189 - Inclusion in Action: How Community Changes Lives with Rosemary & Patricia

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Rosemary and Patricia, co-founders of the Highland Friendship Club, to share how a simple need turned into a life-changing community. What began as a small walking group grew into a thriving organization that provides meaningful social opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. They discuss the power of connection, the importance of belonging, and how inclusion goes beyond programs—it’s about relationships and community presence. This conversation highlights what’s possible when people stop waiting for systems to change and instead take action to create spaces where everyone is valued.

Key Takeaways:

Belonging Matters - Inclusion is about feeling safe, wanted, and truly part of something, not just being present.

Take Action - Real change often starts when people stop waiting and choose to create solutions themselves.

Community Power - Strong relationships and local connections can turn small ideas into lasting impact.

Inclusion Beyond Programs - True inclusion happens in everyday community spaces, not just designated environments.

Ask and Engage - Sometimes inclusion starts with simply asking how someone can be included and taking that first step.

Rosemary’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is being able to be part of the whole fabric of our community.

Patricia’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is feeling safe, wanted and belonging to something.

Rosemary’s Bio:

Rosemary Fagrelius is a devoted mother of three grown sons, a proud grandmother of three, and wife to Stuart Fagrelius. Her journey as an advocate began when her oldest son, John, survived an extreme case of spinal meningitis at just 13 months old, leaving him with significant cognitive and physical disabilities.

Since that time, Rosemary has been deeply committed to ensuring inclusion for John in every aspect of life in St. Paul. Alongside her close friend Pat Leseman—also a mother of a son with disabilities—she co-founded the Highland Friendship Club over 23 years ago.

Today, the Highland Friendship Club provides teens and adults with disabilities a welcoming place to build friendships, develop new skills, and stay actively connected to their community. The organization offers a wide range of programs, including fitness, art, music, walking clubs, and numerous weekly activities designed to enrich lives and foster belonging.

Patricia’s Bio:

Co-Founder of Highland Friendship Club - celebrating our 24th anniversary!

My husband, Don, and I have 4 beautiful children ranging in ages 36 to 43! Our seconded oldest Michael has Fragile X. In 2002, loaded with determination, desperation and fire in our bellies, my good friend and fellow co-founder launched HFC. On the flip side of life I was as a Contracting Officer for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development from 1980 to 2012!

Connect with Rosemary & Patricia:

Website: https://www.highlandfriendshipclub.org/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 83

No - 104

☕ Buy me a Coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad⁠

Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: ⁠https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdates⁠

Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad⁠