Meet FC Volunteer Cady Meshnick of Stamford, CT
with Dani Rosen – Vice President of the FC Volunteer Leadership Board

Dani: How long have you been working with Friendship Circle?

Cady: I started in November of 2006, so it’s been about a year and six months since I began working with the Friendship Circle! It has been a rewarding experience, and I am excited to continue volunteering in the years to come.

Dani: What inspired you to get started?

Cady: My brother suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. I’ve seen the effects of his disability on his quality of life and his relationships. When I heard about the Friendship Circle, I saw an opportunity to improve the life of a child who, like my brother, has special needs. The idea of improving the life of not only a child, but that child’s family, sparked my desire to start working with the Friendship Circle.

Dani: What is your favorite part about Friendship Circle?

Cady: The “Friends at Home” program. Getting to play with my special friend, Jasper, at his house where he is in his element is amazing. He is completely comfortable at his house, with all his favorite music and toys, and we are able to be completely relaxed during our visits rather than having to adjust to a new environment each time I visit him.

Dani: Is there any advice that you would like to give to other members?

Cady: I would tell any volunteer to get as involved as they possibly can with their special friend! Not only are you improving the life of that child, but you are helping his or her entire family, whether it be by giving his or her parents an hour to relax or spend time with other children, or even just giving the family the joy of seeing their child interact with you. Don’t be afraid to jump in and get really involved! I have become so close to not only Jasper, but his entire family, and I love every minute I get to spend with them.

Dani: Was it difficult when you first began working with Jasper?  Are there any barriers you had to overcome in order to connect with him?

Cady: It’s never been difficult- that word has such a negative connotation- but there were definitely barriers when I first began working with Jasper. I didn’t know him at that point. His interests, his likes, his dislikes, and his habits were all a mystery to me. Just these things created a barrier, but as time progressed, I got to know Jasper and was able to make a connection with him. Every experience with him is rewarding, so I don’t really have any memories of the barriers. The good times replace the challenging ones!

Dani: What makes you so connected to Jasper?