Tonight, May 12, 2023, was the first meeting of the BeYOUtiful Ladies Club in Palm Coast. The BeYOUtiful Ladies Club is a club for ladies with autism 22 years old or older to meet, socialize and create lasting friendships and bonds. The club is a new addition to the list of services and clubs that Vincent’s Clubhouse offers.
Erica Flores (back left) and Dr. Maria Dowling (back right) with the moms (back middle) and the BeYOUtiful Ladies Club Members (front four) Copyright Flagler County Buzz
The BeYOUtiful Ladies Club was the creation of board member Dr. Maria Dowling, who realized the deep need for social clubs for those with special needs. One of the young ladies mothers talked about how her family had just moved here, and that left her young adult daughter, who has autism, with no friends. This is exactly what Dr. Maria Dowling wants to help remedy.
“There are really no resources for young adults with disabilities, particularly autism. And coming from a different area, I felt that this was a need that needed to be served, and having the ability for them to connect, to build relationships, to socialize, is very important. So that is the reason why I thought about it,” said Dr. Maria Dowling.
This club will be a monthly club that meets in our area, for young ladies with autism that are over the age of 22 years old. This is a great way for the young ladies to meet and create relationships. This is currently the only adults with disabilities club, however there may be plans for more in the future.
This club is offered by Vincent’s Clubhouse which is a not for profit organization whose goals are to bring awareness and services to families and individuals with disabilities. If you are interested in learning more about this organization, you can read more about theme here: https://www.vincentsclubhouse.org/
