Uniquely Different - UD

10/12/2026

One special guy (and his mom) changed the world on Sunday. Well, the tiny world of a small church having their annual pumpkin unload from a big rig for their pumpkin patch. Not providing a name. But because of one, folks saw not a disability but a shared ability to volunteer, to lend a hand, to spread love and positivity. St. Francis had over 75 pairs of hands help unload half of a big rig full of pumpkins. But one UD guy, his mom, and a purple wagon made a difference. (Plus he had come on 9/26 to share the St. Francis pumpkin bread baking tradition). Superhero? Nope. Equal. (And that’s a big word).

10/04/2026

If anyone is available to help--even to pull a wagon or hand out water--please consider coming. This church family has helped UD twice so far this year. Laura, one year, drove a mini John Deere tractor (not hers) hitched to a trailer that kept filling up with pumpkins. The more help they get, the faster the unloading goes and the sooner the patch can be open to the community.

Pumpkins are due next Sunday (10/11) at 12 noon. We are searching for multiple helping-handed humans to help us unload these pumpkins from the truck. Both service hours and lunch will be available to those who come and help! For anyone interested, please let the church office (Rev. Maggie) or Laura (see the email address) know.

10/04/2026

Sharing this because a friend shared it with me. This is a Joni & Friends event in Port Allen. Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 4:30-7:00 pm.

10/04/2026

Spent the late afternoon at Acrylics on the Rocks. Sketching out a future UD event designed for adults 18+. Sensory Hydration. … shh I can’t disclose much more.

09/29/2026

I discovered this story. By the end, tears are in my eyes. To my crew, I try to support as many of them in their endeavors. Late last year, a group kept mentioning about their local bowling league. I got the details and showed up one afternoon. I cheered along with every parent and supporter. I was immensely proud of each of them. To bowl and to have fun. To do something with your life and make friends. I’m not a regular bowler. I didn’t grow up playing sports—due to injury fear and risk. Whatever my crew does to defy the odds and to enrich their lives, I’ll be cheering somehow some way. … Anyhoo, I wanted to share this story. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19kyqap3sy/?mibextid=wwXIfr

09/28/2026

This isn’t concrete yet. Wanting some comments and feedback. None of UD’s dinner/lunch out outings would be ultimately too expensive (I also have a limited budget). I realize dinner is often more expensive than lunch at sit-down-waiter places.

Trying to arrange a fall activity for the group. I have some calls made and emails sent. Waiting to hear back etc. However, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, I thought about offering our first “different dinner” out. A close friend—Dorothy Leblanc—will be playing live guitar (and singing) music at La Divina Cafe (BR) from 6-8 pm. She has direct experience with kids/adults with disabilities. I thought if anyone was interested we could gather earlier and dine (there’s also homemade gelato). And whoever wants to stay awhile and listen to Dorothy’s music could. You don’t have to stay the whole time. It does fill up—she’s popular. But they have crayons and games and an area away from the music. I would have to let the venue know beforehand if a crowd is coming before Dorothy. So please comment below if you might be interested. Dorothy is free. La Divina’s menu will also be attached below. To pay, you would go Dutch—pay your own way. … This cafe is next door to Trader Joe’s. And shares a parking lot with all the shops around it.

This is just a short excerpt for the about page.

09/27/2026

Thank you to Drew Walker of Capital Area Autism Network (CAAN) for being the dry and clean photographer for yesterday’s pumpkin bread activity. Simply put, we had a blast!

09/27/2026

Tonight our hero is a wonderful gal by the name of Judy. She led the charge today for UD’s first cooking activity—sensory pumpkin bread making. She organized all of the ingredients and made them as accessible as possible for all. To everyone who came today, your seven mini loaves hopefully last beyond a few days of devouring. Our energy today was infectious because Mrs. Judy wants to return. Thank you to all who helped today! Also thanks to Temple & Vine Therapy Solutions: the teamwork, the tools, and the extra infectious energy was invaluable.

09/25/2026

Passing this along because after this Saturday, two of our 2026 events have been in collaboration with this church parish in Denham Springs. Our Saturday community event in a way kickoffs their annual pumpkin “season” before the actual pumpkins even get delivered.