HOW BRILLIANT. A partnership with the L.E. Phillips Memorial Library and Island of Brilliance has resulted in a new program, called The Fellowship, for neurodiverse individuals. (Submitted photos)

The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library has partnered with Islands of Brilliance, a statewide nonprofit focused on supporting individuals on the neurodivergent spectrum, to present The Fellowship series. The new local programming is a creative community for autistic and neurodiverse individuals ages 16 and up. 

Participants engage in regular evening sessions of creative projects and get the opportunity to immerse themselves in their neurodivergent community. Each session is different, using a mix of hands-on art supplies and iPads for digital projects, and ends with a group discussion. 

“(The Fellowship) takes different curriculum elements from existing Islands of Brilliance programs, which are designed to engage and empower autistic and neurodivergent youth, teens, and adults through creativity, community, and connection,” said Woodzick, statewide outreach manager for Islands of Brilliance. 

Islands of Brilliance secured a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to offer this program free throughout the state until the end of September. The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library was one location in the state contacted to offer the program in its community. 

“There was a profound need for creative and empowering programming for autistic and neurodiverse individuals throughout the state,” Woodzick said of the motivation behind The Fellowship. “Our goal is to create positive connections and empower these participants while at the same time changing perceptions of autistic and neurodiverse individuals.”

Locals can register for the series monthly. Sessions are every other week, for two sessions per month from 4:30-5:30pm on Wednesdays in the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library’s lower level, room 039.

Ultimately, The Fellowship is a space for members to connect with their neurodivergent community creatively, creating a chance to meet kindred spirits and find common interests. 

You can register for the event here and also learn more about The Fellowship and the different Wisconsin cities it is offered in as well online.