Finding Friendship on a Friday: How Community Makes a Difference
It’s a Friday morning and the energy inside Ken Anderson Alliance is unmistakable.
Groans and giggles ripple through the room after Christy delivers her latest riddle: Why was Cinderella so bad at soccer? She kept running away from the ball! Joan talks about her nephew’s birthday party complete with cake, balloons and dancing. As Mike walks in he’s greeted with “Hey, Mike, how’s it going?” and “Good to see you!”
There’s a lightness in the air—a sense that this isn’t just another day. It’s another chance to belong.
Small Steps, Big Difference
Eric started coming to Ken Anderson Alliance a year ago. In the beginning, everything was new: the space, the people, the rhythm of the day. But the atmosphere made it easy to settle in.
He began by participating in music activities, where he sang with others, played drums, and even strummed on guitars. The music room quickly became a space of joy and self-expression, where everyone’s voice had value and every contribution was celebrated.
Over time, Eric joined community outings: trips to Half Price Books, visits to local parks, and lunches at Skyline. He also became part of a volunteer group that regularly helps at Matthew 25 Ministries, learning new skills while giving back to the community.
What stood out to Eric—and to his family—was the way each experience helped build confidence. Whether through music, volunteering, or casual conversation over lunch, Eric found encouragement at every turn. KAA staff offered just the right balance of support and independence, creating a safe environment for growth. A high-five here, a warm word there—those moments added up.
Eric didn’t just gain new experiences. He gained a sense of identity and connection.
More Than a Program—A Place to Belong
What sets Ken Anderson Alliance apart isn’t just the wide variety of activities—it’s the approach. Every outing is intentional. Every interaction is an opportunity for growth. Every project has a purpose. Every person is welcomed with respect and genuine care.
The goal isn’t just to keep people busy. The goal is to help adults with disabilities live meaningful lives—to connect, to thrive, and to grow as individuals and as members of a supportive community.
A Ripple of Belonging
Eric’s story is just one of many. Across Greater Cincinnati, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are finding their place through Ken Anderson Alliance.
They’re performing in front of live audiences. They’re exploring career paths. They’re making art, singing songs, and telling jokes. Most importantly, they’re forming friendships that extend far beyond the walls of the program.
In a world that too often underestimates the capabilities of people with disabilities, Ken Anderson Alliance offers something different: inclusion, empowerment, and the kind of belonging that changes lives.
Because here, community isn’t just a concept—it’s a connection. And it’s what turns an ordinary Friday into something extraordinary.
Learn more about KAA’s Adult Day Programs here.
