2025 Investment Report
Everyone Deserves a Place to Belong
Providingopportunitiesforadultswithdevelopmental disabilitiestogrowpersonally,developsocially,and enjoycommunityastheyexperiencelifetogether.
BEHERE
Life is not fifty percent terrible— life is hard, but there are still birds
that sing in the trees and fourlegged friends running about the house.
There are still childhood swings that make me
feel like I have wings, flying above the city I call home.
Life is easier with people to share this world, a whole world that sees me for who I am,
shares a lunch with me with a sky of clouds blocking out the sun so I am not too hot.
A cool breeze all over like a blessing from the Lord.
I love life.
I love the stretch of yoga class, the scent of fresh cut grass in hay season.
The soft between the toes of my bare feet. I love the safe of my family. I love to be here,
to have community, to have friends that appreciate me.
This whole world is beautiful. We made this place beautiful.
WRITTENBY: MM,Amy,Emma,
Letter from the President/CEO
Itis2026andalmosttwentyyearssincethefoundingfamiliesmetarounda tabletoimaginewhattheyneededtocreatesothattheirlovedoneswereable togrowpersonally,developsocially,andenjoycommunityastheyexperience lifetogether –afterhighschool
Lookingbackon2025,wehavemanyquantifiablesuccessestocelebrate.The numberofFriendsthatwegettowelcomeintoourcommunitycontinuesto growandwesupportedatotalof119individualsandtheirfamilymembers lastyear GrannyWhitePikecontinuestobethehubofouractivityandwe werefortunatetoreceiveagrantfromtheFristFoundationtomakemuch neededcapitalimprovementsforcapacitybuilding
TheFLCteamcontinuestogrowinnumberandtalent,keepingtheFriendschallengedandprovidingthem withgreateropportunitiestothriveanddemonstratetheircapabilitiesthroughouttheNashvillecommunity.
WhenIreflectonthepreviousyear,thewordthatcontinuestocomeupis“maturity.”Ihavehadtheprivilege ofgrowingwiththeorganization.
Whatstartedasagrassrootsidealtoprovideadultswithdisabilitiestheopportunities theydeservehasbecomeasharedvisionthathasgrownbigger,deeper,stronger, andtruer.
Thismaturityisdemonstratedbythequalityofprogramming,thedepthofrelationshipswithfamiliesand Nashvillepartners,theskillofstaffmembers,andmostimportantly,thedignityinwhichtheFriendsareseen asthefaceoftheorganization.Thematurityinhowtheyshowupeachday,howtheyserveintheir community,andthelevelofprofessionalismtheydemonstratethroughtheircreativeproductselevatesthe visiontoareality
Thisrealitywouldnotbepossiblewithoutyou Yourgenerosity,yourbeliefintheFriends,andyourhopefor whatispossibleforadultswithdisabilitiessustainsusyearafteryear ThewayyoushowupfortheFriends anddemonstratetothemandtheirfamiliesthattheyarenotaloneishowwegrowthiscommunitythatweall love
Behindthescenes,wecontinuetomakeoperationaladvancestosupportthegrowthandmaturityofthe mission.ItisourdutytoensureFLCisfinanciallysustainablefordecadesaheadandwehaveastrongboard ofdirectorsandexecutiveleadershipteamthattakesthisfiduciarydirectiveseriously
Howdoweknowwearesuccessful?
TheFriendswroteapoemtitled,“BeHere”Theskillstheyhaveacquiredandthesecuritytheyfeelhas allowedthemtoexpressthemselvesauthentically Theirwordsdescribetheirlivesandinspireothersonhow tolive
Waverly Ann Harris President/CEO
2025 Board of Trustees
Immersive Day Program
Not Your Average Day Program
Groundedinaperson-drivenphilosophy,the programempowersindividualstosetmeaningful goalsandpursuethemthroughacomprehensive curriculumspanninglifeskills,pre-employmentand servicelearning,andvisualandperformingarts Participantsexercisegenuinechoiceinhowthey engage—buildingconfidence,self-advocacy,and thepracticalskillsneededtoachievepersonal fulfillment.
