Shari Brune creates community, connection, and inspiration just by being herself!

Spend a few minutes in the company of Shari and you will immediately feel as if the world is a better place. She is simply a bright light in our world. And I feel lucky to know her.

Shari and her daughter Paige are part of the Friends Group here in St. Louis. Started twenty years ago by Shana Meyer who created Abilities Awareness at Shendoah Valley Elementary in the Parkway School District, Shana wanted to celebrate everybody’s abilities. It was an idea for her own daughter Gabby-and all the kids benefited. With the support of Bruce
Hunter, the Principal and the entire staff, our students came to understand their own abilities as well.

While it takes a very special person to do what Shana did, it also takes a very special person like Shari to step into those very big shoes and take over the Girlfriends Group when Shana and her family moved.

When asked to chat about the Friends Group, Shari answers, “That’s my favorite thing to talk about!”

Working diligently to create a space where the young adults can come together, the Friends Group is also a place for parents and families. It’s the place to share strategies and to bounce ideas off people who walk in the same shoes. “Nobody can do this by themselves. We share encouragement, Insight, advice, and suggestions from one another. We laugh and cry and share a lot of meals!”

Shana wanted to get everyone together and kicked it with a pajama party at her house, calling it The Girlfriends Group. This group is now celebrating
twenty years, and they are still going strong. Along the way, they included dads, siblings and other family members and it became the Friends Group. Shana’s idea was for inclusiveness which supports the involvement of the entire family.

The Friends Group collaborate with community organizations including The Down Syndrome Association and The Pujols Family Association. The
organizations work together referring back and forth with one another. The Friends Group is interwoven yet separate. Shari says, “They support what
we do. We have a special niche because of the parent connection. It’s amazing to have the moms and dads come together and have that time of sharing and fun. We have a great time celebrating with these young adults. We love being together as a group.”

From a grass roots beginning based on the needs of a child to the Golden Friends of today, Shari Brune is keeping the light of the Friends Group shining.

Expect Good. Defy Gravity! Sparkle ON. Bring your unique and special abilities to the world.

To find out more, contact:

Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis
https://dsagsl.org/

The Pujols Family Association
https://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org/

To read more about the Friends Group:
https://www.stlouisgirlstorytelling.com/post/friends-group-moms-and-daughters-on-a-fitness-journey

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