On April 24, The Friendship Circle of Virginia hosted its April Birthday Circle at Loving Acres Farm Sanctuary in memory of Alexis Nichols.
Alexis was a staunch self-advocate, friend, and Friendship Circle board member for more than 3 years until her unexpected passing in 2021 at the age of 23. Alexis had a love of all people and an incredible gift of seeing the positive in every situation and in every person she met.
Together with her service dog Ireland, Alexis lit up a room when she entered it and changed perceptions and limitations when she spoke.
She has greatly influenced our organization, our board members, and our teens in a way that will forever live on at Friendship Circle of VA.
Alexis’ love of animals was without bounds and it inspired this month’s birthday circle at Loving Acres. The privately owned farm in Chester cares for farm animals in need of a home due to being sick, injured, disabled, or abandoned.
Some 35 Friends and Family members toured the farm, learned about the animal’s individual stories, fed the animals, and enjoyed golf cart rides.
After quality time with Chai the sheep, Manichevitz the goat, Pearl the pig, and many other sweet animals, Friends and Family celebrated recent birthdays, enjoying craft activities, delicious cupcakes and snacks, and birthday bags filled with goodies. A huge thank you to the Inclusive Teen Leadership Board for planning the event and to board members and Alexis’ mother for their moving speeches in celebration of Alexis’ life.
Visit friendshipcircleva.org to learn more about how our non-profit facilitates friendships and social opportunities for people with and without disabilities via our free programs such as Birthday Circle, Friends@Home, and Friends with Pens – enriching lives and building an inclusive community one friendship at a time.
Loving Acres is in need of volunteers. You can contact them at hello@lovingacres.com.
