 By attending our 5th annual Beer, Bison, & Bluegrass BBQ Concert and Fundraiser, your support allows Parents & Friends, Inc. to continue to provide support and skill building through our many programs which include fitness, employment, medical needs, sports, shopping, meal planning, transportation, education, cooking, hygiene, housekeeping, budgeting, gardening, social skills and relationships, volunteering, safety, effective communication, self-advocacy, and so much more. In addition, our supported living services provide the individualized supports for the individuals whom we serve to remain in their own homes in our community, close to their friends and loved ones. Then and Now Parents and Friends have served individuals with developmental challenges and similar needs on the Mendocino coast since 1955. During that time, these then young individuals were denied an education and thus were sequestered in homes and institutions. The parents and friends of these young individuals found a way to provide an education and inclusion via their own creation, “The Paul Bunyan School,” which was located in a small house in downtown Fort Bragg, where the rent was paid by our local Lions Club. Our support services were funded with the proceeds from bake sales and garage sales, which grew to become “The Paul Bunyan Thrift Store,” which is a much-loved community asset, providing employment, bargains, upcycling and social opportunities for our entire community while raising funds for PFI. Coming Full Circle There are individuals who, in the earlier days, did have to move away in order to receive the support they required; in some cases, they were institutionalized out of the area. In 2017, we have worked closely with one of these institutions, The Sonoma Developmental Center, to move individuals into community living. This spring we welcomed 2 gentlemen who lived inside of the institution for several decades. Now they live as roommates in Fort Bragg, participating in everyday community life with support from Parents and Friends. Save The Date! Join us on Saturday, September 2nd from 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm at Our Lady of Good Counsel Hall, 605 Maple Street, for the Fifth Annual BEER, BISON & BLUEGRASS Fundraiser benefitting Fort Bragg’s Parents & Friends, Inc. Come sample local and regional microbrews, enjoy Mendocino County fresh ground Bison burgers, with all the fixins, grilled on site, the way you like it. Of course, there will be a vegetarian option available, as well as soft drinks, Cowlick’s Ice Cream, Thanksgiving Coffee, plus wine for sale by the glass. There will be raffle prizes, silent auction items, games and…LIVE bluegrass music by The Mendocino Quartet starring the legendary Gene Parsons, David Hayes, Steven Bates and Gwyneth Moreland. The Green Fields will get you moving on the dance floor – don’t forget your dancing shoes! Tickets will be available in Fort Bragg at The Paul Bunyan Thrift Shop and Harvest Market; in Mendocino at Out of This World; and online at brownpapertickets.com. That’s Beer, Bison, & Bluegrass on Saturday September 2nd from noon until 4pm in Fort Bragg, CA! The mission of Parents & Friends Inc. is to provide opportunities for persons with developmental challenges and similar needs to participate fully in our community. PFI is a 501c3 non-profit organization and have been serving the Mendocino coast since 1955.  |
