Category: Newsletters

December Bulletin

12/3/2021

Contents:
Fundraising Updates
Inclusive Theater Company Exclusive
Carroll Arts Annual Festival of Wreaths
Holiday Gifts & Gift Cards
Individual Services

Thank You for your Generosity

THANK YOU for an outstanding #GivingTuesday!

Including donations that trickled in the next day, we raised $5186 from 41 unique donors, exceeding our $3000 goal!

Your generosity this holiday season makes a difference in the lives of the many neurodiverse individuals who participate in Barrier-Free programming.

Thank You, AGAIN!

Stay tuned for more opportunities to dine out with Barrier-Free in 2022 including Chipotle, Chili's, and Glory Days!

Want an inside exclusive?

Ourinclusive theater companies have been hard at work creating the themes, settings, plots, and characters for their ORIGNAL shows.

The scripts are officially complete, and our actors will now begin memorizing lines, blocking the scenes, and learning music & choreography.

□DRUM ROLL □
Company A's show is called S'mores Wars.
Company B's show is called One Star Resort.

Mark your calendars □ for our performance weekend - Saturday, March 12, and Sunday, March 13 2022 at McDaniel College.

24th Annual Festival of Wreaths

Barrier-Free is proud to have our wreath, "Inclusion Matters" on display in Carroll Arts Center's 24th Annual Festival of Wreaths!

Our wreath was handcrafted by Studio members - Amanda, Britt, Camren, Emma, Jenny, Lauren, Marcel, and Marie.

Barrier-Free's wreath will be on display at The Carroll Arts Center and the online gallery. You can also bid on our wreath at the link below!

Click Here to View the Wreaths & Bid

Holiday Gift Shopping

Have you started holiday shopping?

Don't forget to stop by theBarrier-Free Store to pick up some great holiday gifts! Browse our selection of apparel and accessories ranging from hoodies to backpacks.

NEW this year - Barrier-Free gift cards eligible to be used for ANY Barrier-Free program tuition, social club, or merchandise.

Click Here to Browse the Barrier-Free Store

Don't Forget Your Barrier-Free Blend!

Need the perfect gift for a coffee-lover? Stop by Pork & Beans Store in Westminster for a bag of Barrier-Free Blend coffee as a another gift option.

15% of every bag purchased is donated to Barrier-Free!

Individual Services

In addition to our Inclusive Theater Companies, Life Skills & Social Studio, and Social Clubs, Barrier-Free also offers individual coaching services.

Services include academic coaching, life skill coaching, dating coaching, job coaching, one-on-one drama therapy sessions, and more.

Here's what one parent had to say about her experience with our job coaching services:

"Thanks so much for your assistance with Jared's interview skills and resume. Having the written feedback after each session provided a springboard for us to work on some things at home. Jared successfully interviewed at Carroll Lutheran Village and got the job!!! You were able to tailor the sessions to specifically what type of interview Jared would have, using his prior experience and references. Thank you also for taking Jared to a Sykesville business for more practice interviewing! The real-world experience taught him to be a little more flexible during an interview!"

Click Here to Explore our Individual Services

Thank You for Your Support!

Pictured Above: Life Skills & Social Studio crew enjoying an outing in Downtown Sykesville.

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November Bulletin

11/1/2021

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Contents:
Giving Tuesday
Grant Award Announcement
Celebrating our Barrier-Free"ers!"
The Greene Turtle Fundraiser
Carroll Arts Annual Festival of Wreaths
Holiday Gifts & Gift Cards

Giving Tuesday - Donate Early!

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, consider making a donation to Barrier-Free to support our mission of inclusivity.

You can also support Barrier-Free by hosting a personal Giving Tuesday Facebook Fundraiser! PLAN AHEAD - On Tuesday, November 30 Facebook will be matching the first $8 million in donations made via their social network!

Click Here to Donate via our Website

Click Here to Visit our Facebook Page

Community Arts Development Grant

Barrier-Free is thrilled to announce we have been awarded a Community Arts Development Grant from the Carroll County Arts Council and Maryland Arts Council.

This $4760 grant will serve as general operating support for Barrier-Free and will support the financial well-being and growth of our organization.

We are grateful to have the talents and efforts of our participants, actors, and teaching team recognized by the Arts Council.

Thank you Carroll County Arts Council for your support!!

Celebrating our Barrier-Free"ers"

Did you know November 11, was World Origami Day?

We want to give a special shoutout to Alexander Willis, for the splendid origami creations he creates every day!

Alexander loves to share his origami gifts with friends at Barrier-Free and the local shop owners when we head into Downtown Sykesville.

Alexander also sold 44 origami creations at our September Art Gallery, earning $110!

Dine Out & Support Barrier-Free

Join us Monday, November 22 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!

