About us
Who we are
The Friendship Circle is today’s fastest growing organization for children with special needs. With over 79 locations worldwide, the Friendship Circle has cultivated friendships between 7,000 special children and close to 11,000 teen volunteers. The Friendship Circle’s unique approach brings together teenage volunteers and children with special needs for hours of fun and friendship. These shared experiences empower the children, our special friends, while enriching the lives of everyone involved.
Our Mission
At Friendship Circle, we believe every child and young adult deserves meaningful friendships, a sense of belonging, and opportunities to be an active part of their community.
Through caring volunteers, participants build lasting friendships, grow in confidence, and create joyful memories. Our volunteers also develop empathy, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to inclusion, becoming the next generation of community leaders.
We support families of children and young adults with physical or intellectual disabilities by building an inclusive community where everyone has a place. Volunteers, participants, families, staff, and supporters each play an essential role in creating a Circle of Friendship rooted in kindness, understanding, and connection.
Together, we create a world where everyone belongs, every individual is valued, and every person is given the opportunity to thrive.
- The staff is a team of leaders and professionals for whom the Friendship Circle is a labor of love
The Friendship Circle’s Grill
About the Grill
The Friendship Grill was created to give adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities something everyone deserves: opportunity, purpose, and a chance to shine.
As a program of Friendship Circle of Greater Fort Lauderdale, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Grill serves as a hands-on job training and employment setting where participants build confidence, develop real-world skills, and discover the unique abilities and strengths they have to offer. Through meaningful work, they gain independence, purpose, and the pride that comes from making a valuable contribution to their community.
When you support Friendship Grill, you’re doing more than enjoying a great meal, you’re helping create opportunities, open doors, and empower remarkable individuals to build brighter futures!
This program is made possible through the generous support of The Jewish Federation and our dedicated community of supporters.
