Sometimes all it takes is one interaction to open up a whole new world of belonging. That’s what happened to Andre a few weeks ago.
The night started as any other night at the Norman Mix & Mingle, where adults on the spectrum gather monthly for a night of low-stress and high-support socialization, as well as good food. Our Programs Director, Maggie Inzinga-Johnson, was talking with participants when Lucas, a long-time participant of Mix & Mingle, grabbed the hand of someone Maggie had never seen before. Lucas pulled this stranger and his family to meet Maggie and introduced him as his friend Andre. He explained that they’re in a bowling league together and that he had invited Andre and his family to Mix & Mingle to share the fun atmosphere with his friend.
For the next 25 minutes, Lucas took Andre on the eye-opening adventure that is Mix & Mingle. He showed him the venue, the food, the activities, and he introduced Andre to the people he’d met there. For Andre’s family, it was an incredible experience to see their son find another place in his community. They asked Maggie if they could come back as regulars, and she happily let them know that Mix & Mingle is a free event for adults on the spectrum and everyone is welcome!
It only takes one invitation to spark a new connection, and we look forward to seeing Andre become a familiar face in a community where he truly belongs.
