Midland Welcomes Its First Happy To Chat Bench Through Collaboration With 1in6 Support and Happy To Chat Bench

A bright new symbol of connection and kindness arrived in Midland this weekend: the community’s first Happy To Chat Bench, created through a partnership between Happy To Chat Bench in New Jersey and 1in6 Support in Midland.

The very first bench has been placed right outside the Midland location where 1in6 Support hosts its free weekly parent connection and support meetings, making it a natural gathering spot for families to connect before and after the group.The placement reflects the heart of the movement- creating simple, welcoming opportunities for people to talk, feel seen, and feel less alone.

Happy To Chat Benches are part of an international movement encouraging people to slow down, sit together, and invite conversation. The concept is simple but powerful: a designated bench with the “Happy To Chat” message lets others know, “I’m open to chatting.” These benches reduce isolation, spark community bonding, and create moments of human connection in everyday spaces.

This is the first bench of its kind in Midland, and local families have already expressed enthusiasm about how it will help build community, reduce loneliness, and model inclusion for people of all ages and abilities.

“At 1in6 Support, everything we do is about strengthening community ties,” said Iris Mehler, Co-Executive Director of 1in6 Support. “A Happy To Chat Bench is a natural extension of our mission. Families raising children with disabilities often feel isolated, and small acts of connection can make a huge difference.”

Happy To Chat Bench began as a simple idea and has grown into a wider movement promoting everyday connection in public spaces. With the addition of Midland’s first bench, the project is now expanding across state lines.

Happy To Chat Bench is seeking additional organizations, municipalities, and community groups interested in becoming partners who will adopt, install, or sponsor a Happy To Chat Bench in their own communities.

Organizations interested in hosting a bench or learning more can contact: www.happytochatbench.org

If you are a parent of a child (of any age) with a disability , feel free to connect with 1in6 Support to learn about our free activities and programs supporting caregivers: www.1in6support.org