Independence Now’s Safari Day in the Park brought together staff, consumers, and community members for a day of fun, learning, and connection. Attendees learned about Independence Now’s services, including how to contact Money Follows the Person for support with transitioning into the community. The event also encouraged everyone to use their voices to advocate for the services and support they need.
The highlight of the day? A heartwarming petting zoo that brought smiles to all ages! Guests also enjoyed creative face painting and making a fun, friendly mess with artist Damon Walker. It was a beautiful, sunny day filled with joy, laughter, and love from our community—and our furry visitors.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and a special thank you to Ms. Wheelchair Maryland, Carla Cobbs for joining us! We express special thanks as well to the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission for their grant that made this event possible.
At Independence Now’s Safari Day in the Park, IN staff member Danielle Bustos smiles brightly while holding a brown and black guinea pig on her shoulder. She is wearing a black baseball cap and a white tank top with the MDYLF (Maryland Youth Leadership Forum) logo. Danielle is seated in a power wheelchair, and a can of soda rests in her cupholder. Picnic tables and other attendees are visible under a pavilion in the background on a sunny day.
At Independence Now’s Safari Day in the Park, a smiling woman wearing a crown and a sash reading “Ms. Wheelchair USA” poses in her power wheelchair next to a small brown pony. Beside her, a young man holds the pony’s lead, while another man in a blue “Independence Now” t-shirt laughs and pets a donkey. Other attendees, including a man with a cane, are gathered under a nearby pavilion. The event takes place on a sunny day in a grassy park surrounded by trees.
During Independence Now’s Safari Day in the Park, a woman in a yellow sleeveless top and blue shorts smiles while sitting in a power wheelchair, holding a drink and enjoying the moment. In front of her, a brown pony and a gray donkey are grazing on the pavement. A teenage boy in a tan shirt and gray sweatpants stands nearby, holding the donkey’s lead. The event takes place on a sunny day, surrounded by lush greenery and a quiet park setting.
At Independence Now’s Safari Day in the Park, a man sits peacefully on a picnic bench with his eyes closed, showing off a face painting of a dolphin jumping out of water on his cheek. He wears a black and white T-shirt and jeans, with green and pink wristbands. The bench is covered in a blue plaid cloth, and the outdoor pavilion is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
At Independence Now’s Safari Day in the Park, a group of six people poses in front of an Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation van. Two women in wheelchairs, both smiling brightly, sit at the front. Behind them stand four Adventist Health staff members dressed in navy scrubs, also smiling. The background features the side of the health care van with visible branding. The atmosphere is friendly and celebratory, highlighting community and inclusion.
At Independence Now’s Safari Day in the Park, IN staff member Mike Saunders sits in a wheelchair at a picnic table covered with a blue checkered tablecloth. He is animatedly gesturing with one hand, wearing sunglasses, a patterned white and black shirt, distressed denim shorts, and a hat decorated with colorful patches. His outfit is completed with black and white Nike sneakers and “MADNESS” socks. On the table are art supplies including a mask with a blue feather, a watercol
At Independence Now’s Safari Day in the Park, a man sits peacefully on a picnic bench with his eyes closed, showing off a face painting of a dolphin jumping out of water on his cheek. He wears a black and white T-shirt and jeans, with green and pink wristbands. The bench is covered in a blue plaid cloth, and the outdoor pavilion is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
At Independence Now’s Safari Day in the Park, IN staff and consumers sit at a black metal picnic table participating in a mask painting activity. One person carefully paints a vibrant mask featuring bright purple, yellow, and blue colors with orange dots. Another completed mask with gold trim and a black eyelash design rests on the table. Art supplies, a red plastic cup, water bottle, and snack bag are scattered on the table, with green grass visible in the background.
At Independence Now’s Safari Day in the Park, Chosyn Gaskins gently holds a bearded dragon lizard in her hands. She stands under a covered pavilion, dressed in a black outfit with tattoos visible on her arms and fingers. In the background, other participants, including people in wheelchairs, are seen enjoying the outdoor event on a sunny day. Trees and grassy areas surround the park.
At Independence Now’s Safari Day in the Park, IN staff and consumers gather under a covered pavilion for an arts and crafts activity. Several participants, many using wheelchairs, are painting masks using watercolor sets. A person in the foreground is painting a white mask with black eye sockets and a stitched mouth. The atmosphere is social and lively, with people smiling and chatting as they create. Picnic tables, wheelchairs, and supplies are visible throughout the shaded
A group of smiling people, including Independence Now staff and consumers, gathered under a park pavilion during Safari Day in the Park. Several individuals are using wheelchairs. One woman in front wears a crown and a sash that reads "Ms. Wheelchair 2023." Green grass and a fenced field are visible in the background.
Safari Day in the Park Was a Wild Success!
