The Murphy family has called Edinburgh home since 2017. Robert, Heather, Michael, and Reagan moved here just after their kids finished high school due to a job change for Robert. Edinburgh has been an incredible fit for their family from the beginning, and the connections they have made in the community have helped them embed themselves in the Suwanee area in a way they had never imagined.

The Murphy family is passionate about a little place in Suwanee that has become Reagan’s heartwarming home away from home - Happyfeat. Happyfeat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports individuals with special needs by providing inclusive programs to support the community’s incredible friends and their communities in the critical areas of community involvement and life enrichment platforms.

Happyfeat Founder Lucy Evans and Program Director Nicole Short are North Gwinnett High School graduates and childhood friends. They have a heart for supporting special needs community members, and their shared passion has allowed them to grow Happyfeat into its current program. 

Lucy shares, “Our objective is pretty simple – create an immeasurable amount of opportunities for the world to see that those with disabilities are beautiful, valuable, and capable. With the help of our amazing community and others, we can continue to build our organization that will support “the happiest people on earth” well beyond their high school years. We call it inclusion for life.”

Happyfeat’s mission is “To bring happiness, value, and love to each and every one of our special needs friends and their communities through friendship, happy events, and inclusion.”

Heather and Robert are not shy about how they feel about Lucy, Nicole, and Happyfeat. “We think the world of Lucy, Nicole, and everyone who makes Happyfeat a success!” Heather shares, “When we moved back to Georgia in 2017, my biggest worry and fear was getting our daughter Reagan involved in the community and activities where she could meet and make friends. She had just aged out of the school system programs, so I knew this would be an issue. However, when touring our now-home in Edinburgh, the previous owners met Reagan and mentioned Happyfeat, as did several friendly new neighbors. This is one of the reasons I love this neighborhood!”

Heather and Reagan met Lucy that summer at a Happyfeat fundraising event at Chick-fil-A. Reagan was so excited to meet her and some new friends. Lucy shared with Heather about one remaining summer camp week of ‘Camp Happy,’ so Heather signed Reagan up for a few days. Reagan asked, “If I don’t like it, will you come get me?” Heather said yes, but she loved it!

Shortly after camp, Lucy invited Reagan to a Day Program for young adults who had aged out of school. In August 2017, Reagan’s Happyfeat Day Program journey started. Seven years later, Reagan has a group of best friends, and the Happyfeat family has become the Murphy’s extended family.

Heather tells us, “Our hopes and dreams for Reagan are that she has great friends, enjoys community activities, and has a sense of accomplishment. At Happyfeat, she has these things. They go shopping, cook, go to the parks in Suwanee, exercise with the fantastic folks at FitFrenzy Dance Studio, and work at Server Nights at local restaurants like Mellow Mushroom and Ippolito’s in Suwanee. During their field trips, they even visit the Suwanee Art Center for art projects. The Happyfeat members are also learning to give back to the community that gives to them by doing activities, including volunteering at the North Gwinnett CO-OP and bringing cookies to the local Fire Station.”

Reagan loves being with her best friends, although she was initially nervous. “I faced my fears and joined in and made new friends.” Reagan loves shopping for ingredients and cooking, going on field trips (especially to the mall!), the Server Nights at Mellow Mushroom and Ippolitos, walks in the park with her friends, attending FitFrenzy Dance Studio to exercise, and, of course, doing all the holiday stuff at Happfeat! Reagan tells us, “Lucy is the best mentor ever. She is very kind. Nicole is awesome and very sweet. She is very helpful. I love them both!”

Having this program for the special needs young adults who have aged out of the school programs in our area is a blessing to our community and the Murphy family. What a beautiful community Lucy and Nicole have built! 

Get Involved and Support Happyfeat
Happyfeat is hosting an exciting, free event that promises a day of fun, community spirit, and meaningful connections. On November 10, 2024, the NEW Town Center on Main Street will be the place to be as Happyfeat hosts its fundraiser in the brand-new park.

Prepare to be wowed by an incredible array of unique vehicles, from sleek bikes to cool classic cars. Whether you’re an auto enthusiast or just enjoying a day of excitement, this event will have something for everyone who appreciates anything on wheels. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet some amazing people who are making a positive impact right here in our community.

At 1:00 PM, don’t miss a performance by country music star Andy Velo, joined by Happyfeat members, as they honor our Veterans at the newly dedicated Veterans Memorial. This special tribute is sure to be a memorable part of the day.

Come hungry! Enjoy delicious food and drinks, and explore a variety of vendors offering local favorites throughout the event.

While the event is free and open to the public, all proceeds from sponsorships and car registrations will benefit Happyfeat’s programs serving the Special Needs Community. By attending, you’re helping support an incredible cause that positively impacts many lives.

If you own a unique car or bike and want to participate or are interested in sponsoring the event, scan the QR code or visit https://www.happyfeat.org/events/suwaneeclassiccarshow to register.

Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and join us for a fun-filled day that celebrates community, honors our Veterans, and supports a great cause!