As part of Parents and Friends’ safety plan, we have and maintain (3) Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at our facilities: our administrative offices, 306 E. Redwood Avenue; The Paul Bunyan Thrift Store and Furniture Annex, 350 S. Main Street; and The Community Connection, 521 E. Chestnut Street. All of PFI’s staff members are trained to use these life saving devices, in addition to being CPR and first aid certified. PFI currently employs over 160 community members; that’s a lot of safe people on our coast!

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.

It’s been awhile since folks on the coast have been able to enjoy the simple pleasure of an afternoon of bowling & burgers with friends. As you will recall, Fort Bragg’s beloved Noyo Bowl closed down several years ago, in 2010. Bowling is a sport that many people can participate in, and, have fun whether playing or cheering on others. Our closest bowling lanes are located over an hour away, and it can be a hardship for many to obtain transportation and support to head over the hill to Ukiah for a day.
Parents & Friends is pleased to be able to support individuals in their choice and budget for community activities through our Places To Go program.  To date we have supported two dates with friends to enjoy not only the bowling lanes at Yokayo Bowling Center, but also to check out the county’s newest popular eating establishment, In-N-Out Burger.
They say a picture says a thousand words, so, please let us know what you think! 

February 28th, known as the last day of the shortest month of the year, was a day of firsts for our friend Froim.
 
Froim has never had a paid job in the community. It was an exciting day for all.

In addition to touring his new workplace at The Paul Bunyan Thrift Shop and Furniture Annex, Froim was introduced to his coworkers, supervisors, and job coaches. He also learned how to punch his time card at the digital time clock. He learned what his work responsibilities are, and he showed everyone what good work is capable of doing. Froim will be working in the back of the shop, processing hangers and bags for the store.

If you see Froim, please say hello and congratulate him on his new job. It was a beautiful and successful first day! 
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When PFI's garden leader, Robert, recently laid eyes on a nifty compost sifter at a local community garden, he knew he wanted one.  After all, he and our group of trusty gardeners are already making their own compost on site with our own worm castings, hugelkulture, and trimmings from our on site organic learning garden.

What purpose does a compost sifter provide?  It is used to sift out unfinished compost and other chunky debris from what is ready to be used.

Crans, who is PFI's Craft & Science leader (as well as an Engineer, making him the ideal DIY aficionado) set out to create his own design. Once the design was complete, the participants employed the use of plywood, PVC piping, deck screws and a length of chain to get the job done.  The chain allows the height of the sifter to be easily raised or lowered, depending on where it is being used.  For instance, directly over a bin, a seed tray, or over the top of a wheelbarrow.

With help from Allen and Ryan, the job was completed in no time flat.  Robert is now a happy composter, and everyone who worked on the project was able to enjoy a sense of accomplishment through teamwork, planning, math...and the use of power tools!  Nice work, fellas!