Friendship Circle's History:

a volunteer faith-based program of outreach to special needs families

Children challenged by Autism, and other disabilities, share laughter, love, and life lessons with

Teen volunteers.

The Friendship Circle now embraces over 11,000 members internationally and includes a 22,000

sq ft. facility built by love, and it all grew from the simplest of questions, first posed in 1994.

"Who in the world is most in need of a friend?"

The first voice that came from the community was a mere whisper, but was clear. It came

from a child. A child challenged and isolated by unusual physical, mental, or emotional needs

is missing a most important ingredient in the recipe for happiness, a friend to call their own.

It was not to be the only answer. As the Friendship Circle sought teen volunteers to develop

as special friends of the little ones, it became clear that the gift of friendship enriched both

parties. Teens grew and bloomed from the simple acceptance and unconditional love they

experienced from their younger friends. As one teen volunteer phrased it, "When I am with

these children I feel calm and soothed. I know there are no judgments being passed. I know

they don't care what I look like...together we live in the moment, enjoying each second of each

other's company". Or as another teen put it, "I have learned that one hour a week is enough

to change a life forever". Teen volunteers have gone on to establish new Friendship Circle

chapters near their colleges just to continue to enjoy the special bond they share with

their young friends.

There was yet another answer to that original question. Parents of the children with special

needs were given the gift of a few hours each week when they knew their children were safe

and being entertained by a friend. That precious time might be spent in activities as mundane

as paying bills or having an uninterrupted phone conversation, but are a gift by any measure.

"We love our daughter unconditionally, and to know that others love her as well, even with

all her behavioral difficulties, brings such a sense of peace to us", wrote one mother.

Just 12 years later, a tiny non-profit program that began with just 8 volunteers in the Detroit

area has grown to include more than 75 chapters across 5 Continents!

For more on the Friendship Circle, please visit www.friendshipcircle.com