"We had the chance to catch up with old friends and create some wonderful new friendships along the way." – Friendship Festival Participant.
This summer, Corridor Community Options for Adults (CCOA) hosted a Friendship Festival, a celebration of inclusion, connection, and fun. Held at the Nine Mile River Community Hall, the festival brought together participants from CCOA's group homes, Independent Living Support program, Youth Program, as well as guests from the Community Association of People for REAL Enterprise (CAPRE) and New Boundaries.
CCOA is a not-for-profit organization located in Enfield, Nova Scotia. CCOA supports adults with intellectual disabilities through programming, recreation, and social enterprises such as Rick's Riches Thrift Store and Wood Products Manufacturing. CCOA has served the community of East Hants and beyond since opening in the 1970s. The organization offers a variety of programs and services, all dedicated to fostering independence and improving the quality of life for its participants.
The CCOA's Friendship Festival was organized and held to help foster opportunities for its participants to build meaningful friendships throughout the province. The event gave staff valuable experience, allowing them to network with colleagues and professionals from similar organizations.
Attendees were able to enjoy activities throughout the day, such as basketball, games, sidewalk chalk art, bubble fun, and the ever-popular friendship bracelet station. Pizza was donated by a local business for lunch, followed by a make-your-own sundae bar. The festivities ended with a dance party, celebrating new friendships and lasting memories.
For participants, the festival provided a safe, welcoming space to build meaningful connections and practice social skills in a fun, inclusive environment. One participant shared, "It was such a heartwarming day filled with laughter, connection, and joy. We had the chance to catch up with old friends and create some wonderful new friendships along the way." Another said, "I never want to leave, I'm having so much fun!"
Looking ahead, CCOA hopes the Friendship Festival will serve as an inspiration for others to create inclusive events in their communities. As project lead, Jana Hunt reflected, the key is to choose accessible, adaptable activities and connect with local partners, "The goal is to create a fun and pressure-free space where everyone can participate."
The Friendship Festival was more than just a day of fun—it was a testament to the power of community, inclusion, and the simple joy of friendship.
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