Garden Party: Fostering Community and Connection for Adults with IDD
If you’re looking for community-based opportunities that are both fun and meaningful for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Blossom IDD’s Garden Party events may be the perfect fit. Garden Party events are Blossom IDD’s initial and staple program for community connections! Designed especially for individuals ages roughly 18–36, Garden Parties provide a chance to make new friends, build essential social skills, and explore the local community—all while enjoying creative and engaging activities.
What Are Garden Parties?
Garden Parties were the first program launched by Blossom IDD in January 2022. The goal was straightforward:
- Bring together peers with and without disabilities to socialize
- Strengthen community ties through service projects and fun outings
- Empower participants to live life as independently as possible
You might find a Garden Party group volunteering at a local nonprofit, going out for a movie, or just enjoying a casual happy hour. Whenever possible, these gatherings take place in the communities where participants live, ensuring they feel comfortable, engaged, and connected to neighbors and local establishments.
Billing Update and Pricing
Effective September 1, 2023, Garden Parties will cost $21.00 per hour. Participants can be billed through IRIS or pay by check/online payment (cash is no longer accepted). If you’re billing through IRIS, these hours fall under the T2021 UA Day Services—Community Based code.
Tip: Plan ahead for each event’s payment and sign-up deadline. Some activities require tickets or specific group sizes, so punctuality is key!
Who Should Join Garden Parties?
Garden Parties cater to adults with IDD who:
- Are highly independent with self-care skills (toileting, dressing, bathing, and eating).
- Can manage medications and behavior with minimal staff prompting.
- Are comfortable navigating the community with limited assistance.
- Want to socialize with same-aged peers outside of family settings.
- Typically live on their own, with a support person, with families but are highly independent, or with roommates.
Important Deadlines and Sign-Ups
- Add/Remove Deadline: Generally three days prior to the event unless otherwise noted.
- For ticketed events or special planning, deadlines may come sooner—pay close attention to each event’s details.
- No Cash Payments: Thank you for understanding as we streamline billing.
Already signed up for our newsletter? Great! Keep an eye out for reminders and announcements from Samantha Bear (SB) regarding upcoming gatherings. If you have questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Samantha Bear directly.
Upcoming Garden Party Dates (2025)
(All dates are Mondays, times and exact locations TBD. Times shown in CST.)
Date | Notes |
---|---|
02/03 | Deadline: 01/31 |
02/17 | Deadline: 02/14 |
02/24 | Deadline: 02/21 |
03/03 | Deadline: 02/29 |
03/17 | Deadline: 03/14 |
04/07 | Deadline: 04/04 |
04/28 | Deadline: 04/25 |
05/05 | Deadline: 05/02 |
05/19 | Deadline: 05/16 |
06/02 | Deadline: 05/30 |
10/06 | Deadline: 10/03 |
10/20 | Deadline: 10/17 |
11/03 | Deadline: 10/31 |
11/17 | Deadline: 11/14 |
12/01 | Deadline: 11/28 |
12/15 | Deadline: 12/12 |
Check often for location updates and exact start times. Additional Garden Party gatherings may be added throughout the year based on community events and participant interest.
Be Part of the Blossom IDD Community
Whether you’re a participant looking for new social opportunities or a volunteer wanting to give back, we welcome you to join us! Garden Parties are designed to nurture independence and make lasting connections in a relaxed, supportive setting.
- Share this post with friends or relatives who might be interested.
- Comment below if you have questions about billing, deadlines, or suitability for a loved one.
- Like this article if you found it helpful, so we know to keep creating more content like this.
Citations & Further Reading
- CDC – Disability and Health
- Blossom IDD Community-Based Day Services (Link to relevant internal resource if available.)
Additional Information
- Questions about billing? Contact Larissa at office@blossomidd.org
- General inquiries? Reach out to our Executive Director at director@blossomidd.org
- Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on:
By spreading the word about Blossom IDD’s Garden Party events, you’re helping to create a stronger, more inclusive community. We can’t wait to see you at the next Garden Party—together, let’s continue to blossom!