Uniquely Different - UD

03/01/2026

This is a local daytime retreat for families of special needs individuals. Registration deadline is March 20. Event: April 11 from 9-1 at St. John Catholic Church in Prairieville.

Good morning yall!!!
While we are still confirming details on our February sensory friendly mass…

Don’t forget to register your family for the retreat! 📢

Are you worried how the day will go?
Register! We’ll pray about it!

Is your husband being stubborn and you don’t know if he’ll come?
Register! We’ll pray about it!

Are the siblings rolling their eyes, like “another church thing they’re making us go to”
Register! We’ll pray about it!

Do you need help covering the $25 fee?
Email us! Let us help you Register!

Deadline to register is March 20!!
https://diobr.org/allarewelcomeretreat

02/28/2026

Last night was a blast! I managed to call a few bingo rounds. Admittedly, at first, I felt out of place as a participant—life is easier solo and at home. But I thought back to why UD was formed—to combat loneliness and depression in isolated adults—and here was an opportunity to enjoy life for a few hours with peers. … I haven’t called bingo since before the COVID pandemic probably. In college and after, I was known as the “Bingo Queen”. Thank you to Friendship House for hosting an opportunity to combat isolation in the community!

(And Mrs. Lisa’s bingo ball basket idea is the best. Colored ping pong balls and two dollar tree baskets with a lot of DIY!)

02/26/2026

In St. Gabriel, tomorrow (Friday) from 4-7 pm is bingo with Friendship House. I hope to see some faces there. In fact, I (Laura) whipped up some handmade/knitted items to donate for the prize bin of bingo.

🔴🟠🟡Friendship House Bingo Blitz!! 🟣🔵🟢
This week! Come out and play!
Friday, Feb 27th, 4-7pm
St. Gabriel Community Center
Fun prizes, lite snacks and drinks.
All are welcome/free admission.

02/20/2026

On the homestretch. I have to be done by tomorrow night. For a Saturday afternoon baby shower out of town. … The first time I knitted washcloths and decided to make a blanket from the “stack”—it was 64 washcloths. Then a baby blanket followed with 16 more. My leftover washcloths went to TLC Blessing Baggies with toiletries to a homeless shelter. Then I thought it would be cool to do a cotton weighted shawl. Not smart. And I thought about more washcloths. … this baby blanket is the shawl. May it be strong and durable for the baby girl who get it.

02/17/2026

It’s Mardi Gras! Local banks and libraries are closed. My this-week to-do list is to finish seaming a baby blanket for a baby shower this Saturday. My last week’s to-do list involved a float. When in need of background noise and a flat surface, I headed to Stir Coffee House. And grabbed a latte. Btw, I’m very late to this latte game. I’m not much of a coffee fan but this Cinna Swirl Latte hits a spot. And hopefully the coffee in it keeps my adhd on task.

02/16/2026

Bingo is always fun! At the St. Gabriel Community Center on Friday, February 27th from 4-7 pm, Friendship House is hosting bingo!

Next up, Friendship House BINGO BLITZ!!
Friday, Feb 27th [[ 4-7pm ]]
St Gabriel Community Center
ALL are Welcome/FREE Admission
🔴🟠🟡🟢🔵🟣🔴🟠🟡🟢🔵🟣

02/15/2026

I can’t speak for my crew. Today was a blast! If anyone wants to share a so-far experience since we’ve been at OLOL, this is a great time to do it. I wish I could thank everyone. Today, I did something I never would’ve done on my own. Stepped onto a float and threw stuff at a crowd. Sounds easy? I try to cheer on each of my crew. Many are actually older than myself. So thank you to the crew, families, and volunteers today! Post your stories and photos here.

02/14/2026

Today’s the day. February UD meetup. Last night I hit the pillow before 1 am. I drink too much tea when busy or nervous. 6 wakeups for a full bladder…don’t ask. Today, my “stupid” idea to find a float to touch hopefully brings joy. The stencils I made without a Cricut… hopefully brings sunshine. The two garbage bags of yarn shared for flowers… hopefully I return home with less. Today, I need prayers.

02/09/2026

Our first solid volunteer opportunity is available for neurodivergent adults!!! This is ideal for someone who lives in Livinston Parish or close to Denham Springs. St. Francis Episcopal Church starts their Lenten Friday Lunch special on February 27 and it lasts for 5 total Friday’s. They need some help. Attached is the flyer. It’s a low-key opportunity. The contact and head person in charge used to be a teacher and coach for Denham Springs Junior High School—Mr. Mike Picou.

02/07/2026

Updated flyer and sign up for our February 14th event. There will be an assortment of board/card games, stenciled canvas painting, fiber flower design using yarn, AND a stationary outdoor float. We’re combining Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day with some twists. Thank you to both Friendship House and Acrylics on the Rocks (both of Ascension Parish) for being collaborators. We love our bonders!

Please use the link to register. https://w3beelong.betterworld.org/events/canvas-painting-game-day

02/05/2026

Members of UD broke bread with folks from the Baton Rouge Asperger’s Support Group tonight at Longhorn Steakhouse in Denham Springs. Shoutout to waitress Alison, your familiarity with the autism spectrum and a background in speech pathology made tonight’s experience even better.