AnchoredatourcampusonGrannyWhitePike,the programextendsthroughoutNashville,connecting participantstothebroadercommunitythrough hands-onexperiences,meaningfulrelationships, andactivecivicengagement.FriendsLife Communityisnotsimplyaprogram itisa platformforindividualstogrow,contribute,and thriveontheirownterms.
Galo,Stella&Bradley Galo, Stella & Bradley
2025 Highlights
FLCwelcomed24newFriends andserved119totalFriendsand theirfamilies
PerformingartswastheKeynote SpeakerattheDisabilityMega Conference,Friendsperformed theiroriginalsongsandfashion showattheannualBBQ, participatedintheKindlingArts Festival,and startedaPoetry program
Friends’artworkwasfeatured atsevenlocalgalleriesand theysoldmorethan$17,000in originalpieces!
Katie, Liz,
(volunteer), KJ,
Katie,Liz,Karen(volunteer),KJ,Ella&EmmaattheFristArtMuseum
Jim(Volunteer),Alex,Daniel, Jim (Volunteer), Alex, Daniel, Bradley&AnnaClaire Bradley & Anna Claire
Friendsvolunteeredover389 hoursacross13nonprofit partners,and25Friendsare employedinthecommunity
Fromthefirstscooptothelast stop,theFriends'TreatTruck servedup108events.
Bigcapitalimprovements evenbiggerimpact 1new bus,3branded,4renovated bathrooms,updatedkitchen, stafflounge,andmeeting room
Hostedfourovernightweekend trips,delivering192hoursof respiteforcaregiversand192 hoursofindependence, confidencebuilding,and memoriesforFriends
Karen
Ella & Emma at the Frist Art Museum
Andrew Andrew
Bradley,Hal,Grant,AnnaClaire,BrianandClay Bradley, Hal, Grant, Anna Claire, Brian and Clay
RichardattheBBQ Richard at the BBQ
Pathways to Independence
Life Skills
Independenceisnotgiven itisdeveloped. FriendsLifeCommunity'sLifeSkillscurriculum equipsparticipantswiththefoundational knowledgeandpracticalabilitiesthatenable greaterautonomy,reducedrelianceoncaregivers, andadeepersenseofpersonalresponsibility
ThroughstructuredcourseworkspanningRights andResponsibilities,FunctionalLiteracy,Cooking, ConversationsandCommunication,SafetySkills, HealthandWellness,andHygiene,participants growinself-advocacy,socialawareness,anddaily livingcompetencies groundedinthebeliefthat everyindividual,giventherightsupportand opportunity,iscapableofleadingamoreselfdirectedandfulfillinglife.
Emma,Grant,Katie(volunteer),David,Alex&Liz Emma, Grant, Katie (volunteer), David, Alex & Liz
ClayduringPedalPals Clay during Pedal Pals
Pathways to Independence
Service Learning and Employment
FriendsLifeCommunity'sServiceLearningandEmploymentprogrambridgesthegap betweenskilldevelopmentandreal-worldcontribution.Beginningoncampusand extendingtocommunitypartnerlocationsthroughoutNashville,participantsengagein meaningfulvolunteerworkthatbuildspracticalcompetencies,deepenscharacter,and sparksnewinterests.Theseexperiencescultivategenuineconnectionsandopendoorsto community-basedemployment withanumberofparticipantsgoingontosecureregular, ongoingemploymentasadirectresult.Itisvolunteeringandgivingbackrootedinpurpose, relationship,andbelonging.
Alex&Lizvolunteering Alex & Liz volunteering atTheStore at The Store
Lauren deliveringmealsfor delivering meals for FiftyForward Fifty Forward MealsonWheels Meals on Wheels
Advocacy Through the Arts
Performing
AtFriendsLifeCommunity,thestageisapowerfulvehiclefor growth.ThePerformingArtsprogram,ledbySarahEdwards oneofonlythreeRegisteredDramaTherapistsinthestateof Tennessee invitesparticipantstoexplorerole-playingand actingasameansofdevelopingself-advocacy,selfexpression,andconfidence.Friendslearntowrite,direct,film, andstarinliveproductionsperformedatlocaltheaters, schools,businesses,andsurprisepop-upeventsthroughout Nashville.Throughtheartofperformance,participants discovertheirvoice,telltheirstory,andconnectmeaningfully withothers steppingintothespotlightontheirownterms.
