November Bulletin

Barrier-Free Buzz

#GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday

Giving Tuesday occurs the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is touted as a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

This year, on Tuesday, November 29th, consider making a donation to Barrier-Free to support our mission of inclusivity and help us reach our $5000 goal.

You can also support Barrier-Free by hosting a personal Giving Tuesday Facebook Fundraiser.

Funds for Friends

Join us Thursday, November 17th ALL DAY at The Greene Turtle in Westminster, MD to raise funds to support Barrier-Free!

20% of your dine-in or carry-out meal (including drinks) will be donated to Barrier-Free.

All proceeds help fund our Inclusive Theater Company production budget.

Holiday Party

You’re invited to join us for an afternoon of cheer at Barrier-Free's Holiday Party!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 • 2 - 4PM

Liberatore's Eldersburg 6300 Georgetown Blvd. Eldersburg, MD 21784

Cost per person - $45

Buffet Meal includes: Fried Calamari • Bruschetta Caesar Salad • Bread and Butter • Chicken Marsala Penne Vodka Sauce • Sausage & Peppers • Butter Noodles • Family Style Servings of Homemade Oreo Cake • Mini Cannolis • Coffee, Iced Tea, and Sodas

This event is open to Barrier-Free”ers” families, friends, and our greater community! All guests must purchase a ticket to attend.

Grant Announcements

Exciting news! The Safeway Foundation has awarded Barrier-Free a $2000 grant to support the expansion of our Cooking Skills projects for neurodivergent adults at The Life Skills & Social Studio.

Please help us show our appreciation by visiting your neighborhood store and telling employees how much you appreciate their support!

Individualized Skill Coaching

Barrier-Free Individualized Skill Coaching program supports neurodivergent adults in achieving their independence, employment, or social goals.

Highly-skilled coaches work with participants and families to develop an individualized goal plan for maximized support. Skill coaching is typically a combination of in-home and community-based work.

Arrangements can vary in length and frequency, with a typical plan ranging from 3 - 20 hours per week.

Skill Coaching services are paired with regular attendance at Barrier-Free programs to support relationship-building and whole-person development.

NEW Merch for the Holidays!

Barrier-Free merch makes the perfect holiday gift and supports an #inclusive organization!

NEW to our offerings - Campfire Mugs, that pair perfectly with Barrier-Free Blend coffee from Pork & Beans Store.

Shop our merch offerings at our online store HERE.

Community News

Thank you for you support!

Pictured: Studio Members enjoying their Halloween Party!

October Bulletin

Barrier-Free Buzz

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars! Our Barrier-Free actors return to the stage in March 2023!

We are mailing out Save the Date cards to interested community members.

Request your Save the Date below.

Missed your chance to enroll? Join our 2023-2024 season Waiting List.

Art Gallery Recap

THANK YOU to our wonderful community for turning out to support "See the Ability," our Fall Art Exhibition. Your presence and support affirm that #InclusionMatters in our society.

We welcomed over 100 guests to our Art Gallery and sold over 100 pieces of original art & jewelry!

A special shoutout to local community leaders - Mayor Link, Julie Della-Maria, Dana Alonzi, Hannah Brookfield aka BotaniGal, Amanda Jozkowski, & Tom Scanlan for your continued support!

Barrier-Free + Tidal Salt

Did you miss our Art Gallery last month? No need to fret, you can now shop Barrier-Free art and jewelry made by our Studio Members at Tidal Salt Co. right on Main Street in Downtown Sykesville!

Proceeds from all sales directly benefit Barrier-Free’s Life Skills & Social Studio program.

“Tidal Salt is a boutique shop that curates fun, beautiful things for the community to enjoy. The shop is filled with hand-selected, locally-made apparel and gifts. Whenever possible, items are sourced from other women-owned businesses and fellow local makers.”

Cordially Invited IV

Barrier-Free is proud to be part of Make Studio's exhibition, Cordially Invited IV!

Cordially Invited is an invitational exhibition and set of complementary programming featuring artworks created in 18 unique & innovative U.S. and international studios that serve artists with disabilities.

Cordially Invited celebrates the exciting and thought-provoking art produced in progressive art studios as a way to better understand and appreciate our neurodiverse world.

