Introduction to FWADA Events
Upcoming Events
The Event calendar is subject to change, so please check back for updates. For participation or volunteering, contact Paul Mayfield at 248-460-6070 or pm@fwada.org.
Meet and Greet Dinner
Brann’s Steak House, Grand Rapids, MI
1:30pm - 4:30pm
Connecting and Thriving
Garfield Park, Grand Rapids, MI
TBA
Lantern Festival
John Ball Park Zoo, Grand Rapids, MI
TBA
GR Michigan Theatre Experience
Grand Rapids, MI
The Grand River Lady Boat
Jenison, MI
TBA
Bowling
Grand Rapids, MI
TBA
Michigan Adventure Waterpark
North Muskegon, MI
TBA
Pottery Lane
Grand Rapids, MI
TBA
End of Summer Celebration
Grand Rapids, MI
Upcoming Events
The Event calendar is subject to change, so please check back for updates. For participation or volunteering, contact Paul Mayfield at 248-460-6070 or pm@fwada.org.
Celebration Cinema RiverTown Movie Night
Salt & Sip @ The Pink Lounge Dry Salt Therapy
Celebrating Self-Care Awareness
FWADA Friendsgiving Feast with Karaoke
Open-mic for music, poetry, or storytelling @ The Candied Yam
FWADA Re-Gift Exchange Holiday Party
Pottery Lane
Hot Yoga Experience
Aquatics @ The Kroc Center
FWADA Culture Experience Concert / Performing Arts
White Caps Baseball Professional Sports Experience
Petting Zoo
FWADA Annual Limitless Abilities Resource Fair
Bowling & Golf Woodys Spectrum Lanes
Signature FWADA Experiences
Our events are diverse, uplifting, and fun. Some of our most loved programs include:
Connect & Thrive Meetups: Monthly gatherings focused on friendship and wellness
Adaptive Recreation Days: Sports, outdoor activities, and inclusive fitness opportunities
Cultural & Creative Outings: From museums to theater shows and art workshops
Special Celebrations: Karaoke nights, holiday events, and more
Mission Statement:
Friends With Abilities, Differently Abled (FWADA) exists to empower individuals with physical disabilities by reducing isolation, promoting mental wellness, and building community through inclusive events, educational outreach, and personal growth opportunities.
About FWADA
At FWADA, we believe in creating a world where everyone — regardless of ability — has access to friendship, opportunity, and joy. From monthly Connect & Thrive meetups to seasonal special events, FWADA brings people together in safe, accessible, and uplifting environments. Whether it’s smiles and support animals, adaptive recreation, cultural outings, or open-mic karaoke nights, FWADA is more than just a program — it’s a grassroots movement dedicated to improving quality of life for our participants and making community inclusion the norm.
Meet Our Leadership
Paul D. Mayfield – CEO
Paul D. Mayfield is more than a leader — he is living proof of FWADA’s mission in action. Born sighted, Paul began losing his vision in high school. As a visually impaired man, he understands firsthand the challenges faced by people with disabilities and the need for community connection and empowerment.
A proud father of two, Paul holds an MBA from Michigan State University. His career includes service with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and recognition as Teacher of the Year twice while teaching middle school in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Paul’s journey took a pivotal turn after attending the Michigan School for the Blind in Kalamazoo and later serving as Executive Director of a nonprofit for the visually impaired. These experiences fueled his vision for FWADA — an organization built to break down isolation, promote mental wellness, and ensure people with disabilities have access to meaningful experiences and resources.
⸻ Contact: Paul D. Mayfield, CEO
📞 248-460-6070
📧 PM@FWADA.org
🌐 www.FWADA.org Join the mission today at www.FWADA.org #FriendsWithAbilities #DisabilityInclusion #MentalHealthMatters #AccessibleJoy #FWADA