On June 10th, 2025, Inclusion NB had the honour of sharing our mission and impact with the generous and compassionate community of 100 Women Who Care of the greater Saint John area. Andrea Randon, Director of Inclusive Employment, and Brianna Hargrove, Self-Advocate, shared the following. Of special note, Brianna received the event’s first-ever standing ovation!

“I’m Andrea Randon, and I’m proud to represent Inclusion NB—a provincial organization dedicated to supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals with Down syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and Autism. Our work begins early and never stops—we support families at every age and every stage, helping people live full and valued lives in every corner of society.

Often, we meet families at a moment of crisis. Finding quality childcare is difficult for many—but imagine securing a daycare spot only to be told that we lack the resources available to accommodate your child’s disability related needs. This is a heartbreaking reality for many families in Saint John. That’s where we step in, advocating for families to ensure their children are not excluded from early learning experiences.

From those first calls, we walk alongside families through every transition—starting school, entering middle school, and finally preparing to graduate from high school. And as that time approaches, many parents begin asking two life-defining questions:

What will my child’s adult life look like? What will happen to my child after I’m gone?

These are hard, honest questions. And that’s why our team helps young people plan for life beyond graduation by asking meaningful questions of our own: What do you want to do? What are your goals? And most importantly—who do you want to become?

Tonight, I am joined by someone who has answered those questions with courage and determination: Brianna Hargrove.”

In Her Own Words: Brianna’s Journey

Brianna Hargrove shared the following:

“Hello everyone, and thank you for the opportunity to tell my story.

There were times in school when I struggled with learning. I was removed from classes, which made me feel like I didn’t belong.

Then I started working with Inclusion NB. They helped me set goals and supported my dream of graduating. They helped me explore my interests through co-ops—two placements at Sobeys bakery and two in daycares. They helped me prepare for the workforce, and later, I went on to earn my Early Childhood Education diploma from NBCC.

Last year, I became involved with the Social Inclusion Program. It helped me look at what was next: employment, volunteering, and getting involved in my community.

I’m proud to say that I’m now the first-ever Junior Volunteer House Manager at the Imperial Theatre.

I just want to say that I want to contribute, feel that I belong, and step into my first full-time job.

But more than anything, I want to be accepted for who I am. I’m not hiding anymore.

A Call to Community

Andrea continued:

“When Brianna and I first met, it was the height of the pandemic—an isolating time for everyone, but especially for individuals with disabilities, who already face significant barriers to connection and belonging.

That’s why programs like Social Inclusion are so vital. They’re a bridge—connecting people to opportunity, breaking down isolation, and opening doors to meaningful participation in community life.

Brianna is just one of more than 300 people we support in the greater Saint John area. There are many more stories like hers—people waiting for someone to believe in them, support them, and walk beside them as they build a life of their choosing.

Note: If you would like to contribute to our mission, please visit: https://www.inclusionnb.ca/donate/