Out and About with Fantastic Friends

This late summer, our Fantastic Friends program brought us to two wonderful local destinations. For those who don’t know, Fantastic Friends is designed for adults of all abilities to connect socially and practice independence skills together. And practice they did—first at the Beaverton Farmers Market on August 16th, and again at the Oregon Zoo on September 6th.

At the farmers market, our friends with Down syndrome took on the challenge of shopping with purpose. Each participant was given $5 in cash and encouraged to purchase either a fruit, vegetable, or flower—focusing on fresh plants instead of tempting treats. With volunteers by their side, everyone explored at their own pace. The market was bursting with color—fresh peppers, bright flowers, and plenty of friendly faces! Dru chose a sunflower and gifted it to her new friend Tirzah, while Cody treated Rae, our site manager, to a fresh peach before enjoying a hot dog from his own budget.

The adventure didn’t stop there. A local demonstration happened to be taking place nearby, and two of our participants joined in the action. Cody made his own sign, and Soraya added her voice to the chants. After a group photo, the morning wrapped up with new memories and new skills gained.

Just a few weeks later, Fantastic Friends ventured to the Oregon Zoo. Once again, the weather cooperated with cool, overcast skies—perfect for exploring. Ethan, Soraya, and Dru showed off their independence by attending without parents, while Soraya and Tirzah enjoyed measuring themselves against baby giraffes. Everyone was having so much fun, there wasn’t much time for photos!

These outings remind us why Fantastic Friends matters: they provide meaningful opportunities to practice independence, build friendships, and share the joy of inclusion with the wider community. From shopping at the market to exploring the zoo, our friends are making memories—and showing the world what’s possible. If you’d like to help make more outings like this possible, head over to our Fall Fundraiser page!