This year’s event includes a feature exhibition in the Showroom Gallery and a virtual exhibition.

Cordially Invited will be on view online and in-person October 7th - November 5th.

Thank you to Make Studio for this phenomenal opportunity!

Join us in congratulating Barrier-Free artists Emily (left) & Katie (right) with their art pieces Rainbow Lion & Regulus that will be on display in the in-person exhibit.

Aaron, Mike E., Mark, Rosemary, & Emily will have artwork on display in the online exhibit.

#GivingTuesday

Giving Tuesday occurs the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is touted as a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

This year, on Tuesday, November 29th, consider making a donation to Barrier-Free to support our mission of inclusivity and help us reach our $5000 goal.

You can also support Barrier-Free by hosting a personal Giving Tuesday Facebook Fundraiser.

Join us at Greene Turtle

Join us Thursday, November 17 at The Greene Turtle Westminster to support Barrier-Free!

The fundraiser lasts ALL-DAY and is dine-in or carry-out eligible. Barrier-Free will receive 20% of all checks including beverages!

All proceeds will directly fund our Inclusive Theater production budget.

Save this flyer to show your server when paying.

We'll see you there!

Community News

Thank you for you support!

Pictured: Studio Members enjoying an outing in Downtown Sykesville

September Bulletin

Barrier-Free Buzz

“See the Ability” Art Exhibition

We invite you to our Studio Art Gallery, to celebrate the work and artistic achievements of our neurodiverse community!

This an open-house style event with a suggested $5 donation.

Thursday, September 8 • 6 - 8pm
Friday, September 9 • 6 - 8pm
Saturday, September 10 • 12 - 4pm

A variety of art pieces will be available for sale with proceeds shared between the artist and Barrier-Free.

Location:
The Life Skills & Social Studio
7520 Main St #103
Sykesville, MD 21784

Inclusive Theater Season

Inclusive Theater rehearsals begin September 12 & 14th! What creative ideas will our actors bring to life this season?

Mark your calendars, our performances will be:

Friday, March 17

Saturday, March 18

Sunday, March 19

Inclusive Theater Company A & B are FULL but you can still join our Waiting List.

Supportive Independent Living

We've been a bit busy here at Barrier-Free, focusing on our Supportive Independent Living program!

Supportive Independent Living is part of our Skill Coaching program and provides individuals with the opportunity to live independently with plug-in support while increasing participation in their community.

This beautiful 2-bedroom apartment in Sykesville, MD is now home sweet home for one of our Studio Members! They'll be living independently with daily check-ins and support, plus 24-hour on-call emergency response.

Learn more about Supportive Independent Living at https://www.barrierfreemd.com/skill-coaching

MAKE STUDIO Collaboration

We are thrilled to share that Make Studio has selected Barrier-Free artist’s pieces for inclusion in the upcoming exhibit - Cordially Invited V.

Join us in congratulating Barrier-Free artists Emily (left) & Katie (right) with their art pieces Rainbow Lion & Regulus.

Team Announcements

We are delighted to add two new team members to Barrier-Free - Tianna & Kelly!

Tianna (she/her) joins us as a mentor in Company A and is excited to be part of Barrier-Free! Tianna works full time for Target Community and Educational Services as an Employment Specialist. She has a passion for giving back and helping others live their best and fullest life. Tianna's family is her world and she enjoys spending most of her time traveling or attending events and shows with her fiancée Kelsey and step-son Oliver. She also enjoys photography, being outdoors and being an active member in the LGBTQ community!

Kelly Young (she/her) joins us as a Graduate Intern for Company A and The Studio. Kelly is currently pursuing her MA in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Drama Therapy at Lesley University. She loves the multi-faceted world of theatre and has spent years working on shows as an actor, director, crew member, prop designer, set designer, and dramaturg. Outside of school, theatre, and Barrier-Free, Kelly works as the Office Manager for a Maryland-based private practice, where she strives to make mental healthcare more accessible and connect people with the best possible services to meet their needs. Kelly is also a proud member of and passionate advocate for the Disability and LGBTQIA+ communities. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and family, making art, reading, and playing board games and video games. Kelly is immensely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Barrier-Free team and is excited to learn new skills and give back to her community!​

Fresh off the Press

Last call for interns!

