to stop by The Nest and receive a paper handprint representing skin tones from around the world. Each handprint will become a part of our diversity collage, which we will showcase on our storefront windows. A suggested donation of $5 will go towards the anti-racism programs at Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau.

Be apart of the #DeepRiver difference, so that we can bring our Hands Together for equality and justice for all members of our community.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Compassion Walk: Paving the Way for People of All Abilities on October 1st, 2022.

Register or join a team for an all-inclusive walk through scenic Deep River! Let’s celebrate the differences that make our community richer. The day will include a safe and accessible walk and family fun activities.

Proceeds from this walk will help us grow our N.E.S.T Program and continue our Nest Gatherings for young adults with disabilities.

New Program Director

As The Nest continues its mission to positively impact the lives of young adults with neurodiversities, our flock of staff and volunteers is always growing! This month we are excited to introduce our new Program Director, Kimberly Taylor. Kimberly will be working to support our N.E.S.T Program, guide our Nest Gatherings team, and share our mission of increasing acceptance of young adults with disabilities.

Kimberly graduated from the University of Hartford in 2019 with a BA in English Literature and Psychology. She has worked with neurodiverse individuals of all ages for the past 10 years.

Kimberly was inspired to be an advocate for others through her personal experiences with mental health. Outside of her work at ALC, Kimberly has a passion for art and writing young adult literature. She is currently working towards her MFA in Writing.Kimberly is looking forward to utilizing her creativity and compassion to continue the work ALC is doing for the community.

Alexandra Dilger Award

A special education student teacher, an aspiring park ranger, and a young entrepreneur were the recipients of the 2022 Alexandra Dilger Award. The award is presented annually to neurodiverse young adults aged 18 to 30 who have face challenges but have persevered to reach a personal goal from Connecticut River Valley and CT Shoreline communities.

Gillette Castle Gathering

June kicked off the Summer season at The Nest with gatherings that embraced Connecticut’s beautiful Summer weather! On June 23, we held a gathering at Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam to encourage exploration of what our community has to offer.

A group of 14 volunteers and gatherers took a short hike to the castle and admired the view of the Connecticut River. Some participants shared their favorite things around the river, like the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry. Others shared their knowledge of the native wildlife the group bumped into, like a beautiful Red-Tailed Hawk.The group enjoyed the scenery, and encouraged each other along the way. We look forward to more outdoor gatherings this Summer!

Looking for a local, safe place to meet like-minded folks? Come join us for our Nest Gatherings! The Nest Coffee House is proud to provide young adults with an inclusive, fun space to hang out and share their interests with others. Check out our July Gatherings, and join our Meetup Group for more information.

ANIME NIGHT - ONLINE
Thursday July 7th 6:00-7:00 PM

COLORING NIGHT - The Nest
Tuesday July 12th 6:00-7:00 PM

JACKBOX GAME NIGHT - ONLINE
Tuesday July 19th 6:00-7:00 PM

CHATFIELD HOLLOW HIKE - Chatfield Hollow State Park
Thursday July 28th 4:30 - 5:45 PM

Nest Gatherings are funded in part by generous grants from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County and the American Savings Foundation.

For more information please join our Meet Up group at https://alittlecompassion.org/social-gatherings/

Mission Moment

Hands Together Project for Racial Equality

New Program Director

Alexandra Dilger Award

Gillette Castle Gathering

There’s Power and Purpose in Every Purchase