At True Friends, creating a space where every participant feels seen, supported, and included is at the heart of who we are. Community and belonging aren’t just ideas we talk about—they’re values we bring to life every day. As Cathy Davitt-Barenburg, the mother of camper Grayson, who has been coming to True Friends since 2017, shared, “True Friends lives that.”
That sense of belonging is something Grayson felt since day one at True Friends. From the first time walking into Camp Eden Wood, he knew he belonged there. “It’s very hard to find those places,” said Cathy, “and when you find it, you know it right away.”
True Friends differs from many other disability service organizations by offering opportunities and experiences that grow with each participant, regardless of age or stage of life. School often provides formative spaces for children with disabilities to learn, socialize, and build relationships. However, when young adults age out of school-based special education programs, the opportunities for consistent, community-based programs become limited. For Cathy and Grayson, and for many other True Friends participants and families, this gap is filled at Day Camp at Camp Eden Wood. “True Friends f ills that void,” Cathy shared.
As parents and caregivers search for organizations that provide respite programming, trust and confidence in the level of care are essential. Cathy always finds her way back to True Friends because of the trust she has in the staff. She shared, “I have a confidence level in True Friends that is priceless. If something happens with Grayson during the day, number one, they’re going to know what to do about it because [True Friends] is training their staff. Number two, they are looking at everything with good intent because they understand who their campers are.”
Day Camp at Camp Eden Wood offers a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to weekly water carnivals, and day trips—all adapted to each participant’s comfort level and abilities. Cathy explains that the staff at True Friends “understand that campers are vulnerable in different ways, and they support their growth and their happiness in life in a way that just isn’t out there”.
At a recent event, Cathy spoke about the importance of creating spaces where people with disabilities feel connected and included, especially as opportunities become more limited with age. But what does that look like for Grayson? When Cathy asked her son what he liked most about camp, he replied, “I made new friends and had so much fun!” It’s as simple as that. When participants and caregivers experience a place where they feel welcomed, understood, and included, they thrive. With your support, True Friends can continue creating spaces of belonging for participants like Grayson. Consider making a gift today so more individuals and families can experience the connection, joy and community that True Friends makes possible.
