The Friendship Circle extends a helping hand to children, teens and adults who have special needs, involving them in a full range of social, Judaic, and educational experiences. Please click on the age of your child below to see what programs are currently available for them.
SUNDAY CIRCLE
Sunday Circle is a program for participants of all ages in which they are paired together with teenage volunteers. Through the use of innovative and creative activities, music and movement and many other specialties, they explore different themes which help them further develop social, motor and sensory skills.
Contact us for more info
TEEN SCENE
Teen Scene is a newly restructured social club for teens with special needs. This interactive program is specifically designed to develop both independence and social skills for teens in a fun, warm and loving environment. Once a month the teens will meet and together with a volunteer they will go on trips, play games, and spend quality time with friends.
Contact us for more info
HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
At our popular Holiday Programs of children with special needs come together and celebrate the Jewish Holidays in a fun, joyous and warm atmosphere.
MOM & DAD NIGHT'S OUT
Parents need a break too! At our Mom’s & Dad’s Nights Out, parents of children with special needs gather for an evening of camaraderie, networking, delicious cuisine, creative concepts and a fun night out.
FAMILY FUN DAY
Bring the family and join us for a fun filled action packed day. Whether it’s splashing in a water park, picking strawberries on a farm or indulging in a delicious BBQ- we’ve got you covered.
I WALK 4 FRIENDSHIP
I Walk 4 Friendship, is an annual fundraiser where the community joins together and participates in a 3k walk and family fun day, to raise both awareness and money for the Friendship Circle and the programs they provide for children with special needs.
WINTER CAMP
Friendship Circle Winter Camp is an action packed, fun filled three days which allow children with special needs ages 5 -15 the opportunity to taste the camp experience while enjoying field trips, music, crafts, special performances and much more. Camps take place during both Winter & Spring Break School Holidays.
Transform your vacation into an unforgettable experience!!
FRIENDSHIP BAKERY
Friendship Cafe is a branch of Life skills, where adults ages 18+, work alongside our pastry chef Debbie making delicious desserts that we sell to the community, we train them and teach them skills to get jobs and be independent.
Visit the NEW Friendship Bakery Website!
SISTER CIRCLE
Sister Circle is Friendship Circle's program for girls ages 6–18, designed specifically for the sisters of children with special needs. It is a welcoming space where girls can build meaningful friendships, learn valuable life lessons, and create a lasting sense of sisterhood.
Through creative activities workshops, and empowering experiences, participants connect with others who understand their journey while growing in confidence, resilience, and self-esteem.
Sister Circle is a community where lifelong friendships are formed, memories are made, and every girl is reminded that she is an important part of the Friendship Circle family.
SIBLING SUPPORT
Our Sibling Support Group provides brothers and sisters of children with special needs a safe, creative, and supportive space to express themselves, connect with peers, and navigate the unique experiences of having a sibling with additional needs.
Led by a highly talented therapist, each session encourages self-expression, builds resilience, and strengthens their emotional well-being.
Through guided creative activities, meaningful discussions, and shared experiences, siblings develop confidence, coping skills, and lasting friendships while discovering that they are not alone.
This program reminds every sibling that their feelings matter, their voice is important, and they deserve support too.
FRIENDS AT HOME
Friends at Home (4-17 years old), is a program where each week teenage volunteers visit the homes of children with special needs and play with them for an hour. It is during this time that the bond between child and volunteer is formed and a strong connection is made.
These visits can be arranged to accommodate a wide variety of schedules. Please contact us on the link below or call 954.970.9551. This program is offered free of charge.
Contact us
Young Adults Division (YAD)
Our Young Adult Division (YAD) provides adults with special needs a place to continue learning, building friendships, and developing the skills needed for greater independence and future employment.
Through meaningful social, educational, and vocational experiences, participants are empowered to discover their strengths, gain confidence, and become active members of their community.
Alongside these programs participants build essential life skills including communication, money management, time management, personal responsibility, problem-solving, social interaction, organization, and workplace readiness.
Regular outings, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and community activities further promote independence while creating meaningful friendships and a true sense of belonging.
YAD is a community where every young adult is encouraged to learn, grow, contribute, and thrive, while preparing for a more independent and fulfilling future.
Mitzvah Volunteer Program (MVP)
Our Volunteer Training & Sensitivity Workshops prepare teen volunteers with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to build meaningful friendships with children, teens, and adults of all abilities.
Through engaging workshops, volunteers learn about a wide range of disabilities, effective communication, appropriate interactions, inclusion, empathy, safety, and the importance of treating every individual with dignity and respect.
The training series culminates in a hands-on volunteer experience, allowing participants to put their learning into practice while making a real difference in someone's life.
Beyond preparing volunteers for Friendship Circle programs, these workshops inspire a lifelong commitment to service, community involvement, acceptance, and kindness, empowering the next generation of compassionate leaders who understand the incredible impact one friendship can have.
FLOWERS FOR FRIENDSHIP
Flowers of Friendship: Twice a month, our participants create beautiful bouquets from donated flowers and deliver them to people who could use a little extra sunshine; patients, seniors, families in need, and others throughout our community.
This hands on program teaches creativity, teamwork, and vocational skills while reminding us that even the smallest act of kindness can brighten someone's day.
🌸 Every other Friday