Up N Out Social Club of America’s History & How It StarteD
Up N Out Social Club of America
Up N Out Social Club of America was born from a simple but powerful belief:
everyone deserves friendship, fun, and a sense of belonging—regardless of ability.
Founded by Marian Alvarez in year 2022, Up N Out began with one question:
What if residents of assisted living homes had consistent opportunities to socialize, laugh, and enjoy life together outside their rooms and facilities?
From that thought, a vision took root.
How It All Began
While working closely with residents and caregivers in assisted living communities, Marian saw firsthand how social isolation affected individuals with disabilities and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Many residents had activities available—but not always the community connection that creates joy, confidence, and meaningful friendships.
Marian imagined something different:
A fun, flexible, welcoming social club where individuals could choose activities based on their interests, energy levels, and schedules—without pressure.
She reached out to friends across assisted living homes, and Up N Out Social Club of America was formed.
A Collaborative Approach to Serving the Disabled Community
From the beginning, Up N Out has collaborated with professionals and organizations dedicated to disability inclusion and brain injury recovery.
Marian worked closely with Dr. Daniel Andre Ignacio, a Doctor, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, and brain injury survivor. Together, they explored how structured social engagement could support emotional health, cognitive recovery, and overall well-being for individuals with disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.
This collaboration helped shape Up N Out into more than a social club—it became a supportive community ecosystem.
The core belief in, “people as medicine”, as an additional source of healing combined with a whole-person-centered approach, has been the foundational principle of Up N Out Social Club of America. In addition, the passion to support caregivers, to have social outlets to help alleviate stress that comes with caregiving has also been the main reason behind the development of Up N Out Social Club.
Marian Alvarez is grateful to God above all. She is also thankful to the people and organizations who have supported this vision and helped turn it into reality. She is grateful to those who assisted to take their residents up and out and into the community, as well as, all the professionals, community partners, volunteers, staff, members and caregivers who have been there to support this journey of helping and healing since the beginning, thus, Up N Out was born and flourished based on community action rooted in love, kindness and compassion.