Summer, with its sunny days, fresh air and plenty of chances to enjoy fun activities with friends and family, is one of our favorite times of the year. Through our Encore program, we have the opportunity to spread summer fun and help adults with disabilities make the most of everything the season has to offer, from everyday joys to unforgettable adventures.
Encore is a program that helps adults with disabilities feel empowered, supported and part of something bigger. In the summer, we take full advantage of the warm weather to explore the community, try new things and have fun.
This time of year, it’s not unusual to see Encore groups heading out for a picnic, spending the afternoon at the zoo or grabbing ice cream. These fun outings allow for these individuals to grow friendships, build confidence and create moments they’ll never forget.
Unfortunately, not every day is made for sunshine, but even on the hottest or rainiest days, Encore keeps things fun and busy. Within our program sites, creativity comes to life. From arts and crafts to music sessions and dance parties, there’s never a dull moment. This provides individuals with the chance to express themselves and try new things.
One thing we’re proud of is the level of connection Encore participants have with the wider community. We’ve teamed up with local organizations and businesses to give our groups meaningful ways to engage, whether that’s attending a public event, visiting with volunteers or doing work around the community.
At the end of the day, it’s the small moments that add up to the biggest memories. The joy of someone seeing a lion at the zoo for the first time. The laughter over lunch with friends. The silent pride of finishing an art project and hanging it on the wall.
These experiences mean everything to these individuals, not just in the moment, but in the way they carry that joy with them. For many Encore participants, days like these aren’t just fun diversions; they’re milestones. They’re given moments of independence, belonging and of being seen and celebrated for who they are.
When someone has the chance to step out and be welcomed by their community, try something new and succeed, it builds their confidence that sticks with them. It could be something simple like ordering food at a café, dancing during a music session or petting a goat at a farm, but to them, it’s everything. These fun moments break routines and offer excitement, challenges and connections that allow participants to feel included, valued and free to be themselves.
At Weaver, we show up, plan every outing, organize every craft and cheer for every little victory because, to the people we support, these aren’t just activities. They’re memories they talk about for weeks; the stories they tell their families and the spark that ignites their week.
Summer might fly by, but the memories that are made with Encore last a lifetime. We’re grateful to our participants, families, staff and supporters who help make these moments possible.
Here’s to more sunshine, more laughter and more reasons to celebrate every day.
Disability inclusion isn’t extra work for HR—it’s part of building a stronger team. It starts with clear job descriptions, better recruiting outreach and supportive onboarding, and continues through everyday communication and culture. Most accommodations are simple, and with the right partners, like Weaver, inclusion becomes easier and more effective. Small steps add up quickly and help create a workplace where everyone can contribute.
At Weaver Industries, soft skills like communication, teamwork and confidence are more than job essentials—they’re the foundation of personal and professional growth. Through daily collaboration, coaching and peer support, employees learn to express themselves, work together and build lasting confidence. These people-centered skills help create inclusive workplaces where everyone can contribute, connect and thrive.
Weaver Industries measures impact in more than numbers; it’s about the real moments that change lives. From the pride of a first paycheck to the confidence gained through new skills, impact shows up in the everyday work that brings dignity, inclusion and purpose. With staff who pour compassion and creativity into their roles, Weaver creates ripple effects that strengthen families, support local businesses and build communities where everyone belongs.