September Resource Fair & Speed Social: Building Connections That Last

On September 13th at PZK Hall in Robertsdale, Where the Pieces Meet hosted our annual Resource Fair — and this year was our biggest yet! We were honored to welcome so many wonderful organizations serving the neurodivergent and special needs community, including:

• SHOW Baldwin, Inc. (Special Humans Outreach & Wellness)

• Regional Autism Network

• Cindy Haber Center

• Goodwill Gulf Coast

• ARC of the Gulf Coast

• Art for All

• Time with Friends

• Alabama Department of Mental Health

• UCP's Childcare Enhancement with a Purpose

• Passage Program (University of South Alabama)

• The Exceptional Foundation

• Gulf Coast Neurowellness

• Ray’s Friends

• Research Study Opportunities

• PRC Saltillo

• …and of course, Where the Pieces Meet!

The day didn’t end there. Immediately after the fair, we hosted a Speed Social for neurodivergent adults. Think “speed dating,” but for friendships! Each participant filled out a notecard with their name and at least three things they enjoy, making it easy to spark conversation across the table. Every two minutes, one side of the table rotated, giving everyone a chance to connect with new people.

We had 18 participants at the long table, while families bonded on the sidelines over shared experiences. Guests also enjoyed delicious food, lovingly catered by one of our amazing parents in the group — a reminder that this community is built by families, for families.

The energy in the room was buzzing with laughter, curiosity, and the beginnings of new friendships. Within the week, one parent shared that their adult child not only enjoyed the event but also made a friend — and the two had already gone to see a movie together.

💙 Stories like this remind us why we do what we do. Even if just one life is touched, the effort is worth it — and on September 13th, so many lives were touched.