What Can The Friendship Circle Offer Your Child?

The Friendship Circle revolves around friendship. Children with special needs often have plenty of professionals and service workers who work with them on a regular basis; however, the most important part of a child's life is a feeling of belonging. the volunteers who participate in the friendship circle are talented, caring and energetic. We match each child with an appropriate volunteer. We then organize social experiences, both one-on-one and group activities, that foster camaraderie, friendship and fun. Your child will gain confidence and moral support with new friends who care for them no matter what.

What Can The Friendship Circle Offer You?

Parents of children with special needs have their hands full. Often, parents find it difficult to join a community or commit time to programs because of their busy schedules. The Friendship Circle offers much needed respite for parents and siblings as well as providing a platform for expression and involvement with the community at large and with other families who share common goals. We are confident that the relationships and experiences your child will encounter in The Friendship Circle will foster positive relationships in the home.

Register your child 
(Please complete before each school year) 

 Sign up for a program (one easy form covers all programs) 
(Descriptions of programs below; click on links for details)

Friendship Circle Programs

Home Visitations: The foundation of our organization revolves around home visitation. Home visits establish a strong connection between volunteers and families in a manner which provides children with socialization, skill building and friendship.
     
 
Family Fun Days: Family Fun Days are outings with The Friendship Circle for your whole family. Come watch your child hang out with peers and socialize over some good old fun. Also a great opportunity to get together with other parents involved in the program and share friendship in more than one way. There are seven outings throughout the coming school year.

Sports Nights: Friendship Circle will be offering three sports classes during the coming school year; one general sports class and two basketball classes. Each activity is a five week commitment and has a sign-up fee of $50. Sports nights are open to ages 8+. 

Teen Scene: This is a new aspect to The Friendship Circle, inspired by our older participants. OSU volunteers are paired with teenaged buddies, both for home visits and group programming. Activities include Artisit's Circle, Bowling, and Culinary Classes. 


Parent Events: Informal gatherings planned for both parents of volunteers and parents of the special buddies, respectively. At the volunteer parent events, information about the program is shared and questions are addressed and discussed. Parents also take the time to share a cup of coffee and camaraderie.  

Also: 

Holiday Events: These are community events for Friendship Circle families and volunteers. Look here for details as the dates get closer.

Sept 26-Sukkot Celebration
Dec 1- Chanuka party at Easton
March 20: Purim Masquerade

  Special Summer Program: Adventure Walks (details)  

 

Take the Parent's Survey
(for families who have participated previously)