Volume 1180 - Circle of Friends Ministry 105 E. Stuart Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853 - December 2022 |
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Notable date: International Disability Awareness Day, December 3rd |
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A Message from Our President |
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What does it mean to achieve awareness? Does it simply mean that you think more about a cause, maybe donate a few dollars to a local charity, or read an informative piece or documentary about said cause? None of these actions are wrong in and amongst themselves, but they do not even scratch the surface of what it means to be aware. I think the quote above by Marvin Ashton captures what it means to be truly aware. It is difficult to gauge just what it is we are supposed to do as caring community members in regard to fellow citizens and neighbors who live day-to-day with disabilities. So, how does one know how to become aware and how would one know that what they are doing is making a difference? I have had many conversations with people who want to help the special need’s community, but do not quite know the best way to go about it. They would have a better understanding if they actually befriended a family of a disabled person, or better yet, befriended a disabled person themselves. This would give them an insight of day-to-day struggles, resources, family and societal dynamics, and ringside seats to witness someone overcoming what seams like impossible odds. Once a person has been a witness to the life and circumstances of someone who is differently-abled, it is virtually impossible to not immerse yourself in trying to be par of their success story. This means financially investing into local programs and charities that offer vital resources that improve quality of life, volunteering your time and talents to equip those with IDD with necessary skills to navigate their environment, and advocating on behalf of the IDD community to be able to get more resources and have more opportunities to succeed. Ask yourself, are you truly aware? If the answer is no, then ask yourself, what is holding me back? Why have I not immersed myself in helping to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities? Maybe your passion lies with another community cause, and there is nothing wrong with that. But, if the disability community is the nearest and dearest cause to your heart, try to work out those issues that are keeping you from becoming immersed in the cause. If you can be the difference in the life of just one disabled person or special needs’ family who is on the brink of ruin, wouldn’t it be worth the effort? How much more worth then would you assign to an entire community? - Crystal Higbee, President/CEO
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P.O.P. HIGHLIGHTS Meet our Program Team members! We are actively seeking a POP Program Director! Please contact Crystal for details at (863) 679-2507 |
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| | Cortney Grunder POP Instructor |
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| | Addie Odom Program Assistant |
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| | Elijah Lewis Culinary Instructor |
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| | Terry Jenkins Program Instructor Assistant |
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Miss. Cortney has moved back to Lake Wales! The students are ecstatic to have her back. We look forward to her helping the students reach their goals while she strives to complete her own. She will be starting courses soon to become certified as a para educator thank to the Empower Polk Grant! |
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Mr. Elijah is returning to his passion, Culinary Arts! He will still teach the students once a week but is focused launching his catering career with hopes of eventually opening a Culinary Arts School. We wish him well on his endeavors! |
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Colton Morosky has created his own way to navigate through a complicated game pf BINGO. With so many different types of BINGO, he needed to be able to keep track of his cards, so he created an instruction book to not only help him, but to help others as well. We are proud of him for creating something that will benefit the community. Colton sells his booklets for $5.00 each and has already donated $25.00 to the Circle from his profits. If you are a BINGO player and would like to benefit your gaming experience by making it a lot easier to keep track and play, Please contact Crystal at (863) 679-2507, and I will put you in contact with Colton so you can purchase a booklet. Way to go Colton, we are proud of you! |
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Lynette Brown has been working hard on getting her photography business up and running. In the meantime she has ben lending her talents to the various fundraisers for the Circle of Friends. Lynette has taken beautiful pictures at the Mothers Day Tea Party, Murder Mystery Dinner, and Friendsgiving. She has been using her phone for the majority of events and has recently moved to her Kodak camera.. We are looking for a professional photographer to make Lynette their protégé and teach her how to properly use a professional camera. If you are interested please contact Crystal at (863)n 6779-2507. We are excited about the future of Lynette’s photography business and you can be a key element in making this hardworking, caring, and entrepreneurial young woman’s dream come true! |
