Today we’d like to introduce you to Emme Teller.
Hi Emme, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Friends Life Community was founded in 2008 when four families and a community advocate saw a great need for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities after their graduation from high school.
Lacking support and opportunity for growth, this group began Friends Life Community as an after-school program in the basement of a church and has grown to be an immersive weekday program providing more than 102 participants, whom we call Friends, with opportunities to participate in a variety of classes and activities. With more than 150 caregivers and skilled experts, Friends Life Community gives a community to the Friends, teaching life skills, service and employment skills, and through its Advocacy through the Arts program, a place to express their own individuality and creativity.
Friends Life’s social enterprise, the Treat Truck, is a mobile ice cream truck where the Friends gain real world business experience and showcase their best practices by serving frozen treats. The Friends go through a series of interviews and preparations before being hired, are given business cards, and are employed in different roles on the truck.
Booked at private parties, corporate events and pop-up markets around Nashville, the Friends show the community what they’re capable of while gaining skills in employment and entrepreneurship.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would describe them more as learning curves rather than struggles, as each presents opportunities for growth and development – whether it be for myself, my team or the Friends.
Launching the Treat Truck brought a new set of challenges not only logistically, but also socially and mentally. The Friends’ eagerness to join the Treat Truck team doesn’t discount their unique challenges and learning moments as they navigate the flow of the truck, accommodating guests and working together to get the right treats in the right hands. We are always working hard to support them as they are practicing new skills and growing in their abilities. The positive moments always outweigh any of the bumps in the road, and the Treat Truck has been a great success because of the Friends’ leadership and dedication.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Friends Life Community is a Nashville-based organization committed to providing opportunities for adults with disabilities to grow personally, develop socially, and be active members of the community. The Friends learn together through person-driven support, group programs and community-based classes.
Official Title: Special Events Coordinator
Some of the things I help with:
– Social enterprise (Merchandise and Friend made goods)
– Treat Truck operations
– Social Club activities
– Teach music classes
– Volunteer coordination
Every day at Friends Life, Friends are challenged in ways that help improve their lives and give them purpose. They are constantly pushing themselves in social situations and growing their confidence, which trickles down into everything they do. The culture of Friends Life and the Treat Truck comes purely from the Friends’ creativity, hard work, and how they choose to express their emotions and storytelling to the world.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I hope our industry will be more visible and tangible in all industries. I hope what we are doing now in our organization opens doors and inspires others to create more inclusive work spaces and places.
Pricing:
- Up to 50: $240 Weekday, $350 Evening & Weekend
- Up to 100: $450 Weekday, $550 Evening & Weekend
- Up to 250: $700 Weekday, $825 Evening & Weekend
- Up to 500: $1,150 Weekday, $1300 Evening & Weekend
Contact Info:
- Website: https://friendslife.org/
- Instagram: @friendslifecommunity
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrasRiNykEEFmkgt77eK0pg
