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The Friendship Circle

We are the 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.

Families

Everyone in this world has a unique purpose. When we focus on abilities instead of disabilities, those with special needs can be part of the strongest friendships and influence people in positive ways that others can’t. The Friendship Circle of Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a full range of social experiences such as Teen Scene, Cheer leading, Friends @ Home, and Young Adult Circle giving our children/young adults and volunteers the chance to build friendships to last a lifetime!

Volunteers

Get on board! Join our many caring and committed volunteers who give of their time, patience, and love. The payment is a unique friendship with someone who will immediately accept you, come to love you, and never forget you! Volunteering with the Friendship Circle means hours and hours of fun! It means gaining a sense of security and self-esteem that comes from knowing that what you do makes a difference in the life of a child.

Support

The Friendship Circle is made up of five parts: volunteers, children, parents, staff, and Supporters. The true beauty of the circle is how we all link together to form a seamless circle of friendship. The supporter provides the wherewithal for the Friendship Circle to exist. By observing the very obvious difference the program is making to so many lives, supporters of the Friendship Circle make the smiles of these special children their own!

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.

Popular Activities

- Our Programs -

Culinary Club

Open Class : 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Travel the world & discover different yummy cuisines with fun, talented chefs!! Socialize with friends, discover your hidden talents and come home with deliciousness and lots of pride!!

Teen Scene

Open Class : 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Your child will gain the confidence of being an essential and accepted member of a social group. This program was designed to create a true social home base for our special teens, at the age where a social group can be defining and a necessity. Teen volunteers and teens with special needs get together twice a month for social activities and group “hang outs”, where they can have a great time while enhancing social skills along the way!

Young Adult Circle

Open Class : 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Young adult volunteers and young adults with special needs come together twice a month to form a social group of friends in a non- judgmental and accepting environment, while having a great time and enhancing their social skills along the way! The group has experienced an array of exciting activities, such as karaoke, unique art activities, and even baking with ingredients which they shopped for on their own.

Life Skills Program

Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Mission

Our Life Skills/ Job Training Program was created with the goal to provide our Adults with special needs an immersive, real- world environment where they can practice critical life and job skills. The program includes hands-on training in The Friendship Cafe, interpersonal & communication skills, academics such as basic math & reading, Yoga & relaxation techniques, a Mentorship program, Arts & more.

Criteria

Our program is for Adults 20+ with developmental disabilities. Participants must come with an open mind & willingness to participate, be independent with self-care restroom needs, & be respectful to those around them.