Reflecting on 2024: Our Favorite Moments at Flatrock
As we look back on 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for the many special moments that defined our year at Flatrock. From joyous celebrations with our residents to unforgettable team experiences with our incredible staff, this year was a testament to the power of community, care and connection. Programming like this plays a vital role in supporting the well-being of our residents and staff, fostering a sense of belonging, happiness and mutual appreciation.
Here are just a few of our favorite highlights that made 2024 a year to remember.
Flatrock Prom: A Night to Remember
Every year, our Flatrock Prom is a highly anticipated event – and 2024 was no exception. Residents donned their finest attire, staff rolled out the red carpet and the night was filled with dancing, laughter and pure joy. Flatrock partners with local businesses including Bella’s Boutique to ensure every resident has the perfect prom attire. Residents get to pick their outfits from a wide selection of donated clothing. At Flatrock, we take this a step further by offering haircuts, facials and professional hair, makeup and nail services for all. As they get ready, residents enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres, adding to the sense of occasion.
For Executive Assistant Stevie Walton, it’s an important moment each year. She said, “Prom is something that will stick out every year to me because of all the smiles, laughs and memories made each dance as we continue to grow with our residents. Each year we are able to put together a huge dance for all our residents to experience what prom is, even if they haven’t had a chance to attend one. Flatrock has received so many donations throughout the years of hundreds of dresses and suits from the community. Bella’s Boutique has given us the opportunity to ensure all our residents have something perfect to wear as they are able to pick out their own suits and dresses each year. Take it a step further, we give all the guy’s haircuts and facials, and get all the girl’s hair, nails and makeup done for them while we serve drinks and hors d’oeuvres to the residents before the dance. Once they get to the dance, we not only have our entire gym decorated beautifully, but a DJ playing great music and a photo booth to get pictures done to look back on all the friends and memories made together.”
Seeing the happiness on everyone’s faces as they twirled under twinkling lights reminded us of the importance of creating spaces where our residents can shine and celebrate.
Splash Days: Summer Fun and Sun
The heat of summer was no match for our Splash Days. These highly-anticipated, water-filled afternoons featured a variety of fun activities including the popular dunk tank, where residents gleefully take turns dunking their favorite staff members. While residents enjoyed getting the opportunity to cool off from the summer sun, these moments also allowed our Flatrock family to share laughter, build connections and create lasting memories that everyone could treasure.
Frights and Delights at Our Haunted House
This year’s Haunted House was a spook-tacular success. Staff delighted residents by transforming Flatrock into a thrilling maze of creative costumes and playful scares. The event showcased the creativity and dedication of our team, who went above and beyond to make Halloween truly magical.
Coming Together for Thanksgiving Dinner
One of the most meaningful traditions at Flatrock is our annual Thanksgiving dinner. Residents, their families and staff gather to share a delicious meal and reflect on the blessings of the year. This year, the warmth and camaraderie were palpable as stories were shared, gratitude was expressed and our Flatrock family grew closer than ever.
Celebrating Our Incredible Staff
Behind every joyful moment at Flatrock is a team of compassionate and dedicated staff members. In 2024, we prioritized creating opportunities to celebrate and support them, from team-building activities to heartfelt staff appreciation events. These gatherings reinforced our commitment to making Flatrock a wonderful place to work while reminding us of the incredible people who make everything we do possible. We’re excited to continue fostering an environment where our staff feel appreciated and empowered to make a difference in the lives of our residents throughout 2025.
Whether through everyday interactions or special events, 2024 was a year of building and strengthening our community. From residents learning new skills to staff fostering connections that feel like family, the spirit of care and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.
For many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, opportunities to participate in events like prom, Splash Days or even a shared Thanksgiving dinner are far too rare. This is what makes Flatrock so unique and special – we strive to provide these transformative experiences, ensuring every resident feels valued, included and celebrated.
To learn more about Flatrock and the incredible experiences we create, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes looks at these memorable moments and more.