We are excited to look back at all of the accomplishments of the Friends, their families and the organization in 2025! We welcomed 24 new Friends and served a total of 119 Friends and their families.
The Performing Arts program gained significant visibility, serving as the keynote presentation at the Disability Mega Conference. Friends also showcased their talents through original songs and a fashion show at the annual BBQ, helping raise $380,000. Friends’ artwork was widely featured throughout the community, with exhibitions at Belmont University, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, 615 Chutney, UP Dentistry, a law firm , Geodis’ Soundwaves Gallery, and through the Nashville Predators Foundation. Artwork will also be displayed at AllianceBernstein in 2026, with Friends generating $10,000 in art sales in 2025.
Community engagement remained strong, with Friends volunteering more than 389 hours alongside 13 nonprofit partners. Employment outcomes also grew, with 25 Friends employed in the community, including four working through the Friends’ Treat Truck program. The Treat Truck completed 108 events and generated $102,478 in total income.
Significant capital improvements were completed, including the addition of one new bus, branding of three buses, renovation of four main-floor bathrooms, a fully renovated kitchen, and updates to the staff lounge and meeting room.
Community awareness and recognition increased substantially through the launch of a new website, 16 speaking engagements—including VP of Philanthropy, Lauren Zook, participating on two panels—and six features on local television news. FLC also participated in a media campaign with the Nashville Predators and the NHL. Leadership and organizational achievements were recognized through honors such as President/CEO, Waverly Ann Harris, 2025 Nonprofit Leader for Women of Influence, nominations for Waverly Ann Harris and Director of Advocacy Through the Arts, Sarah Edwards for the Athena Awards, and COO, Audria Frattini receiving the Auburn University College of Education Distinguished Alumni Award.