Keonaperforming Keona performing “ILoveYou.”
I Love You.
Advocacy Through the Arts
Visual
ArtistsatFriendsLifeCommunitycreateoriginal artworkthattellstheirownstoryintheFLCartstudio. Theprocessofself-expressionanddiscoveryisaway fortheseartiststocommunicatewhotheyareand whatisimportanttothem.Theyconnectwithothers throughsharingtheirartworkinexhibitionsand workingcollaboratively.FriendsLifeartistsare professionalartistsandinspireotherswhowork alongsidethem.
Rebekah Rebekah
Phil(volunteer)&Jon Phil (volunteer) & Jon
EmmaZ. Emma Z. Mark,Zach,Galo,Liz,Katie,AnnaClaire,Hal,Jim(volunteer)&Grant Mark, Zach, Galo, Liz, Katie, Anna Claire, Hal, Jim (volunteer) & Grant
Community Partners
AtFLC,communitypartnershipsarebuiltontrust,sharedvalue,andmutualexpectation,not charity.OurFriendsvolunteer,collaborate,andcontributeinmeaningfulways,andtogether withourpartners,webecomeagreaterforceforchangeandacceptance.Whenbusinesses andcommunitycomealongsidetheFriends,wedon'tjustchangeworkplaces,wechange culture,shiftperceptions,andbuildaNashvillewhereeveryonebelongs
2025 Donor Listing
Thisreportexistsbecausetheindividuals,families,foundations,andbusinesseslisted herechosetobelieveintheFriends—andthatbeliefchangeseverything.Weare honoredtocelebrateeachofyou.
A-Stock Auctions
Sam Abell
Anthony R Abraham Foundation
Rachel Abramowitz
Lealani Acosta
Jennifer & Jesse Acton
Adams Keegan
Megan Adams
Trevor Adams
Pranay Advani
Advocacy Trust
Marlene & Spencer Hays Foundation
Scott Alberd
Jen Alderfer
Brent Alexander
Laura Alexander
AllianceBernstein
Anonymous
Dan Antonellis
Reginald Archer
Lori & Doug Armstrong
Bill and Mimi Arthur
Mimi Arthur
Matthew Augsburger
Albert Baer
Melissa & Jeff Baer
Delaney & Trey Baker
Janice Baker
Matthew Baker
Keith Baldridge
Annalisa & Josh Baltz
Camille & Daniel Barberic
Laurie Barringer
Judy and Rick Barry
Pamela Bauer
Beasley Family Foundation
Lillian Becker
Kellee & Chris Beckler
Jeffrey Beemer
Beth & Scott Bell
Berkshire HathawayWoodmont Realty
Lynette & Leo Bermudez
Carolyn & Todd Berry
Matthew Berry
Jill & Tony Best
Ann Webb Betty
Wendy Beuter
David Billings & Susan Whitaker
Bunny & Michael Blackburn
Virginia & David Bloodworth
Alissa Bodart
Pamela Bollinger
Carolyn & Brad Bonde
Lauren & Steve Boothe
Diane Borgesen
Enid Borgesen
Maegan Bowers Petway
Heather & Andrew Bowlin
Johnathan Brandon
Melanie & Steve Braden
Pat & Steve Bradshaw
Andrew Braga
Brasfield & Gorrie
Andy Brashier
Richard Broadstone
Dave Brockman
Blythe & Timothy Browne
Suzanne Buchanan
Traci Buck
Vicki & Craig Bumby
Carole & Charles Burgess
Patricia Burnette
Daniela & Terrance Burns
Maria & Kyle Bush
Lauri & Stuart Byrd
Cadence Bank
Logan Cain
Samuel Cain
Maria Caldwell
Kim & John Callaghan
Calvary United Methodist Church
Susan Campion
Gordon Carlisle
Lauren & Dave Carlson
Tracie Carter
Raline & Larry Center
Debbie Charleton
Sharon & Will Cheek
Willliam Cheek II
Sue & Gil Chilton
Connie & James Chitwood
Margaret Chitwood
