Neurodiversity Community Center, A Place for Connection, Belonging, and Empowerment

The Neurodiversity Community Center (NCC), located at 100 W. Cleveland St., is a place for everyone — all ages, all ways of being, all people. It is committed to offering a safe space for any person to be themselves. No agendas, no expectations, no goals — however you come to the NCC, you are already enough. After months of preparation, the NCC has officially opened its doors, and everyone is welcome.

The Journey to Opening

The NCC’s journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: to create a space where everyone feels welcome, safe, and accepted — a place that, based on the NCC founders’ experiences, didn’t really exist. There are so many spaces grounded in the medical model — characterizing people based on perceived problems and selling solutions to those problems. Instead, the NCC founders set out to create a space where nobody feels any pressure or expectation to change, improve, or achieve anything. And even just a few weeks in, they already have achieved exactly that.

The NCC’s Programs and Community Engagement

This summer, the NCC is opening its doors every day from 10:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. for people to come in and enjoy the space at no cost: to do art projects, play games, chat, or simply hang out. Weekends feature more community activities as well:

– Friday evenings: Community-wide potluck and campfire nights.

– Saturday evenings: Adult-themed programs.

– Sunday evenings: Family-oriented programs.

As we move into the fall, the center will expand its offerings with a variety of groups, clubs, after-school programs, and more.

Neurodiversity: What It Means

At the NCC, neurodiversity simply acknowledges that everyone experiences the world differently. It’s not about disorders, diagnoses, or divergence; it’s not about better or worse, good or bad, or right or wrong; we’re all different. In that way, the center is a place where any person can feel safe to be themselves without the pressure to change or conform.

Creating a Positive Space for Everyone

The NCC is committed to making the space welcoming for everyone, no matter their ages, identities, spoken languages, interests, or anything else. Its mission is to provide a sanctuary where people can connect, learn, and grow in a positive and affirming environment.

Looking Ahead

The NCC is excited to continue building partnerships and engaging with the broader community. Whether through school visits, collaborations with local organizations, or hosted events, the NCC is dedicated to spreading the message of neurodiversity and creating a space where everyone feels valued.

We invite you to visit the NCC, participate in its programs, and be a part of this incredible journey. Together with the NCC team and the great people of Old Town Lafayette, we can help create a community that celebrates and embraces the beauty of neurodiversity.