Embrace Abilities

06/17/2026

Angela is one of our Embrace Abilities board members—and also a parent living this in real time. She wrote this, and it put words to what so many of us are carrying into summer.

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Summer can feel complicated when we’re parenting both a typically developing child and a child with disabilities.

One child is thriving in the freedom of summer—riding bikes, running through sprinklers, visiting water parks, making memories that seem effortless and carefree.

The other may be struggling with the loss of routine, sensory overload, disrupted schedules, medical appointments, therapies, or simply the challenges that change can bring.

And there we are, standing in the middle, feeling pulled in two directions.

Trying to give one child the adventures they crave while providing the structure, support, and accommodations the other needs. Trying to make sure neither feels forgotten. Trying to balance fun with survival. Joy with exhaustion.

Some days it feels impossible.

But if we’re showing up every day, adjusting plans, advocating, comforting, encouraging, and loving both children through their very different experiences of summer, we’re doing more than enough.

The memories won't all look the same. The milestones won't all be the same. The needs won't be the same.

But love doesn't have to be divided to be shared.

To the parents navigating two very different summers under one roof: we see you. The effort we’re making matters. Our children may need different things, but they both need us—and every day we’re doing our best to give them exactly that.

And that is something worth celebrating.

Summer may not look like everyone else's, but we're making memories, building resilience, and finding joy in our own way.

To all the parents managing feeding tubes, mobility gear, sensory needs, hospital stays, and typical childhood milestones. We see you. Even on our hardest days, we are doing better than we think.

06/17/2026

Behind every great event is a crew of people who show up early, stay late, and make sure every family feels welcome. Meet a few of the volunteers who helped make our Inclusive Art Social happen this past weekend.

From set-up to clean-up (and everything in between), y’all jumped in where you were needed and helped keep the day moving and fun for our kids and families. We’re so grateful for you.

Want to be a part of what we’re building? Sign up below to be the first to know when volunteer opportunities open up! 👇

https://embraceabilitiesms.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/344941

06/17/2026

Today was heavy.

We were in Jackson for a neurosurgery consult, and we are at the point where we are talking dates and details for my daughter’s upcoming neurosurgery. The kind of appointment you walk out of and just try to keep it together. I am scared, and I am heartbroken that she has to go through another major surgery. I am also trying really hard to stay hopeful that this will help her epilepsy and bring her some relief.

We stopped at the coffee shop on the way out because we were getting ready to leave the hospital and needed caffeine for the drive home. We were still processing everything, talking through details while we waited, and just sitting there sipping our coffee trying to breathe for a minute. A woman sitting nearby quietly told her dad and me that there was an event starting in a few minutes and gestured toward a room. The doors were frosted with designs on them, so I could only catch a glimpse at first.

When they opened, it was a whole space set up just for kids. Princesses, Spider Man, Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, and activity stations where kids could sit and create things.

Emma Kate was wrapped up in her phone watching one of her favorite shows and had no idea any of it was happening until I turned her around. Her eyes went straight to Moana, her absolute favorite. Fifteen minutes earlier we were discussing surgery dates, and then she was standing there getting autographs from princesses like it was the most normal thing in the world. I was just standing there as her mom, getting to watch my kid light up and have fun in a space that is usually pretty heavy.

I am sharing this because it mattered. It was joy right in the middle of a day that felt like too much. And it reminded me, in the most personal way, why Embrace Abilities exists. We are trying to give families moments like that, where for a little while you can breathe and your kid can just be a kid. Today, I needed that reminder, and we needed that moment.

Thank you to Children’s of Mississippi and Friends of Children's Hospital for putting that kind of thought and care into a place where so many families are carrying so much. And thank you to the woman who made sure we did not miss it.

-Bridgett

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

Did you know people with permanent disabilities may qualify for a 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬 for National Parks and other federal recreation sites?

In this video, Maryjo walks you through how to apply and what you’ll need so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your family. We’re sharing it because this is the kind of practical resource that supports our mission: removing barriers and helping families access community spaces and experiences—without cost being the reason you have to sit it out.

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨 (𝐍𝐏𝐒): https://www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibility/interagency-access-pass.htm

06/15/2026

Our next in person 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 is coming up. If you are parenting a child with complex needs, you already know there is something important about sitting in a space with other people who get it without explanations.

Hosted by Maryjo Bullock, this is a supportive, confidential space for honest conversation, resources, and connection. No pressure to share. Listening is participation. We will have light refreshments and tissues.

📅 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
🕤 𝟗:𝟑𝟎 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟏:𝟑𝟎 𝐀𝐌
📍 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐑𝐂 3109 Gulf Ave., Gulfport, MS 39501

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://embraceabilitiesms.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/381136

06/13/2026

Today was the kind of messy, colorful fun we love.

Our Inclusive Art Social was full of abstract paintings, a mix of dry and wet tool, and kids creating in whatever way worked for them. Tables full of color, paint-covered hands, and the best part was seeing each artist’s individual style come through. Same supplies, totally different results, and every single one was worth a second look.

Mrs. West said it best: “Art is for everyone.” And today looked like exactly that. No “right way.” Just space to try, explore, and make something that feels like you.

To the families who joined us, thank you for showing up and trusting us with your time. Huge thanks to Mrs. West for the energy and encouragement, and to the Dream Program for sharing your space.

And to our volunteers, y’all were a huge part of what made today feel so good. Thank you for jumping in without being asked, helping with supplies and cleanup, encouraging kids as they created, and being the calm, friendly support that kept everything moving. We appreciate you so much. Thank you to our team for handling the behind the scenes details so families could simply show up and enjoy the moment.

Keep an eye on our social media for future events for our community.

06/13/2026

Today, our Founder and Executive Director, Bridgett Lee, was named one of Gulf Coast Woman Magazine’s 100 Successful Women to Know!

With more than 1,000 women nominated for this year’s recognition, we are excited to see Bridgett honored among an incredible group of women making a difference in their communities.

Embrace Abilities began with one little girl and one mom who wanted to make sure families like hers didn’t have to navigate their journey alone. What started as an idea has grown into a community that connects and supports hundreds of families across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Through her own experiences as a parent, Bridgett saw a need for greater connection, support, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities and their families. That vision became Embrace Abilities.

Today, we celebrate this recognition and the impact that vision continues to have on families throughout our community.

Congratulations, Bridgett!

06/12/2026

Today is the last day to vote!

Voting has been extended, and tomorrow is now the LAST DAY to vote for Embrace Abilities in Scouting for a Cause with The Scout Guide Mississippi Gulf Coast!

We are incredibly honored to be a finalist. This opportunity would help us continue reaching and supporting families across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

If you haven't voted yet, there is still time. It only takes a few seconds, and every vote helps.

We are so grateful for every vote, share, and word of encouragement. The support our community has shown us means more than you know.

You can vote once a day. Please take a moment to vote for Embrace Abilities before voting closes tomorrow:

https://thescoutguide.com/mississippi-gulf-coast-v5-scouting-for-a-cause/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSOXspleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEweENuOWdnRUFlWHQ5MlVyc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtgzcw29RnMISKM5Urxl7kn8o5O6PnLqfWCSV_yzYITK1imu6t5V-hyWBszK_aem_1RCrwpllM04OrYJRyw7flg