About Us

Embrace Abilities: Empowering Communities

Embrace Abilities is leading the way in creating a more inclusive Mississippi for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our mission is to empower families, defend rights, and transform communities into spaces where everyone is genuinely valued and included.

What is Inclusion?

Inclusion means everyone should have equal access to the opportunities that shape a fulfilling life—growing up with your family, attending school with friends, enjoying hobbies or sports, pursuing a career, traveling, forming relationships, building a home, and contributing to your community. These aspirations are universal, and they are no different for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

True inclusion happens when individuals with intellectual disabilities experience life alongside their peers without being set apart due to their disabilities. They should walk the same life paths as everyone else, with opportunities to thrive and participate fully.

One of the significant obstacles faced by people with intellectual disabilities is the stereotypes and negative attitudes surrounding how they learn and communicate.

Embrace Abilities is committed to challenging and changing these mindsets.

We are at the forefront of a movement dedicated to building a fully inclusive Mississippi where individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families are equally valued and integrated into every aspect of community life. As a grassroots, family-centered organization, we collaborate with partners across the United States and other disability advocacy groups who share our vision of a world where everyone belongs.

By helping families envision and pursue inclusive futures for their loved ones, we provide the support they need to make these dreams a reality. We work to inspire community leaders to embrace inclusive practices and defend the rights of people with disabilities by promoting policies that drive meaningful change.

By fostering inclusive lives for individuals with intellectual disabilities, we create a Mississippi where everyone can succeed and contribute. This vision benefits the entire community, and we invite you to join us in making it a reality.

Values and Beliefs

Inclusion

Optimal Health

We believe that the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities should unfold no differently than those of others, with total immersion alongside their peers in all aspects of life. Every person deserves the opportunity to experience life’s pathways in a shared and inclusive environment.

Optimal Health

We are committed to promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Optimal health is a foundation for full participation in life and is critical to achieving independence and a fulfilling life.

Equality

Inspiration

All people are entitled to equal access and opportunity. Equality means ensuring protection from discrimination and harm while providing the necessary support to enable equal participation in every aspect of society.

Inspiration

We honor and respect all people's unique identities and experiences, believing that our humanity is too rich to be reduced to labels or categories. By standing up for what we believe in and leading with moral courage, we inspire others to embrace inclusion and equality, even when challenging.

What We do

picture of kid on embrace abilities bi monthly weekly event

Community Meetups

Coffee with Caregivers

Birthday Buddies Club

Our community meetups are fun, inclusive gatherings designed for children and teens with special needs. These events offer a variety of indoor activities like sensory-friendly crafts and outdoor adventures such as park visits and splash pads. Each meetup provides a safe space for socializing, making friends, and enjoying new experiences.

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Birthday Buddies Club

Coffee with Caregivers

Birthday Buddies Club

Birthday Buddies Club is a unique initiative within our nonprofit organization that celebrates the birthdays of our members each month. It's a fun and inclusive way to make every child feel special on their big day. During our meetups, we honor the children with birthday crowns, treats, and a joyous gathering where they can enjoy the company of their peers.

coffee event of parents in embrace abilities

Coffee with Caregivers

Coffee with Caregivers is a quarterly event hosted by Embrace Abilities to provide a relaxed space for parents and caregivers of children with special needs. It offers a chance to connect with others who understand their experiences, share ideas, and seek support. The event includes guest speakers who discuss topics like mental health, ch

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Meet our BOARD

Bridgette Lee president of embrace abilities

Bridgett Lee

Founder & President

My journey with Embrace Abilities began with my daughter Emma Kate, who was born with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Witnessing her courage in facing life's challenges inspired me to create a community where children like her can find the understanding, acceptance, and resources they need.

Navigating this path as a parent has given me deep insight into families' difficulties. The journey can be overwhelming, from dealing with educational and healthcare systems to managing day-to-day challenges. My mission is to build a network that offers support and alleviates the loneliness many families feel, striving to ensure every child can thrive and be celebrated regardless of their abilities.

Outside of my work with Embrace Abilities, I treasure time spent with family and enjoy creative activities, especially refinishing furniture. Reading is my favorite way to unwind and explore new worlds. These interests help me stay balanced and find joy amid the challenges.

Adrienne Flowers

Vice President

My journey with Embrace Abilities began at its inception, inspired by my experiences as the parent of a teenager with multiple disabilities. For over 14 years, I've advocated for appropriate educational and medical services. Connecting with other families facing similar challenges brings me great joy and fuels my commitment to our mission.

I actively participate in school and community activities, assisting families in navigating educational, social, and healthcare systems. I want every family to feel included, respected, and empowered to understand their rights and ask questions when needed. I want to create a world where every child can thrive and be celebrated for uniqueness.

Outside of Embrace Abilities, I cherish cooking, traveling, and discovering new things with my family. I find tranquility in gardening, reading a good book, or enjoying a restful afternoon nap with my dogs.

McKenzie Parker

Member at Large

As a mom of three living in Gautier and a practicing BCBA in the Jackson County area, my journey with Embrace Abilities began with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by families with special needs. With eight years of experience in special needs services for children and teens, I was prepared when I had a medically complex baby requiring specialized care and therapy. However, I quickly realized how overwhelming and exhausting navigating these challenges could be, especially with the specific barriers on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.

Even as a professional in this space, I found it challenging to manage the complexities of my own child's needs, leading to feelings of isolation and helplessness. Finding Embrace Abilities was my turning point, offering a supportive community committed to celebrating every child's uniqueness. Every child deserves a space where they are not only welcomed but celebrated.

Through Embrace Abilities, I want to help create an environment where children and parents can feel supported and empowered. In my spare time, I cherish moments with my family and am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others through my work and involvement in the community.

Who we are

Embrace Abilities: Empowering Communities

Our Mission and Vision

Our Mission

Our Vision