Christ Presbyterian Church
Christian Legacy Foundation
Alice Christian & Mitch Isreal
Lucien Claiborne
Philip Clark
Susan Ann & William Clark
Tanner Clark
Gail Clemons
Kelly & Kevin Clippinger
Randy Clough
Clow Canada
Kim Coakley
Elizabeth & Zach Colby
Airey Cole
Lori Coleman
Susie Coles
Heather Collinge
Megan & Reid Colson
The Compost Company
Kerry & Joe Connor
The Construction Partnership LLC
Ashley & Joe Cook
Anne Cooper
David Copeland
Kate Copeland
Leighann & Daniel Copeland
Mary Ann Copeland
Pam & Mark Copeland
Kenny Corbett
Maria Cornacchia
Sharon Cottingham
Jeanette Coursen
Kristen Cover
Leland Cowan
Cile & Matt Cowan
Elaine Cox
Todd Crawford
Ken Crisp
Trish Crist
Kelly P Crockett Fund
Romney & Scott Croft
Cumberland Trust & Investment
Richard & Patricia Cummings
Hannah Curtis
Mark D'Angelo
Allison Daley
James Danella
Shontay Daniel
John Dansby
Darren Cervantes Memorial Fund
Maddie Darst
Brittany Davidson
Heather Davidson & Sam Davidson
Ann & Kirby Davis
Rebecca Davis
Sam & Sharlo Davis
Keith and Pam Day
The Dayton Foundation, Lauren Pontis Wilson
Joseph Degati
Vickie & Sam DeShazer
Dettwiller Foundation
Teddi Dial
Michelle Diamond
Cheryl & Danny Dingeldein
Jacqueline Dixon
John & Kay Dodd
Tracy Dougherty
Leesa & Gary Douglas
Beth & Tommy Ducklo
Michael Duggan
Beth Duning
Lorraine & Tim Duning
Natilee Duning & Frank Sutherland
Justin Erwin
Frank Evans
Kathe Evans
Elsie Faciane
Claudia Favia
Rafael Fernandez
William Fiala
Meredith & Lee Ficken
Kaci & Matt Fisher
Holly Flatt
Jennifer & Michael Flatt
Erica Flowers
Kaitlin & William Flynn
Jade Forlidas
Tamara Fox
Virginia Francis
Audria Frattini
Friends' Treat Truck Donations
The Frist Foundation
Tiffany & Brian Fryman
Gail Gaddie
Vanessa Garner
Nancy Garrett
Luke Gatta
Wendy & Vic Gatto
Kenan Gebizlioglu
Tina Gelman
Linda & Milton Gelman
Nan George
St. George's Episcopal Church
Jess Giles
Hannah Glover & Johnny Sanders
Margaret Hamlett
Mary Margaret Hamlett
Robbie Hampton
Julia Hanks & John Shoa
Jenny Hannon
Hunter Hanstein
Beth & James Harbison
Amanda Hardin
Kim & Burke Hardin
Wesley Harrell
Waverly Ann Harrris & William DeShazer
Win Harris
Karly Hart
Randy and Darla Hartley
Amy & Raleigh Harwell
Robert Hassett
Hastings Architecture, LLC
Jennifer & Brady Haston
The Herbert & Melissa Haupt
Charitable Fund
John Haviland
Karen Hayes
HCA Caring for the Community
Judd Heideman
Patricia & Donald Heim
Amy Helberg
Robert Hennigan
Tracey & Sean Henry
Lauren Henschen
Marcus Henschen
Rudy Hernandez
Thomas & Mamie Houser
Charitable Foundation
Mary Catherine Hughes
Brenda Hughey
Virginia Hunter
Jemma Hurst
Rick Husong
Neely Hutchens
Sara Hutchison
Aubrie & Jeremy Hutzel
Marko Ibrahim
imogene + willie
Ingram Industries
Anissa Ingram
Insight Risk Managment
Kelly & Jim Inzeo
Rachel & Robert Irby
Flex Valerie Isley
Laura and Jeff Goff
Karen Jeffiers
Ryan Jeffs
Courtney Jenrath
Nathaniel Johnson
Peggy & Alan Johnson
Maria Jones
Mark Jones
Wendy & Michael Jones
William Jones