Barrier-Free is seeking undergraduate or graduate interns to join our Inclusive Theater Companies beginning September 2022. Our internships provide college students hands-on, immersive experience with drama therapy work in the disability field.

Community News

Thank you for you support!

Pictured: Studio Members with Mayor Link touring Sykesville’s Local Government building, “The Town House”

July Bulletin

Barrier-Free Buzz

Inclusive Theater Season Returns!

We're back!! Our Inclusive Theater season kicks off in September where we will work collaboratively to create ALL-NEW, ORIGINAL musicals!

We will once again be performing on stage, for a live audience in March 2022 at McDaniel College.

Inclusive Theater Company A has 6 spots remaining.

Inclusive Theater Company B is FULL but join our Waiting List.

​In some instances, you may join BOTH groups if you have a dual diagnosis.

Click here to learn more about our drama-therapy-based, Inclusive Theater process.

Upcoming Events

Join us at an upcoming event to meet our Barrier-Free"ers" and support their work by purchasing art pieces, enjoying a performance, or allowing us to share about Barrier-Free's work and mission.

Click any image below to learn more!

MAKE STUDIO Collaboration

We are thrilled to share that Make Studio has invited Barrier-Free to submit art pieces for inclusion in the upcoming exhibit - Cordially Invited V.

In the Community

Our Barrier-Free”ers” have been busy connecting with our community!

This month we participated in the Let Freedom Ring Parade in Downtown Sykesville, visited the Howard County Center for the Arts, welcomed Serrina Davis of Damara Yoga, enjoyed Spongebob the Musical at Toby’s Dinner Theater, and have been watering & caring for the Eileen M. Merkle Community Garden in Downtown Sykesville.

New Group - OUT Loud

Seeking Interns!

Barrier-Free is seeking undergraduate or graduate interns to join our Inclusive Theater Companies beginning September 2022. Our internships provide college students hands-on, immersive experience with drama therapy work in the disability field.

Community News

Thank you for you support!

Pictured: Jackson & Jenny taking a selfie at The Life Skills & Social Studio

Inclusive Theater Season Returns!

Barrier-Free in the Community

Join us at an upcoming event to meet our Barrier-Free"ers" and support their work by purchasing art pieces or allowing us to share about Barrier-Free's work and mission.

Community events allow us to be visible and integrated into our community while putting our life skills and social skills to good use!

Click any image below to learn more!

Celebrating Milestones

The Life Skills & Social Studio in Downtown Sykesville celebrates its one year anniversary this month!

Movin’ On Up!

We are excited to share that we have three fantastic team members accepting new roles within Barrier-Free!

Marie joined us all the way from Iowa as a Graduate Intern studying Drama Therapy in September of 2021. Marie dove head first into all things Barrier-Free and has become an integral part of our entire organization's success. We are thrilled to promote her to Assistant Director Co. A & B for the 2022 - 2023 theater season!

Kelsey has been bringing her creative A-game and inclusive leadership to the table for the past six years at Barrier-Free. After years spent as a mentor, assistant director, and teaching artist, Kelsey will now be taking on her largest role yet - Director of Company A!

Aaron is an attendee of Barrier-Free’s Life Skills and Social Studio, as well as an actor in Inclusive Theater Company B. They are passionate about advocacy for the neurodiverse and disabled communities, making them the perfect fit to be our assistant for OUT Loud and a Peer Mentor within Barrier-Free.

Join us in congratulating Marie, Kelsey, and Aaron on their new roles!

New Group - OUT Loud

Jam Sessions & Mayor Link

Come rock out with Music Mike and crew on Sundays for fun-filled jam sessions! Mayor Stacy Link and her sister Jennifer recently stopped by and LOVED it!

Fresh off the press - Barrier-Free is featured in the June/July issue of Carroll Magazine!

We are thankful to the Carroll Magazine team for recognizing the inclusive strides we are making in the community.

Pictured: Barrier-Free crew with Dana Alonzi, Downtown Sykesville Board President, and Mayor Stacy Link at Sykesville Pride.