Common Ground Society - Santa Rosa, California

Robert R.

Amazing place that offers amazing services to children and families in need. Staff is extremely welcoming and helpful. Every interaction with the Non-profit has been great. Important organization to our communities and communities outside of there area. Cannot say enough good things.

Emily P.

Incredible organization! Their presentations on inclusion are informative and inspiring and can be tailored to all age groups or community settings. I have seen students use the tools and excitedly include other children after participating in these presentations. Their community of support on social media, parent groups, and meet ups are a lifeline to families and individuals who would otherwise be isolated. They bring hope to the community that we can all be included if we step outside our comfort zone and find Common Ground!

Jacki L.

I am constantly impressed with the Common Ground Society. They have presented at my school twice for the students, challenging each and every student to "Be the One" - a challenge my own son was happy to take to heart. Larkin even took the time to join my zoom class last year and talk with the kids. I admire their hard work and dedication to helping and supporting all families!!

stephanie C.

Where do I start?  I was first introduced to justtwomomssr a couple of years ago when Larkin and Melisa came to do a presentation at the elementary school where I teach a moderate/severe special education class.  The presentation,  in my opinion, was fantastic and really gave the students on campus something to think about with follow up activities in the classroom.  Later that year, one of the students who volunteered in my class regularly was nominated and chosen to "Be the One" and I was thrilled.  This student made an impact in the everyday lives of my students and I'm grateful he received this recognition.

I kept a close eye on Larkin and was so excited about Common Ground Society.  I've been following the organization and am so excited for all of its success.  This school year, my school did a "Be the One" activity a couple of weeks ago.  Classes watched videos of students with differing abilities and then took time to discuss similarities and differences.  For my class of students with disabilities,  we watched one video and practiced finding similarities with two different students.  In the second presentation, the student shared that she doesn't feel sorry for herself and that she hopes people will ask questions to better understand her disability. My students came up with about 6 questions and when I gave them to Larkin, she was able to get us a video response from this student.  My students were so excited to have another opportunity to learn more.  No doubt, this is a wonderful activity during Distance Learning to help introduce all students to each other and find some "common ground". I would encourage any teacher or school to consider doing this on their campus.

Meaghan K.

Common Grounds Society is a wonderful resource for our SPED community! Larkin gave a memorable presentation about inclusion and acceptance at HSMS that has been incredibly impactful! Giving students the facts about disabilities and allowing them to ask questions in a safe environment was paramount in helping us further improve our inclusion program. I would recommended Common Grounds Society to schools and families alike!

Nicole H.

To our family this is perhaps the most important organization and work being done to help our community understand the importance of inclusion. It is hard to describe the value in a way that really in reflects the magnitude in which we have been lifted by Common Ground Society. I am forever grateful to be a part of this organization. Lifelong friends have been made and I feel more confident advocating for my child with complex medical/special needs. Six stars!

Patrick R.

Common Ground Society was amazing to work with. I reached out to Larkin, looking for help setting up a parent panel to speak on intellectual/developmental disabilities. She was enthusiastic and motivated to help! The panel of speakers she put together was wonderful and very educational. I look forward to working with Common Ground Society in the future!

Tasha L.

This non-profit provides excellent resources for educators looking to introduce and immerse students in the concepts of inclusivity, acceptance, and differing abilities of peers. The activities we have done have given my students the opportunity to learn about real children and what they share with people that, at the surface, seem so different than them.