Nikki Carey: One Table STL
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 17
Nikki Carey wanted a place where everyone felt welcome.
This passion, vision and intention combined with the support of a community grew into One Table STL, a non-profit serving adults with disabilities.
One Table STL began with a friendship in kindergarten between Nikki and Gabby Meyer in St. Louis. “What stood out to me about Gabby was her joy, spirit, exuberance, and confidence. She was and is fun to be around. I’ve had the opportunity to observe Gabby blossom into an independent woman. I feel a kinship with this community.”
Listen to our StoryCorps interview here: Nikki Carey: One Table STL – StoryCorps Archive
After years of working in the food industry, Nikki began to look for something more fulfilling. She knew she wanted to work with the special needs community and combine her love of food.
She had a conversation with Shana Meyer, Gabby’s mom and asked her: “What is missing? What resources and opportunities are missing for adults with special needs?”
Shana responded: “There can be a huge drop off after school programming, especially for social opportunities, skill building, and community. Unfortunately, these specific resources become very limited for adults with special needs.”
This led Nikki to Shari Brune who heads the Friends Group. Nikki had a conversation with Shari and her her husband Dr. Kendall Brune, a Social Health & Policy Entrepreneur and Innovation Officer who is an executive coach as well.
From these conversations and Nikki’s passion, One Table STL grew into the idea of creating programming that included practical life skills, planning, teamwork, basic nutrition, and confidence while building friendship, community, and independence.
Nikki says, “I didn’t have everything figured out! I learn something new every day. And the people are what it’s all about for me.”
While every day there is a new challenge-including navigating the non-profit world, Nikki feels the support from this community. “One Table STL exists because of this amazing community of people, and the love we receive. Gaby and her family have been a huge inspiration.”
Collaborative partners (listed on her website and part of the interview) offer support as well. Nikki hopes to expand opportunities and reach more adults in the community with these partners.
Nikki loves that this community is “all in!”
“It’s such a gift to be part of something so wonderful! Inclusion doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it starts with something simple like cooking together and sharing a meal at one table.”
Nikki Carey is proof that if you follow your passion and share your gift lovingly and willingly good things can happen. And I would like to add, I am so grateful that Shari Brune introduced us. Nikki, as Shari and Shana agree is a "gem". She is a grounded young woman who cares about her work, the people she meets and is the first to offer grace, generosity and insight. I have had the opportunity to work with her on a Friends program and it was one of the most enjoyable evenings I've spent. I look forward to more conversations (about life!) as well as additional programming in the future!
Expect Good. Defy Gravity! Sparkle ON! Keep those pots shaking!
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