Circle of Friends advocacy group founders Diane and Glenn Keen and Stephen Taylor recently accepted 262 acres of land in Ball Ground for a proposed community for the disabled.

Karen Cash of Community of Hope, Inc., donated the land to Circle of Friends after learning about its mission. Cash, along with her late husband Raymond, envisioned bringing people to their property, which is located at 1163 Bishop Road.

We wanted the land to remain as an open space for folks with developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, and inner-city youth to enjoy nature, said Cash, who kept the property as such since her husbands death in 2008.

Glenn Keen said the mission of Circle of Friends, which is to help support adults with special abilities and their families in Cherokee County, started years before its formation in January 2019. Questions arose from the Keens concern for their son Haden, Whats going to happen to my child when I die? What kind of services can I get for my child? Why do I have to travel so far for services?

These queries inspired the Keens to research existing communities such as Bridge Meadows in Portland, Oregon, and North Street Neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina.

Their research showed that these programs provided the following benefits:

• Socialization where young adults could have opportunities to do activities in the community, have fun, and make friends
• Supportive employment where they can flourish, develop skills, and be productive
• Supportive affordable living for different needs

The Circle of Friends formed to share those findings and hold meetings every first and third Thursday at Hickory Flat Church to bring awareness to their goal and to establish social activities for adults with disabilities.

Through this new partnership, Community of Hope and Circle of Friends will work together to build an intergenerational residential community.

The preliminary plans call for a community of 15-20 single-family houses, a group home community consisting of 6-8 detached townhouses (either duplex or triplex), and a large area to remain as an open space with potential for a camp.

Taylor said whats needed most right now are prayers and contributions. Fundraising events will be announced on the Circle of Friends Facebook page.

The housing component though will not be restricted to county residents only. We prayed for land in Hickory Flat, and our prayers were answered. Were still looking for Hickory Flat land, so keep praying, said Diane Keen.

Circle of Friends is also looking for a storefront in Hickory Flat to open a coffee shop. Donations are being accepted by check made payable to Circle of Friends, 900 Abbey Court, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004.

For additional information, email Stephen Taylor, executive director of Circle of Friends, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Diane Keen, chairperson-elect, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..