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Happy New Year!
December was truly magical as we wrapped up the year surrounded by joy, connection, and plenty of holiday cheer!
One of the highlights of the month was our Winter Wonderland–themed Snowball Dance, which welcomed 140 attendees for an unforgettable evening. From festive décor to joyful dancing, the night was filled with smiles, laughter, and sparkling holiday spirit.
Creativity was in full swing at our Holiday Gift and Craft Workshop, where participants had fun making thoughtful, seasonal creations. It was a wonderful opportunity to relax, get creative, and celebrate the giving season together.
During December's Caregiver Kindred, parents had the chance to learn more about guardianship, gaining valuable information and support in a welcoming, informative setting. Meanwhile, Club Connect brought sweet fun as participants rolled up their sleeves to build gingerbread houses. The activity was a hit and added an extra dash of holiday magic to the month.
Overall, December was packed with meaningful moments, festive fun, and a strong sense of community. And the excitement doesn’t stop there! January has so much to look forward to, with Journey League starting back up, Karaoke Night, and many more engaging activities on the horizon.
We can’t wait to kick off the New Year together!
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Spirit of Connection - Speed Dating
Friday, Feb. 6 | 6-7 p.m.
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road
Spirit of Connection is a welcoming and joyful dating event created specifically for individuals with special needs who are looking to explore friendship, companionship, and love in a safe, supportive, and understanding environment.
This event is all about celebrating unique personalities, encouraging genuine connection, and fostering a sense of belonging through meaningful interactions.
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You're invited to to join our SPIRIT Wake Forest Facebook group!
Current and future SPIRIT program participants and their family members are invited to join our “SPIRIT Wake Forest” group on Facebook!
Within this group, we share useful information on upcoming SPIRIT Wake Forest programs, services, and special events.
Our group also serves as a forum for members to support one another, ask questions, and share insights on how we can best serve you as a member of the SPIRIT Wake Forest community.
To join, simply click on the button below!
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Boccia Bash: Aim, Play, Score!
Friday, Jan. 23 | 10-11 a.m.
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road
Boccia (pronounced bot-cha) is a precision ball sport, similar to bocce. Designed to be inclusive and accessible for individuals with all abilities, including those with physical disabilities.
This workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of the game, focusing on coordination, teamwork, and friendly competition.
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Pen & Possibility: Creative Writing Journey
Tuesdays | Jan. 6-27 | 1-2:30 p.m.
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road
Let your imagination take the lead in Pen & Possibility, a four-week creative writing group for teens and adults of all writing levels.
Whether you're a first-time writer or have a journal full of stories, this welcoming group offers a supportive space to explore storytelling, poetry, journaling, and more.
Each session includes guided prompts, optional sharing, and fun activities that spark creativity and connection. Writers will gain confidence, develop their voice, and leave with pieces they can be proud of.
No grades. No pressure. Just the joy of words and the stories they can tell.
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Rooted & Recreated: Therapeutic Gardening
Tuesdays| Jan. 6-27 | 1-2:30 p.m.
Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road
A transformative four-week therapeutic workshop that explores the calming, restorative power of gardening.
This hands-on experience invites participants to reconnect with nature, themselves, and others through meaningful horticulture-based activities.
Each session is crafted to support emotional wellbeing and foster social connection of people of all abilities. Participants will get their hands in the soil, design and care for their own therapeutic planter, and explore mindfulness through the rich sensory experience of gardening—touch, scent, sound, and creativity all play a role.
No green thumb required—just a willingness to grow.
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ASPIRE Respite Day Program
Wednesdays & Thursdays | 9 a.m.-noon
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Designed for people ages 18 and older, Aspire is our adult day program for individuals with disabilities in the Wake Forest community.
At Aspire, we come together as a supportive and inclusive community to help each individual achieve their personal goals in life. Our program embraces a holistic approach, focusing on a wide range of objectives, whether they be recreational, communication, or essential life skills.
Under the guidance of our instructors, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Throughout the program, they’ll have the opportunity to explore new interests, try out exciting activities, and discover fresh passions that will bring them closer to their goals.
Join us in this enriching experience, where we nurture dreams, build skills, and foster a sense of belonging.
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Boundless Buddies
Monday, Jan. 12 | 4-5:30 p.m.
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Join us at Boundless Buddies, as we get together to decorate a paper gingerbread house.
Come hangout and make new friends during what promises to be a fun evening.
Please be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting marker on.
If you haven’t already be sure to register for this event!
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Caregiver Kindred
Wednesday, Jan. 7 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Join us in person or virtually for a special meditation workshop with Norma Marti.
Norma will be leading guided meditation techniques focused on releasing stress and anxiety in a calm and supportive environment.
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Journey League Basketball
Fridays | Jan. 9-Feb. 20 | 6:30-8 p.m.
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Journey League is a safe, inclusive basketball program for teens and young adults with special needs, built on acceptance, teamwork, skill development, and fun.
Join us as we celebrate diversity and sportsmanship Fridays in the JPCC gym.
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Smiling While Sending Hope Ability Club
Tuesday, Jan. 20 | 6-7:30 p.m.
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Smiling While Sending Hope Ability Club is where youth will have the opportunity to explore and engage with STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and creative problem-solving.
The program is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage innovation in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Join Smiling While Sending Hope Instructor Katie Haynes for a wonderfully fun evening!
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Smiling While Sending Hope Karaoke Night
Friday, Jan. 30 | 5-7 p.m.
JPCC, 701 Harris Road
Get ready to take the stage and unleash your inner superstar at our Karaoke Night!
Whether you love classic hits, pop anthems, country favorites, or show tunes, we’ll have a song for you.
Come sing solo, grab a duet partner, or just cheer on your friends for a night full of music, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
No experience needed - just bring your enthusiasm and your best dance moves!
Light refreshments will be provided. All ages and talent levels are welcome!
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Calendar of Events
Click on the calendar to view a larger version of our January 2026 calendar of events.
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World Braille Day
Braille is more than a system of raised dots; it’s a pathway to literacy, confidence, and connection for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It ensures that information, stories, education, and everyday communication are accessible to all.
World Braille Day encourages us to recognize the importance of inclusive practices in our communities. It challenges us to look at the world through a more mindful lens to consider how our programs, environments, and interactions can be more welcoming and barrier-free.
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Paget’s Awareness Day
Paget’s Disease may be rare, but the experience of those living with it are very real. This day reminds us of the importance of awareness, early detection, and compassionate support for individuals affected by this chronic bone disorder.
By increasing awareness, we help reduce stigma, encourage timely medical care, and ensure that no one faces their journey alone.
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What is SPIRIT Wake Forest?
SPIRIT Wake Forest is our way of identifying the initiatives, activities and events offered by the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department's Specialized Programs & Inclusion. It stands for Specialized Programs and Inclusion Resources for Individuals Throughout Wake Forest.
Our staff has a wide variety of experience working with people of all physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities.
We offer fun, adaptive, and inclusive recreation opportunities in our community including adaptive sports, social and fitness programs, and after school activities - with more on the way.
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You have received this e-mail because you are subscribed to E-Notifier – part of the Town of Wake Forest’s e-mail subscription service. E-Notifier keeps you up-to-date on Town of Wake Forest news, information, and special events. If you believe you have been subscribed in error, or would like to cancel your subscription, you may unsubscribe below.
If you have questions or comments about the Town of Wake Forest website or E-Notifier, please contact Bill Crabtree by email or call 919-435-9421.
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