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Our Overcomers Performing Arts Troop will be performing an interpretive dance to Every Praise. At the following locations; If you would like to schedule a performance from the Overcomers, please contact Crystal at (863) 679-2507 |
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The students are excited about their upcoming Christmas Parade and end of the year Christmas Party! We will be in the upcoming Lake Wales Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 10th. We will be lined up behind the Rotary on the Ridge and the Lake Wales Little Theatre. Look for us to be dressed in Christmas pajamas to represent this years theme of “Dreamer” in honor of our recently passed friend, Barney Moore. |
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Friendsgiving Fall Festival November 19th *120 people served with our hot Thanksgiving Meal Boxes! Thank you to our sponsors for helping us make these events happen |
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Thank you for our local businesses for contributing your time, talent, and products Bombshell Salon, Entourage Salon, Patton Tire, Elrod Automotive, Krazy Rabbit. Oasis Spa, Gary Bears Barbershop and Salon, Granny’s Kitchen, All Stars Bar & Grill, Sizzling Grill, Cherry Pocket, Nikki Yoe, Dyre Chevrolet, Stafford Portraits, Beef O’Brady’s, Struthers Honey House, Kathryn’s Christian Book Store, The Cheese Shop, Norby’s Steak & Seafood, IMPACT Church/Kidz Zone Another BIG thank you to their personal and anonymous donors who make such a big difference in the lives of our students by their selfless contributions towards our mission. You are always appreciated! |
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Another session of Special Needs’ Bowling at the Cypress Lanes has come to an end. Our students and staff who got the chance to participate had a blast! Circle picked up half of the bowling fees for the entire session, which relieved the financial burden of our participants and allowed some to attend, who otherwise could not. This was a great opportunity to meet new peers and build lasting friendships. The students were very proud to accept their medals and look forward to the next time we participate in the Cypress Special Need’s Bowling League. |
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Jesus provides ample examples of caring for one another’s feet. Part of the Armor of God is making sure your feet are shod with peace. Mr. Tim, lovingly called the sweet’s guy by some our students, takes time out of his busy schedule working at local foodbanks to bring treats to our students on Wednesdays, without fail! I noticed recently that his shoes were well-worn and knew that the Circle should sponsor his new shoes as a symbol of caring for the feet of a peacemaker as he walks-the-walk to “care for the least of these” in our community. We are honored to be a small part of what Tim is doing to improve the lives of our fellow community members and ask blessings for Mr. Tim as he makes his weekly trips to help feed the hungry and bring smiles to our student’s faces with his sweet treats! |
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Circle of Friends Ministry, Inc. 105 E. Stuart Ave. Lake Wales, FL. 33853 (863)679-2507 |
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Lawrence Maxwell Mountain Lake Community Service Empower Polk Impact Polk Church of the Good Shepherd First Baptist Church LW First Presbyterian Church First United Methodist Church Florida’s Natural Growers GiveWELL Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Hartshorn Impact Church E.R. Jahna Foundation Lake Wales Care Center New Harvest Worship Center Publix Tower Lakes Chapel Truist Foundation United Methodist Church Winn Dixie |
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Do you need community service hours or just want to get out of the house and be active in your community? We are looking for upbeat volunteers who have a desire to make a difference in the lives of our special friends by donating their time and talent in the following areas; computer technology, sewing, crafting, drama, or music. Get job experience by volunteering your I.T., videography, or website building skills. For more information, contact Crystal at (863) 679-2507. |
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ATTENTION EDUCATORS LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCE OR A CHANGE OF PACE! We are hiring for P.O.P Program Director! Please contact Crystal for more details. (863) 679-2507 or president@circleoffriendsministry.org |
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Would you like to be part of strengthening your community? Sponsor a scholarship student, partner with the Circle of Friends, or make a one-time donation today by visiting us online! | | |
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