Friendship Force members celebrate the second anniversary of their club which meets Tuesday
afternoons at the CMCC.
Friendship Force is a social club for individuals 18 and older on the Autism Spectrum.
This developmental disability resulting in a wide range of abilities caused by differences in the brain, and characterized by difficulties in communication, social interaction and other cognitive challenges.
Founded in 2023, Friendship Force meets once a week at the CMCC, where they hang out like typical teenagers, playing games, listening to music, enjoying snacks and getting some exercise. The group has grown from four to fifteen members. Organizers arrange field trips and invite guest speakers who share their skills and experiences with this appreciative group to expose them to new people and experiences. In January, some of the members participated in a church service at St. Thomas Anglican Church, where they took an active role, delivering scripture readings and to leading the congregation in song. One member remarked that it was the first time family members had come to see him perform.
In May, Tony Parks, a local resident who has published four historical novels, visited the group to talk to them about his writing experience. They were intrigued, and some of them were keen to write their own stories, looking for another way to be seen. Below are five stories written by Friendship Force members. After feeling seen in January, perhaps the publication of these stories will allow them to feel heard.
I like Cocomelon
By Cody
Cocomelon is a good show for me. I think it is the best show. It is a good show to watch on you-tube. It is my favourite show on You-Tube. I have been a big fan of Cocomelon since I was 13. I love Cocomelon. It is a good show. I am a big fan of Cocomelon. I like JJ from the show.
– Cody
Movies That I Like
By Brenda
I love watching “The Werewolf” and “Twister”. I love when they come on at night. It surprised me that they came out during the day. I was confused about that. I liked seeing the tornadoes. They are so powerful they destroy everything in their path. That is mind blowing. I can’t believe how strong tornadoes can be. I like how the characters are able to be one step ahead of the tornadoes. Another movie I liked was “Godzilla vs. King Kong”. I liked that Godzilla never dies and he has atomic breath! I would recommend anyone who has not seen this movie to watch it. It was great!
Moving Home
By Dean
It was the 12th of May 2017. We were packing everything up into container. On the way to Billund West Stop. At my old house in Odense Denmark.“ All packed and ready to go,” said my dad. I said “Yes” and we left for the airport. The flight was a little bit bumpy and I said to my dad, “I am not feeling good”. Suddenly my dad said “I am sick!” At that point I threw up! Not in the bag but on the seat and the passenger on the other side of the seat! After the flight to Iceland, we flew on the Canada. Approaching Toronto we were tired and hungry, so we went to Wendy’s for the first time. The food was awesome. From Wendy’s in Whitby we drove to 1703 Hooton Drive in Cavan. We had lived in a townhouse in Denmark but in Canada lived in a small country house. I liked the house and we moved in and fixed the house to sell. After we sold that house we moved to 1553 Syer Line. It was a sod farm. Until the house was delivered we lived in a trailer. We took the trailer back when we started living in the house.
The Barn Kitten
By Natalie
The barn kitty comes inside and turns around and goes right back outside. I (Natalie) don’t like the sharp nails this kitty has because she could scratch me. If I had to give a name to this Kitty, I would name her “Sophie” Sophie is a reddish colour kitten. She is a very thin kitty. If I had to guess her weight, I would approximate it at the weight of 5 robins or 3 blue jays. She is an early bird as she wakes up at 6bells in the morning and tries to figure out her daily outings. Sometimes I wonder what goes on in her mind. She doesn’t like the rain but she loves to sprawl out in the sun after a good meal.