Save this flyer to show your server when paying.

We'll see you there!

24th Annual Festival of Wreaths

Barrier-Free has submitted an entry into the Carroll Arts Center 24th Annual Festival of Wreaths!

Our wreath was handcrafted by Studio members - Amanda, Britt, Camren, Emma, Jenny, Lauren, Marcel, and Marie.

Barrier-Free's wreath will be on display at The Carroll Arts Center and the online gallery. More information regarding bidding is coming soon.

Click Here for More Festival Info

Holiday Gift Shopping

Have you started holiday shopping?

Don't forget to stop by the Barrier-Free Store to pick up some great holiday gifts! Browse our selection of apparel and accessories ranging from hoodies to backpacks.

NEW this year - Barrier-Free gift cards eligible to be used for ANY Barrier-Free program tuition, social club, or merchandise.

Click Here to Browse the Barrier-Free Store

Thank you for your support!

Pictured above: Emma, Michelle, Alexa, and Madison mid-improv scene at Inclusive Theater Company A rehearsal

*|END:IF|*

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August Bulletin

8/2/2021

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Contents:
Inclusive Theater Companies
NEW Support Services
September Social Club
Studio Art Gallery
Virtual Info Session

35 days until our first rehearsal!

We're back!! Our Inclusive Theater season kicks off in September for Barrier-Free's BEST SEASON YET!! We will be creating ALL-NEW, ORIGINAL musicals!

Join your favorite Theater Leaders - Britt, Emma, Gary, Jen, Lauren, Mike E., & Music Mike for a season jam-packed with fun, creativity, and positive energy!

We will once again be performing onstage, for a live audience in March 2022!

Inclusive Theater Company A is for adults 18+ with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Inclusive Theater Company B is for adults 18+ with autism.

Theater season starts on Monday, Sept. 13 for Co. A and Wednesday, Sept. 15 for Co. B and runs for 23 weeks!

Rehearsals will be held at the Westminster Community Center.

Click Here to Register for Co. A

Click Here to Register for Co. B

NEW Individual Support Services

In addition to our group Studio Sessions, we will now be offering a variety of add-on services to support neurodiverse individuals in becoming their best-selves.

Add-on services include academic coaching, individual life & social skill coaching, dating & relationship coaching, job coaching, and DDA self-direct support brokering.

Click Here to Learn More

September Social Club

Join us for our next Social Club on Saturday, September 25th, for a Backyard Bonfire at Emily's Wachter's home!

We will have hot dogs, chili, and make-your-own s'mores as well as an assortment of backyard games, music, and good times with friends.

All Barrier-Free social clubs are staffed to ensure a safe and fun atmosphere with friends.

Click Here to Register for the Backyard Bonfire

Studio Art Gallery

Barrier-Free's Studio members invite you to our first-ever Studio Art Gallery Open House on Friday, September 10 from 6 - 8pm or Saturday, September 11 from 1 - 4pm!

Our Studio members have been hard at work creating art, poetry, and photographs that will be available for viewing and purchase.

We look forward to welcoming the community to The Life Skills & Social Studio for this event!

Click Here for More Details

Join us on Zoom!

Seeking to learn more about all of the programs Barrier-Free offers for the neurodiverse community? Know a friend who may be interested in Barrier-Free?

Join us on Zoom Tuesday, August 17th at 7 pm for a Virtual Webinar Info Session to hear how Barrier-Free helps individuals create, express, and achieve.

Registration for this event is REQUIRED to receive the Zoom link.

Click Here to Register

Thank you for your continued support!

Pictured above: Barrier-Free"ers" Mikey & Mike at The Life Skills & Social Studio.

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July Bulletin

7/1/2021

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Contents:
NEW Classes
August Social Club
Westminster Pride Festival
Silly Songs with Music Mike
Summer Improv Showcase

Are you registered?

Building friendships and sharing special moments with a bestie is amazing...but what happens when we want something more? How do we go about doing this? How do we even know what we want? How do we go about this safely?

Join us for an 8-week class for neurodiverse adults ages 18+ where we talk about it all! We'll cover everything from the social nuances of dating and navigating relationships to sexual education, consent, and appropriate ways to communicate. This will be a judgment-free zone where neurodiverse individuals can share their anxieties and fears while asking the questions some have been too embarrassed to ask.

Class meets on Wednesdays July 14 - September 1 from 6:30 - 8:00pm at The Life Skills & Social Studio.

Click Here to Register for Dating Class

We're back!! Our Inclusive Theater season kicks off in September for Barrier-Free's BEST SEASON YET!! We will be creating ALL-NEW, ORIGINAL musicals!

Join your favorite Theater Leaders - Britt, Emma, Gary, Jen, Lauren, Mike E., & Music Mike for a season jam-packed with fun, creativity, and positive energy!

