The Gift of Friendship
When East End Disability Associates (EEDA) opened its doors more than 30 years ago, we knew we wanted to provide personalized services that created opportunities for each person supported to be recognized as valuable members of their community, family, and the world. Parents who had children living with disabilities told us they wanted their loved one to experience a life full of joy and possibility with the opportunity to make and enjoy lasting friendships.
Michael and Andrew are a beautiful example of how friendship makes life so much sweeter. What started out as a chance encounter between two mothers more than 20 years ago, has blossomed into a lifelong friendship for their sons. “They immediately gravitated toward each other and decided they were going to be best friends.”
-Diane Arpaia (Michael’s Mom)
Michael and Andrew are a beautiful example of how friendship makes life so much sweeter. What started out as a chance encounter between two mothers more than 20 years ago, has blossomed into a lifelong friendship for their sons. “They immediately gravitated toward each other and decided they were going to be best friends.”
-Diane Arpaia (Michael’s Mom)
Philanthropy is a form of friendship. It’s an essential component of EEDA’s work and impacts every aspect of our mission, enriching the lives of people with special needs.
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Michael and Andrew’s friendship grew and they shared the dream of starting their own band, getting jobs, and moving in together. Just over a year ago those dreams were realized when Michael and Andrew were given the opportunity to move into EEDA’s Southfield home together. “EEDA was able to understand the importance of their friendship and their relationship, and I think it’s a testament to the organization and to its consideration of the two of them as individuals.”
-Carmine Arpaia (Michael’s Dad) Today, Michael and Andrew live their full lives. Together, they enjoy weekly guitar lessons, taking an annual trip to Winter Clove Inn, playing frisbee in the yard, or just watching videos together these two have filled their days with the joy of friendship. |
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“This was so important to Andrew. He was so aware of his siblings hitting milestones that he wasn’t achieving. All he wanted was to work and move out on his own and have friends - and now he has all of that thanks to EEDA. I will remain forever grateful that Andrew and Michael have been given this opportunity through EEDA and the kindness of donors for making this possible.”
-Deanna Horton (Andrew’s Mom)
-Deanna Horton (Andrew’s Mom)
We invite you, as a friend of EEDA, to support our ability to create opportunities like the one we created for Michael and Andrew.
