Welcome to The N.E.S.T.
Nurturing ~ Empowerment ~ Socialization ~ Togetherness
The NEST is a welcoming social community where adults of all abilities can hatch new friendships, have fun, and feel like they truly belong. Come find your flock at The NEST! Can’t wait to see you here!
-Jake & Renee
What is The N.E.S.T for All?
We host regularly scheduled, inclusive social events, specifically designed for adults with disabilities. These events—such as game nights, chill sessions, karaoke, and dance parties—are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, at the Birmingham Unitarian Church in Oakland County, Michigan. Our events help adults with disabilities gain independence and enjoy social time with others. We create real-life settings where members build independence, develop social and communication skills, learn new hobbies, and make new friends. Events are safe and lightly supervised. Staff encourage and facilitate engagement, however, everyone can join in as much as they feel comfortable. Communication and social skill development is naturally embedded in activities and interactions, and members are supported by staff throughout the event.To encourage the development of member independence and honor the dignity of risk, members who require only minimal to moderate support are encouraged to participate independently, without caregiver attendance. Moderate support is provided at all events hosted by The NEST for All. We do not provide personal, medical, or behavior support. If someone needs one-on-one support for any reason, they must bring a caregiver or support person to stay with them. Participants can bring any tools or supports they use every day, however The NEST is not responsible for keeping track of members’ belongings.We want everyone to have a safe, fun, and respectful experience, where they can grow and connect, truly feel welcomed and valued, and develop a sense of belonging in The NEST. Click here to preview our Membership Agreement. If you have questions about our events, please contact us, below. |
Mission
To nurture empowerment, socialization, and togetherness in a safe and inclusive community.
Vision
To become a network of welcoming and inclusive social communities designed to nurture independence, communication, recreation, and connection, where members of all ability levels are empowered to explore new hobbies, hatch new friendships, socialize, and feel a sense of togetherness and belonging.
Philosophy
The NEST is a welcoming Third Space (outside of work and home). We design our events to: promote independence, develop communication and social skills, expand interests, simulate real-world engagement, build confidence and meaningful social connections, and foster a sense of belonging through naturally embedded skill-building within fun, engaging, and inclusive social experiences.
Expectations
These ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. We’re committed to creating spaces where all participants can thrive with the appropriate supports in place.Member Expectations
We ask all participants to respect others and contribute to a positive, inclusive atmosphere.
Please be KIND
Please be SAFE
Please be ENGAGED (to the best of your ability)
What You Can Expect from The NEST
The NEST for All will:
Lightly supervise to ensure the safety and welfare of the group
Use teachable moments to educate and empower members
Have conversations and use strategies to support communication, socialization, self-determination and empowerment
Support members in managing use of technology to ensure it’s used responsibly and constructively
About Our Future
Phase 2 – Coming 2026
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The NEST for All will evolve into a permanent, lightly supervised inclusive social space – an inviting third space outside of work and home/family – open 8 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our goal is to provide inclusive and engaging social and recreational spaces for adults of all abilities – fostering empowerment, authentic connection, belonging, and joy. In this welcoming environment, members can hang out with other members, converse, play games, explore hobbies, and engage in recreational activities while building independence, communication, social skills, confidence, and meaningful connections. This will provide caregivers meaningful respite and peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are a part of a community where they are valued, respected, and truly belong. |
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About Loneliness in Adults with Disabilities & How to Combat It:
About Jake
Jake Zinke is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Central Michigan University and a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Western Michigan University. He has over 20 years of experience helping youth and adults develop and enhance their communication independence, self-advocacy, and social skills.
Jake is excited to work with his dear friend and colleague, Renee, to make The NEST for All a welcoming Third Space (outside of home and school/work) where individuals experience joy, connection, and belonging.
About Renee
Renee Samuels is a graduate of Wayne State University, where she earned a B.S. in Education, with endorsements in Elementary Education and Cognitive Impairments. She earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education at the University of Michigan – Dearborn, with an endorsement in Learning Disabilities. Renee has over 30 years of experience teaching Special Education as an elementary, middle school, and high school Resource Room Teacher, Self-Contained Teacher, Teacher Consultant, and Transition Coordinator. She is a certified Instructional Consultation Teams Facilitator, certified Peers Making Peace Facilitator, certified Explicit Instruction Trainer, and is certified in The Psychology of Well-Being from Yale University. Renee is also the author of, A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Children in Learning at Home, and co-founder of Samwell Solutions, an organization designed to teach strategies for social, academic, and mental wellness. Renee’s most recent venture is starting The NEST for All with her good friend and colleague, Jake Zinke. Together they share a passion for nurturing and empowering individuals with disabilities.