Roman & Ellie Josi Family Fund
Angela Jowers
Just Love Franchise Group LLC
Simone Keel
Keene Family Foundation
Gretchen Kelley
Steven Kemmerling
Karen & Philip Kendrick
Paul Kennerley
Corinne & H D Brockwell Kidd
Kacie Kleja
Adrienne & Bob Knestrick
Sybil Kolbert
Jennifer Krahenbill
Aaron Kramer
Leanne Kreps
Kroger
Cathy Krumm
Esther Kwon
Jennifer & Matt Lackey
Tim Lackey
Linda Lamb
Jenna Landsittel
Ashley Larcinese
Sharalea Larue
Carolyn Laser
Debbie Lassiter Byrne
David Lattner
Barbara Layden
Morgan Leal
Tom LeFevre
Meredith Libbey & Phil Ryan
Sara Light
Lightning Rod Records
Donna Lile
Linda B Noesner
Leigh Lindsey
Kelly & MacRae Linton
Trey Lipman
Jesse Lipson
Janet Littlefield
Debra & Keltner Locke
Heather Loden
Wendy Longmire
Paula & Thomas Longshore
Kelly Lorio
Lesli Love & Logan Rogers
Warren Lowe
Jan Marks
Amy Marsalis
Michelle Marshall
Martin & Zerfoss Insurance
Anne Martin
Marsha Martin
William Martin
Ilene Maslan
Jean & Don Mason
Tena & Albert Mayberry
Camille & Eric Mayle
Ann & Michael McAlister
Kerry & Lynne McCalla
Katie McClanahan
Amanda McCollum
David McCulloch
Julie McDonald
Robert McGrath
Elizabeth & Brad McKinney
Morgan McKinney
Abby McLean
Michael L. McNally Jr. Donor Advised Fund
Emma McNeil
Tess McRedmond
Leah Melber
Lori Menendez
Metro Arts Thrive Project Grant
Richard Michau
Donna Michie
Bill Miller
Crystal Miller
Sherry Miller
Maryann & Dennis Mize
Kevin Monroe
Amy Moore
Jackson Watts Moore, Jr. Family Foundation
Allison Myers
Lesley Nabors
Debbie & Jeff Nafzger
Annie & Marilyn Nagy
Nashville Wire
Nashville Predators Foundation
Nashville Soccer Club
Stan Nations
Joe Neill
Beth Nelson
Gayle Nelson
Arie Nettles
Sundae Newton
Patricia & David Nichols
Josie & Andrew Nielson
Peggy Nielson
Eduardo Nunes
O'Reilly's Amish Furniture
Melanie Ober
Anonymous
Patrick Olson
Bond & Dana Oman
John Organ
Arnita Ozinger
Morgan & Nathan Parker
Dana and Hitesh Patel
Tommy Patey
Mary Pawlikowski
Abigail and Charles Payne
Shawn Pelletier
Laura & Matt Perkins
Sarah & Matt Perkins
James Pernas
Charles Perry
April Posey
Susan Prather
Precision Group
Edna & Joseph Presley
Patty Bea & Kempton Presley
Des and Taylor Preston
Debora & Mike Pride
Kaki Pulliam
Quigley-Simpson
Robert Quinn
Gregory Raab
Regan Rayhab
Jan Read
Katie & Charlie Reasor
Red Spirits & Wine
Judy Redden
Spencer Reed
Ronnie Reeves
Dee Reidel
David Reynolds
Juli Reynolds
Teresa Reynolds
Andrew Rhodes
Michael Ribas
The Clay & Amy Richards Family Fund
Emmie & Stephen Rick
Neil Rick
Erin & Cory Riggs
Emily & Trevor Rigsby
Angela Rinehart
Todd Rix
Floy Roark
Cullen and Kerry Roberts
Ashby Rushing
Johanna Russ
TX Russells
Melinda Sanders
Jennifer & Jordan Samter
Lyn & Ron Samuels
Gayle Sanders
Kelly & Scott Satterfield
Kathleen Saylor
Kate Scanlan
Anna & David Schadel
Lynne Scheurer-Foster
Margie Schmelzer
Berkley Schwarz
Laura Schweizer
Jennie Scott
Kim & Paul Scott
Mark Scrivner
C J Sentell
Seven Springs Wealth Group
Robert & Harriet Sewell
Cindy Shafer