We will once again be performing onstage, for a live audience in March 2022!

Inclusive Theater Company A is for adults 18+ with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Inclusive Theater Company B is for adults 18+ with autism.

Theater season starts on Monday, Sept. 13 for Co. A and Wednesday, Sept. 15 for Co. B and runs for 22 weeks!

Rehearsals will be held at the Westminster Community Center.

Click Here to Register for Co. A

Click Here to Register for Co. B

Stratosphere Social!

Join us for an ALL-INCLUSIVE Social Club to Stratosphere Social in Eldersburg, MD!

The $60 event fee covers:

Pizza dinner & fountain drinks
1 hour of unlimited Bowling & shoe rental OR 1 hour of trampoline park
1 hour of unlimited arcade gameplay
1 hour of unlimited axe-throwing

Barrier-Free provides staffing for all social club events to ensure participants are having a fun and safe experience.

Click Here to Register

Westminster Pride Festival

Westminster's Pride Festival returns this year on Saturday, July 10th from 12 - 6pm.

The festival will be held on E Main St in Westminster in front of Birdie's Cafe.

Barrier-Free is proud to be a vendor at this year's festival and will have a table at the event all day, sharing about our mission and programs.

We invite any interested Barrier-Free"ers" to join us at our table for the event or to stop by, check out the festival, get your FREE Barrier-Free button, and say hi!

Click Here for More About the Westminster Pride Festival

MORE Silly Songs with Music Mike!

Calling all Silly Songs fans!!

Music Mike, our talented Music Director has compiled a collection of wonderful Inclusive Theater songs for ALL to enjoy!

Check out lyric videos for "Salty Seas," "Snack Troll" and many other silly songs on Music Mike's new Youtube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7tx-TzjSh6h7e5rp4-ISOg

More Barrier-Free show favorites will be coming soon!

Songs can also be streamed on Apple Music, Amazon and Spotify-
https://music.apple.com/us/album/silly-songs/1572030476
https://www.amazon.com/Silly.../dp/B0973LBDFZ/ref=sr_1_5...
https://open.spotify.com/album/5DlJeNGFJV2YKOXAkgiPYO

Summer Improv Showcase

Our Summer Improv actors cordially invite you to attend their final Showcase on Monday, July 26th!

The Summer Improv Showcase is a small, informal event for family, friends, and Barrier-Free supporters to see the improv fun in action.

Mark your calendars!
Westminster Community Center
25 Union St Westminster, MD 21157

Thank you for your continued support!

Pictured above: Barrier-Free"ers" Alexander, Britt, Rosemary, Owen, Mike V. &, Mike E. enjoying "Directing & Design" at The Life Skills & Social Studio.

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June Bulletin

6/1/2021

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Contents:
Maryland Arts Summit
Life Skills & Social Studio Opening
Summer Improv
July Social Club
Support Barrier-Free

Catch Barrier-Free at The Maryland Arts Summit

Barrier-Free is THRILLED to be a Virtual Performer at this year's Maryland Arts Summit!

This event is FREE and available to the public but you must register by end of day TODAY, Wednesday, June 2nd in order to view the performance live.

Barrier-Free's performance will air during the closing ceremony, at approximately 1:30pm on Friday, June 4th.

Click Here to Register for The Summit

Life Skills & Social Studio Now Open

Barrier-Free's Life Skills & Social Studio opened its doors for the first session, yesterday June 1st!

Participants made new friendship connections, explored Downtown Sykesville, played an assortment of instruments during “Rhythm & Beats,” had social time, and MUCH more!

Want to be a part of the fun? Start your New Member Intake process now on our website. ALL new members receive TWO FREE sessions.

Click Here For More Details About The Studio

Summer Improv - Last Call!

Barrier-Free's beloved summer class is back for ANOTHER round of acting fun! During the course of this 8-week class, participants will learn and engage in the basics of character-based improv and sketch comedy.

New this summer, join us Mondays IN-PERSON, Wednesdays on ZOOM, or BOTH!

Click Here for Details & Registration

July Social Club

Join us for a day trip to Washington D.C. on Saturday, June 17th!

$50 covers the cost of your dinner and staffing. Please bring additional money for lunch, snacks, and souvenirs.

Carpooling is available for this event or meet us in DC. If you are interested in carpooling there will be two pickup spots. See event registration for details.

There are 8 carpool spots available for this social club and allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please indicate your transportation preference when registering.

Click Here for Details & Registration

Support Barrier-Free

Barrier-Free is need of supplies to support our programs.

Consider browsing our wishlist and adding something to your cart today to support Barrier-Free. Items automatically ship to our home office address in Clarksburg, MD.

Click Here to Browse our Wishlist

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