Welcome back to Friends ‘N Fun!

During the recent pandemic our ever popular Friends ‘N Fun programming had to come to a sudden pause in March 2020. Meeting up out in the community with friends and teen peer support staff was not feasible and, to protect everyone, we had to stop our social programming. There was so much excitement when we were finally able to come back together in person on Sunday Oct. 10, 2021 for a family event that brought many of our Friends ‘N Fun participants and their families together with families and friends from the broader Jewish community.

It was great to see the smiling faces (under masks) when we all got together at the St. Louis Park Westwood Nature Center for an evening of good food and great entertainment. In keeping with CDC guidelines, we had to limit the number of participants, but we still managed to welcome a large number of families. We started the evening with boxed dinners for all and a ‘get to know you’ Bingo style game. We learned about the nature center from one of the naturalists and got to see and later touch many of the center’s animal artifacts. We got to meet one of the center’s reptiles as well. 

The highlight of the evening was the performance by Comedy Sportz. Doug and Mike brought out the laughter and lightheartedness that we all have missed so much during this pandemic. It was great to see everyone having a good time and enjoying each other’s company. Laughing together was fun and healing.

As we continue to watch the latest recommendations and guidelines by the CDC, we will do what we can to keep everyone socially connected and staying safe at the same time. Coming together and having meaningful social opportunities is important to all of us and we look forward to seeing everyone again in the near future.