The California team and clients have grown quite a bit in the last year! This year, we held our first annual Parents’ Day in order to help keep our families connected to our New Direction’s team, and to provide an opportunity for them to spend time together. As our company grows, we seek to keep the feel of a small, supportive community, and Parents’ Day helps serve that purpose

Families from near and far gathered at the Lafayette Reservoir on a beautiful California afternoon, to get to know one another and spend time together. Staff, clients, and families enjoyed a three-mile walk or jog around the reservoir, a few games of horseshoe, and an abundant BBQ lunch.

The BBQ was followed by an awards ceremony that celebrated each of our clients individually. Staff presented awards to clients for their notable achievements since starting the program, and their unique attributes that are appreciated by all of us in the office.

It was a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon for parents to more personally meet our team, and vice versa. Clients got to enjoy a fun Sunday outing, get a good workout in, and spend time as a larger group. New Directions is so thankful for the friends and family that were able to come together for such a successful first Parents’ Day. Getting the chance to gather with others connected to the ASD community is such a beneficial way to provide support, and gives people a chance to bond over shared experiences. We are all looking forward to next year! To learn more about what happening in the news with New Directions and related articles concerning the mental health read  New Direction’s “In the News” section.