Family Programs

For the Kids
Friends at Home

This weekly program has teenage volunteers spending quality time with children with special needs in the environment the kids are most comfortable and familiar with: their own homes. A unique bond is established between the volunteers and their friends. The range of activities shared can be anything from cookie-baking to arts & crafts, story-time to hide-and-seek. Parents speak glowingly of how the children look forward to these visits; and how they excitedly sit at the window in anticipation of their buddies showing up at the doorstep.

Sunday Circle
This is a monthly event wherein the children, volunteers and staff come together at designated locations in the South Bay area for special activities. As they drop their children off in capable hands, moms and dads get to enjoy some free time to themselves. In addition to providing for one-on-one interaction with a teen friend in the company of others, highlights of Sunday Circle include music, dance, art, physical fitness, educational and comedic performances. It’s social. It’s lively. It’s fun.


Sports Night
Participating in sports is a great way to build friendships, confidence, and physical health. At Sports Night volunteers get to be an assistant coach to their special friend, getting to know them as they shoot hoops and kick goals. Under the guidance of a professional instructor, Coach Derek of Kids First Sports Programs, volunteers will build skills together with their special friends as they take part in various sports activities.


Life Skills
Teens, ages 13 and up, learn to maximize functionality in public places and facilities. By navigating novel environments, the teens learn to reference signs as well as a general public awareness. By engaging in monetary transactions, they build skills used to communocate with unfamiliar faces. By giving them a budget, the learn the concept of value and receiving due change. Ultimately, as always, "fun" is our main priority. Friendships are made through participation in these socially fun outings.


Birthday Club
Invite The Friendship Circle to your child’s birthday party! Our friendly volunteers will be there to help run the festivities. Party highlights will include fabulous activities, refreshments and of course… a birthday cake. Happy Birthday!


Winter/Summer Camps
Children and volunteers enjoy creative and recreational activities with memories to last a lifetime.


For the Siblings
Sibshops
Siblings of children with special needs often have issues and needs of their own. “Sibshops” provide opportunities for these siblings to get together with other brothers and sisters of children with special needs. Between the creative discussions and fun times, “Sibshops” allow the siblings of your child to discover new tools and points of view with which to face their own often trying situations.


For the Moms
Mom’s Night Out

These, too, are social gatherings with great therapeutic benefit. Upbeat and friendly, these luncheons, dinners or workshops allow mothers of children with special needs to catch an entertaining breather while exchanging ideas, sharing feelings and discovering available resources in the company of other moms in the same predicament as their own. The benefits of such interaction, support and mutual understanding have proven to be immeasurable.


For the whole Family
Fairs and Festivals
These seasonal special events held throughout the year allow your entire family to celebrate together in a totally upbeat, relaxed and conducive setting. From carnivals to community fairs, picnics to concerts, Friendship Circle events are permeated with their own special brand of love and fun. Here again, staff and volunteers are on hand to cater the event to the particular needs of your child.