Andre & Friends MN

10/06/2025

Whether they are 3, 13, or 33…our special little pumpkins are always at the forefront of our thoughts in every decision we make.

Most parents plan to take care of their kids for 18 years and change. Our families have to plan for the first 18 years, then the next 50. And then, we generally plan ahead for 30 years after we pass away.

And through it all, we always only see “just a kid”

It’s a special world. With extra special humans. And the most beautiful journey ever.

10/06/2025

It definitely didn't feel like it this weekend, but winter is right around the corner and that means our Annual Christmas with Friends is also "right around the corner"

SAVE THE DATE! - registration will be open in early November.

To be one of the first to know when the registration link opens, and for more friendly surprises from Andre & Friends, fill out this form now and we'll keep you in the loop:

https://forms.gle/PEKhvqtEGHPrYMNr8

10/02/2025

“When we work together to foster acceptance, we create a future where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.“ - Dr. Kerry Magro

09/30/2025

Nice work, Target 👏



“The accessible self-checkout is designed for guests with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision, and those with motor disabilities. The system will work seamlessly with Target's existing self-checkouts and includes Braille and high contrast button icons, a headphone jack with adjustable volume controls, a custom tactile controller, physical navigation buttons, and a dedicated info key.”

Target is rolling out a first-of-its-kind self-checkout system designed for customers with disabilities, featuring Braille, high-contrast buttons, and tactile controls, starting this holiday season.

09/25/2025

💛 Thankful Thursday 💛

Today we’re grateful for YOU - our volunteers, families, and friends who make Andre & Friends a place where everyone belongs.

Drop a 💛 in the comments if you’ve been touched by an act of kindness this week or share a story of someone who made you feel welcome.

Your small moments of inclusion create big waves of change. 🌊

09/17/2025

💛 We’re Andre & Friends! 💛

If you’re new here, welcome!
We’re a Central Minnesota nonprofit creating inclusive events and community connections for children and adults of all abilities.

What we do:
✨ Sensory-friendly parties and game nights
✨ Seasonal celebrations (like our upcoming Christmas with Friends!)
✨ Resources and support for families

Our heart? 💛 Friendship without barriers.

📩 Want to get involved as a volunteer, donor, or participant?

Message us or email Hello@AndreFriends.org

we’d love to meet you.

08/22/2025

🫶

08/05/2025

Collecting tabs and creating critters at National Night Out!

Stop by and say hi!

08/04/2025

07/22/2025

🙌 give us all the cool school supplies! 🙌

It’s so great to see these supplies becoming easier and less expensive for families to get for home!

07/11/2025

We’re back. We took some time off to get our namesake all graduated from high school! But now we’re back - and we’re ready for some fun!

Andre & Friends began with one little boy, one big dream, and a heart full of hope.

We’ve grown—but our mission hasn’t changed: creating joy, inclusion, and unforgettable memories for individuals with special needs and their families.

Stick around—we’re just getting started again. 💙

05/08/2025

Not too late to register for this new Adults with Disabilities class Fitness Food and Fun! You can register with Paynesville CE with the barcode on this graphic or with Albany Comm Ed as well at: https://district745.ce.eleyo.com/course/1293/2025-summer/iii-fitness-food-and-fun -fff