Celebrating Connection: CLA’s Valentine’s Friendship Party

Nearly 60 individuals, including people receiving services and their families, Host Home providers, board members and staff came together for our CLA Valentine’s Friendship Party.

The space was bright and festive — decorated in red and pink, filled with conversation, music, and laughter. From the moment guests arrived, there was a steady buzz of excitement as people greeted one another and settled in to enjoy the celebration.

Some headed straight for the karaoke microphone. Others joined in the group games. Friends reconnected. New conversations began. Every part of the afternoon offered a way to participate.

While it was just a couple of hours in the middle of the day, it was a meaningful time of connection for our community.

🎤 Taking the Stage

Karaoke was one of the highlights of the afternoon.

Participants had the opportunity to choose songs and step up to the microphone to share their voices. Some confidently performed favorite tunes, while others preferred to sing alongside friends or cheer from their seats.

Each performance was met with encouragement and applause.

Moments like these build confidence, support self-expression, and reinforce that every voice matters.

🎲 Group Games & Shared Laughter

The afternoon also included group games that brought everyone together.

Guests participated collectively — cheering one another on, collaborating, and sharing plenty of laughter along the way. The games created natural opportunities for interaction and teamwork, helping everyone feel included and engaged.

Group activities like these strengthen social connections and create shared memories that last beyond the event itself.

🧁 A Sweet and Thoughtful Contribution

The celebration included a special contribution from Walt, who made cupcakes for the party.

They weren’t just any cupcakes — some were thoughtfully made sugar-free so everyone could enjoy a sweet treat safely.

That extra care reflected something deeper about the CLA community.

It wasn’t just about dessert. It was about inclusion and consideration.

By making sugar-free treats, Walt ensured that no one had to sit out because of dietary or health restrictions. It was a small but meaningful example of how our community supports one another.

Community isn’t just something we attend — it’s something we build together.

More Than a Party

For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, inclusive social opportunities can sometimes be limited by transportation, staffing needs, or access to programming.

At CLA, we believe connection is essential.

Our Valentine’s Party created space for:

Reconnecting with friends
Building new relationships
Participating in shared group experiences
Expressing individuality through music and choice

There were cheers after each karaoke performance. There was laughter during group games. There were conversations over pizza.

These moments matter.

Belonging All Year Long

While Valentine’s Day focuses on friendship and appreciation, the spirit of the afternoon reflects something that guides our work every day.

Belonging is not seasonal.

It is built in daily routines, shared laughter, encouragement, and spaces where individuals feel seen, valued, and connected.

Our Valentine’s Party was a couple of hours on a Friday afternoon — but the sense of community it reinforced continues long after the decorations come down.

At CLA, connection is at the heart of what we do.