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A welcoming social club for young adults ages 18–30.

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click here to register
Click here to be a volunteer

Find your people. Try new things. Be exactly who you are.

Different Together is a monthly neurodivergent-friendly hangout for young adults ages 18-30 year who want to explore the community and connect with others in a space where everyone belongs and has something valuable to share.
​Come for the tacos. Stay for the friendships.
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📍 Ages 18–30
🍕 Dinner included 
🎲 Fun monthly
​      activities
​
🤝 Meet new people

😊 Sensory-aware       
      environment

​🚗 Transportation assistance
​      available
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​Nervous about coming alone? That's totally normal.

You won't be the only new person.
  • 💁🏻‍♀️ bring a caregiver or support person
  • 🤲🏻 join in when you're ready
  • 👥 come with a friend​
  • ​👁️ take time to observe
​
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🍽️We eat together: Because good conversations often start around a table.
🎲We play together: Games, challenges, and other activities where everyone can join in their own way.
​🚶🏻We explore together: A relaxed, sensory-friendly space where you can fully be yourself.
👥We connect together: No pressure to be someone you aren't. Just a chance to meet people and be yourself.
The goal is not just "activities." The goal is to make memories.
Typical meetings may include:
🧩Game Nights
​​🚶🏻Exploring local places
🌮Trying new foods
☕Hanging out with friends
🎳Bowling
🍕Making dinner together
🍿Movie nights
🎨Creating art​

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Life after high school can feel different. It isn't always easy to meet new people or find places where you feel comfortable being yourself.

Different Together is here to change that. Every month you'll share a meal, have fun, try new activities, and spend time with people who are happy to have you there. Whether you come with a friend or on your own, you'll find a welcoming place where you can make connections, build confidence, and simply belong.
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Different Together is a monthly social group for young adults ages 18–30. It's a place to meet new people, have fun, and be yourself.
Every month we'll share a meal, try something new, and spend time together. We might play games, make art, go bowling, watch a movie, or head out into the community. There’s always something fun to look forward to, and there’s no pressure for participants to be anyone but themselves.

Whether they come with a friend or on their own, they'll be welcomed just as they are. Different Together is all about making connections, building friendships, and creating a place where everyone belongs.
FOR PARENTS
For Parents
​Different Together is a monthly social group for young adults ages 18–30 who are looking for friendship, connection, and a place to belong. Created with disabled young adults in mind, the group welcomes anyone who values kindness, inclusion, and community.

Each month, participants will share a meal, enjoy a fun activity, and spend time getting to know one another in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether we're playing games, creating art, going bowling, or watching a movie, every gathering is designed to make it easier to build friendships and create lasting memories.

The program is welcoming, sensory-friendly, and gently facilitated so everyone can participate at their own comfort level. Caregivers are welcome to attend when needed, while we encourage young adults to grow in confidence and develop meaningful relationships with their peers.
FOR PROFESSIONALS
For Professionals
​
Different Together is designed with neurodivergent young adults in mind while remaining welcoming to peers who value inclusive connection. The goal is to create a space where young adults can build friendships, practice social interaction, and experience community in a support environment.


Each month participants will gather to prepare a simple meal together and participate in a structured, but low pressure activity such as board games, crafts, bowling, or a movie outing.

The tone of the program will be welcoming, sensory-considerate, and lightly facilitated. Caregivers may attend if needed, but the primary focus is creating opportunities for young adults to build their own peer relationships.

This group is facilitated by a staff member who is an IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards) Certified Autism Resource.
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Don't let a ride get in the way of hanging out. If getting to our monthly meetups is a challenge, we have a small transportation assistance fund to help you get here stress-free.

Contact us if this is something you will need to get to and from the program.
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Click here to register
Click here to becomE A VOLUNTEER

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Answer
No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to participate in Different Together.
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Answer
No. Participation is always your choice.
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Answer
​Different Together meets once a month. Each gathering includes a shared meal, a fun activity, and plenty of time to relax, socialize, and build friendships.
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Answer
​Absolutely! Many participants come on their own, and our staff and volunteers work to create a welcoming environment where it's easy to get involved. 


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Answer
​​Every month is a little different! Each gathering includes a shared meal and a fun, low-pressure activity designed to help people connect and build friendships. Some planned activities include board games, bowling, and movie night.
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Answer
​Thanks to the generosity of our funders and community supporters, participants can enjoy all meals and activities free of charge.
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Answer
It's completely normal to feel nervous about trying something new. Many participants feel the same way before their first meeting.

If it would help, you're welcome to meet with Mandy at The River Center or over Zoom so you can ask questions before your first meeting.

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Answer
Yes! Parents, caregivers, friends, and support staff are welcome to attend if it helps you feel comfortable.
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Answer
We take food allergies and dietary restrictions very seriously because everyone deserves to have access to the same experience. Please let us know about any food allergies or dietary needs when you register, and we'll do our best to provide options that meet your needs.
​
Non-dairy and gluten-free options will be available whenever possible.

Meet Your Host

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Mandy Carter

Mandy Carter is the host of Different Together and an IBCCES Certified Autism Resource, an internationally recognized credential demonstrating specialized expertise in autism, neurodiversity, and inclusive support. She is also a 2025 graduate of the UNH Institute on Disability's NH Leadership Series and facilitates a peer-run support group for parents of children with disabilities, See the ABLE not the LABEL.

As a mom of a disabled young adult, she combines professional training with lived experience and a passion for inclusion, Mandy creates a welcoming environment where young adults can build friendships, grow in confidence, and feel accepted for who they are.


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    Need more information? Want to volunteer?

Tell Me More!
Contact form submissions are responded to on M-Th. If you have a more urgent request, please call us at (603) 924-6800 or email [email protected] directly. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.
click the links to learn more and register

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​9 Vose Farm Road
​Suite 115
Peterborough, NH 03458
603-924-6800
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Designated since 2018.
Copyright © 2026 by The River Center​
  • Home
  • Programs
    • Different Together
    • Family Support >
      • Early Home Support
      • Parenting/Caregiver & Family Programs
      • Youth Programs
      • Kinship Navigation
    • Financial Wellness >
      • Money Matters Programs
      • Money Coaching
      • Free Tax Preparation
    • Registration Form
  • CALENDAR/EVENTS
    • Calendar
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Staff and Board
    • Blog
    • Newsletters
  • Resources
    • Community Resources
    • FACT Book
    • On-Site Agencies
    • SweenFleetz P22
    • Wood Bank
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Attend a Program
  • Donate