Shelby Shafer Family Foundation
Janet Shands
Carolyn Shannon
Cory Shannon
Katherine Sheesley
Angela & Mark Shelton
Gloria Shiavi
Lana Siekkinen
Karen & Bob Sircy
The Carolyn Smith Foundation
Ellen Smith
Joshua Smith
Melinda Snow
Sharon Snow
Scott Snowden
Dotty Sonnemaker
Speer Foundation
Lisa Spellman
Danielle Spence
Helen Spencer
Lisa Springman
Jennifer Stark
Samantha Steele
Randee Steffen
Lisa & Robert Stephens
Emily Stewart
Fran Stewart
Kayla Stinson
Jeffrey Stockard
Remi Storch
Ann & Roddy Story
Stefanie Stricker
Ann Marie & Kurt Strickmaker
Strong Water Proofing
Structural Design Group, Inc.
Sarah & Tommy Summers
William Summers
Shawn-Michelle Surber
Gretchen Swenson
Mary Anne & Tad Swenson
Gennie & Mike Swenson
Darren Szwartz
T & T Family Foundation
Jill & Daniel Talbert
Craig Tappel
Patricia & Brad Thacker
Brad Thomason
Th C t t
Gina & Robert Trent
Lauren & Alex Trent
Emily Trujillo
Jennifer Turner
Leane Turner
Margaret Turner
Martie Turner
Meg Turner
Vadis Turner & Clay Ezell
Dayna Turney
Cory Tymensky
Megan Ulbricht
Andrew Urbain
Van Cleave
Philanthropy Lab Vanderbilt
University
Elliott Vanskike
Marina Vega
Vine Street Christian Church
Sissy & Frank Wade
The Waggener Family
Charitable Fund
Caroline Walker
Haydee Walker
Anonymous
Ted Walker
Amy Waller
Reba & Donald Waller
Melanie Waller
Nathan Walls
Bill Warnke
Stephen Walsh
Natalie Webb
Patsy & Royce Webb
Thomas Webb
T & G ld W bb
Julia & Matt Wicoff
Kristen & Bruce Wieseltier
Brent Wiles
Marlon Wilkins
Marcee Williams
Williams Family Giving Fund
Tracie Williams
William Williams
Wanda Willis
Mary & Paul Wilson
Michelle Wilson
Stephanie Wise
Sallie Woodard
Paul Wooden
Woodmont Christian Church
Erin Worman
Jennifer Wrona
Hunter Wyatt
Jessie and Steele Yancey
Renee & Ron Young
Allyson & Derek Young
Ken Youngstead
Beth Younker & David Dunkin
Chrystal Yount
Kittler Zibart
Pam Zimmerman
Zochem
Lauren & Mark Zook
Leigh Zucker
Wearesogratefulforeveryone’s support.Ifyournamewasleftoutin error,wedoappologize,itwasnotour intent Pleaseemail Lauren@friendslifeorgsowecan correctthis.Thankyou.
At the of the Friends and Friends Life Community is a simple, profound truth: every person deserves the opportunity to grow, to belong, and to be an active part of the community around them. For adults with developmental disabilities, that opportunity can change everything It means discovering new strengths, building friendships that last, and stepping fully into community life not on the sidelines, but right in the middle of it. Every person who gives makes that possible. Your support is what opens doors, builds confidence, and sends a message that could not be more clear: you are valued, you are seen, and you belong here. When we invest in the growth and inclusion of every individual, we create a community that is richer, more compassionate, and more complete for all of us. Because Everyone Deserves a Place to Belong!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
