Connections that Count Brought Our Community Together Through Inclusion and Friendship

The Connections that Count series, a collaborative initiative between the Monarch School of New England and Great Bay Services, brought individuals of all abilities together through shared experiences, meaningful friendships, and community connection.

Created to provide welcoming, inclusive social opportunities, the series invited Monarch students, alumni, Great Bay Services participants, families, staff, volunteers, and community members to gather in environments where everyone felt valued and included.

The series kicked off with Trucks & Tastes, where guests explored an exciting variety of specialty vehicles while enjoying delicious food, playing lawn games, and spending time with friends. The event encouraged curiosity, conversation, and connection in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

The Winter Dance brought everyone together for an evening of music, dancing, and celebration. Filled with energy and excitement, the event provided a welcoming space for participants to socialize, celebrate, and enjoy time with friends both old and new.

Participants also enjoyed a morning of bowling, where friendly competition, laughter, and teamwork took center stage. Whether celebrating strikes or simply cheering one another on, the event offered plenty of opportunities to build relationships and create lasting memories.

The series concluded with an Ice Cream Social, offering a relaxed opportunity for everyone to gather, enjoy a sweet treat, and continue the conversations and friendships that had grown throughout the series.

Together, these events created meaningful opportunities for connection while reinforcing the importance of inclusion and belonging within our community.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and supported Connections that Count. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and commitment to inclusion helped make each event a success and demonstrated the impact that welcoming spaces can have on individuals of all abilities.

Connections that Count showcased the power of community and the friendships that can grow when everyone is given the opportunity to come together. We look forward to continuing this tradition with future events that celebrate inclusion, connection, and the joy of bringing people together.