Friends of Olivia adds events in February, March for families of children, adults with disabilities

Friends of Olivia, a growing support network for children and adults with developmental disabilities, is kicking off a busy season of community events. 

Founded by Chris and Paige Harris, lifelong residents of the county, the organization was inspired by their daughter Olivia, who is autistic. Since hosting a successful sensory friendly fall festival last year, the Harrises have continued building momentum with a steady lineup of programs designed to support families and celebrate individuals of all abilities. 

The group’s next major event, An Evening of Hearts and Harmony, will take place Saturday, Feb. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rustic Vows, located at 80 County Road 405, Selmain the Sardis community 

The semi-formal dance is open to the public and is a fundraiser for Friends of Olivia. Entry fee is simply a donation. Paige Harris said the event will be fully accommodatingfor attendees with developmental disabilities. 

“We will be happy to make any accommodations that we need to for anybody with other abilities that would like to attend,” she said. 

The evening will feature music by DJ Houdini, food, and what Harris described as “a great time of fellowship.” 

On Feb. 21, Friends of Olivia will host its first Siblings of Hope Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Valley Grande Mexican Grill. The free gathering is designed specifically for siblings of children with developmental disabilities. 

“It will be a good time for them to gather and talk to other kids in the community that really and truly get it,” Harris said. The group hopes to make the luncheon a monthly event. 

Later in the month, on Feb. 28 the organization will hold a community yard sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Covenant Christian Church campus, 241 Old Marion Junction Road in Selma. Donations from the public are being accepted, with proceeds supporting future programming and the group’s long-term goal of securing a physical location. 

In March, Friends of Olivia will host Let’s Talk Resources, an educational workshop for families seeking information on services available in the region. The event will be held March 13 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Old Covenant Christian Church campus. Dinner and childcare will be provided. 

Harris said the goal is to “empower families with lots of information and support” in a single, accessible setting. 

The organization is also planning a sensory friendly Easter celebration, Every Bunny Belongs, scheduled for Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will include an Easter egg hunt, petting zoo, crafts, and games. The location is still being finalized. The organization is also planning a sensory 

Harris said Friends of Olivia is continuing to make progress toward securing nonprofit status and expanding its reach. 

“We are just planning all sorts of things right now,” she said. “Very excited about the momentum and the strides that are being made.” 

She encouraged the community to follow the group’s Facebook page for updates and emphasized the importance of turnout for this weekend’s dance. 

“I’ve heard DJ Houdini is phenomenal,” she said. “We just want to try to get as many people there as we can.” 

Watch a video of the Harrises talking about starting the organization here.