As an organization that breaks down barriers and reduces stigmas for people with disabilities, one of the most powerful statistics we have to share is the sheer number of volunteer hours the Friends contribute each year at other organizations around Nashville. In 2022, the Friends logged 2,879 volunteer hours. This year, to date, they have already completed 1,350 hours.

One of the highlights of giving tours, engaging new supporters, or training volunteers, is when we get to share these numbers. In an instant, perceptions surrounding the Friends and what they are capable of changes. They go from receivers of services to givers of services; from passive people to active and empowered individuals; from a charity case to equals.

Group of people sorting items into bins
As we celebrate our 15th year in operation, one of our proudest accomplishments is the network of community partners the Friends have cultivated over the years. From our early days as a fledgling organization we partnered with other incredible entities like The Nashville Food Project and Fifty Forward Meals On Wheels to give the Friends opportunities to engage their city as active members of the community. And now having a robust Service Learning & Employment program, we are proud to partner with numerous other organizations (13 and counting!) that share the vision of breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive Nashville.

Friends gather around a raised bed to plant seeds and transplants<br />
See what some of our community partners have to say about their experiences working with the Friends:

Group of people with gloved hands placing cups in wooden communion trays
 “Friends Life Community serves weekly at Christ Presbyterian Church, filling dozens of communion trays with cups in order to help us prepare for our Sunday worship. It is absolutely one of our favorite hours of the week. The Friends fill the room with joy and smiles from the moment they arrive until the final wave as they leave. In addition to the huge amount of work they accomplish each week, the Friends allow us to be the recipients of kindness, community and friendship.  When others come into the work space either to stop by and say hi or for another reason, the Friends are polite, respectful, friendly and welcoming! We are incredibly blessed to have FLC regularly join us for such amazing service and help!”

-Gigi Sanders, Director of Special Needs, Christ Presbyterian Church

Two people stocking shelves at a grocery store
“Having the friends at The Store is like being with family. The joy and happiness that comes through our doors every Wednesday, reminds me of the good in the world. Seeing the relationships and bonds the friends make with staff and volunteers, really showcases our tagline, Love at the Core.”

-Sarah Goodrich, Operations Manager, The Store

“Working with the Friends has been such a great experience. It’s always nice to see their smiling faces coming through the front door of The Store, and it makes me really happy to know that they genuinely love volunteering with us. I love seeing the Friends interact with some of our other regular volunteers and build these relationships that might not happen outside of this volunteer experience. Tony is one of our regular Wednesday volunteers who is retired and spends his days volunteering, golfing or spending time with family. I know he often works closely with AC, and if Tony happens to not be there, AC is sure to ask about Tony and where he is. It’s really sweet to see all kinds of different people working together for a common goal, and we’re really grateful to have the Friends helping out at The Store and brightening our day each time they come.”

-Mari Clare Derrick, Volunteer Coordinator, The Store

A man sorts purple and pink paper at a table
“Our staff is so grateful that the Friends at Friends Life Community come to PENCIL to volunteer every week. They help us so much, making bulletin board materials, packaging items for the store, and restocking supplies. But, it’s not just their work that PENCIL loves about the Friends, they’re so positive all the time. Our staff definitely take extra trips to the kitchen on Monday mornings so they can say hi to all the Friends.”

-Robert Moxley, DG PENCIL Box Community Engagement Manager, PENCIL

A man stands over two bins of plants in a greenhouse
“I have had the absolute pleasure of working with the Friends at BELL Garden for almost a year. Their work is integral to BELL, as we are 100% volunteer run. The Friends start our plants for each season, plant and maintain our “ability gardens,” manage garden tasks, and help harvest. This work is meaningful as we grow and deliver fresh produce to other nonprofits helping folks in need. In addition to their hard work with BELL, the Friends now plant and manage the raised beds at the Bellevue Library! I am grateful for the work, inspiration, laughter and love the Friends bring to our wonderful garden!!!”

-Missy Hamilton, Director of Gardens and Programs, BELL Garden

If you or someone you know are part of an organization that could benefit from the involvement of the Friends in either a volunteer or employment capacity, please reach out to our Service Learning & Employment Manager, Patsy Webb at patsy@friendslife.org