Mission Statement

Based on the bedrock foundation of V’Ahavta L’Reacha Kamocha (Love your fellow as yourself), it is the Friendship Club’s mission to:    
 

· Provide a range of social experiences for children and teens with special needs

· Provide parents and families of children and teens with special needs respite and support.

· Provide opportunities for teenagers to volunteer with and assist special needs children.  

The Friendship club  does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment.

Our Vision

At the heart of all of the Friendship Club’s programming is the belief that each and every individual can be a productive member of the community and benefit from the social support offered by one’s peers.  Friendship, acceptance and a chance to participate in socially accepted bonding opportunities are critical to achieving this type of inclusive society.

The Friendship Club aims to provide children and teenagers with autism and other special needs and their families with many of the social and recreational opportunities that are currently available to the general community.  These experiences are essential building blocks for an individual to acquire confidence and self esteem and to ultimately lead a productive, normative adult lifestyle.

We envision a world in which people with special needs and their families experience acceptance, inclusion and friendship as contributing members of society.  We foresee a future where they never again have to suffer the social isolation that has often been so prevalent in society.

The Friendship Club aims to create an environment for teens that will nurture and inspire them with meaning, purpose, and self-value; a sense of connection to and responsibility for the greater community through innovative and stimulating programs.  We see this as essential to developing and producing the members and leaders of tomorrow.

The Friendship Club Today

As the fastest growing Jewish organization for special needs children in America, the Friendship Club’s wide array of innovative programming promotes a greater awareness and understanding of both the unique needs and the unique gifts of those with special needs, and encourages respect and empathy for those facing difficult challenges.

The children and families benefit from home visits, recreational group programming, winter and summer camps, athletic opportunities and holiday celebrations.  The Volunteer Club offers meaningful educational and social events for the teen mentors.