FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE SD INC
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Friendship Circle of SD has helped my brother who has a very rare syndrome emensly. Every time I speak with him, he tells me about the next activity or event coming up. Thanks to Friendship Circle, he now has a social, educational and stimulating schedule to keep him busy during evenings and weekends. This is very important to me, since I live in Europe and am unable to spend time with him myself. I am a program director of an international European non-profit organization. I have extensive experience with non-profit organizations, and I have been very impressed with how efficeint friendship circle is run both with focus on every detail of the programs themselves, the care for each individal involved, and in the meticulous budgeting of the organization. I feel confident when donating to Friendship Circle, because almost all resources are spent directly on providing programs. I wish it were possible to make more funds available to Friendship Circle which in turn would benefit more special needs children and provide them with more programing.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing how happy and fulfilled my brother has become thanks to his involvment. He has done unbeleivable things such as surfing which would never have been possible without Frienship circle. I was amazed when he proudly announced that he could surf!
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
how they involve everyone. They encourage everyone to use their tallents to help Friendship circle. It makes each person involved feel worthwhile and experience the satisfaction of generousity and teamwork.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
kind and attentive. Open to ideas and advice.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I volunteer at the Friendship Circle and I have so much fun with it. It doesn't only benefit the families with special needs, it also benefits the volunteers. I have learned so much from the hours I have given and have grown in a spiritual way as well.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
nice, friendly, and good-hearted.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
The Friendship Circle is an amazing program, being that it is a program where everyone benefits. The child or adult with special needs gains a friend, and the volunteer gains a real sense of sensitivity, friendship, and responsiblilty. Elisheva has done an amazing job of integrating all age ranges of both "friend" and volunteer, througout the entire San Diego area, a true accomplishment.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
seeing the delight on the faces of both "friend" and volunteer when they see each other, be it at a home visit, or at a program.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
My son is on the autism spectrum, and although he is desperate to have friends and have fun, he has not been successful in making friends. For the past three years he has benefited so much from the volunteer teens who come to our home twice a week and play with him. He has grown so much socially, and his self-esteem has improved as he feels liked, valuable, and that he matters. These wonderful volunteer boys have completely changed my son's life. They are incredible. Thank-you Friendship Circle for the important work you do in improving the quality of life for so many children with disabilities.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing the positive change in my son. He has progressed from being a sad, lonely little boy with low self-esteem, to being a confident young man who feels like a valued member of the community.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Friendship Circle of San Diego is an awesome program. Every program that my kids and I have gone to, have been incredible. The program is run in such a professional way, and always geared to the kids. I can't wait for my oldest son to be old enough to volunteer. There is so much to learn for him. I just want to say "hats off" to Elisheva the Director and to her staff. Keep up the good work.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the fact that everyone is welcome. Whoever wants to participate can come and have a great time. The programs are always fun, and run well.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
The Friendship Circle is a unique and effective organization that provides children the opportunity to experience, learn and have fun with teen mentors. Not only do the teen volunteers benefit from meaningful one-on-one relationships with their assigned partner, the participants benefit from the opportunity to pair with "typical" kids, a much needed dynamic in building social integration skills. Hats off to EliSheva and her growing team!
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
motivated, skilled and in committed service to the participants (children).
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
My experience has been extremely positive, both as a volunteer playing music at events, as well as bringing my adult sister to participate in women's events. EliSheva has really filled a long existing need in our community, which benefits not only the disabled population, but also the teenagers who volunteer to befriend the clients served by Friendship Circle. I am hopeful that she will be able to continue to offer these important services for many years to come.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
how my sister was encouraged to interract with other women with similar handicaps, as well as expose her to Jewish content in fun and interesting ways that always encourage active participation.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
My son is a volunteer at Friendship Circle in San Diego. Surfing is his muse right now and he basically needs nothing from me at this point except food and rides to get food. But everytime we go to an Friendship Circle event, the experience gives us perspective, enjoyment, and a sense of making the world a better place. The acceptance of each other, as we are, spreads to our personal relationship and my son and I have great conversations on the way home. I should also mention that the events are well organized and creative.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The happiness in the kid's faces.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
better advertising
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The time spent with my teen.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
great
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Make a difference in the lives of a broader section of kids who have trouble socializing for whatever reason. Can you imagine life without being able to make friends? Give a hungry man a fish, better yet, teach him how to fish.
Ways to make it better...
How to acknowledge the differences in all of us and alert the teens about certain known behaviors of specific children and the best way to respond, ie; ignore, call the mom, talk into his eyes, touch, no touch, ect.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Educating the teens. The stigma associated with identifying one's child with a disability, and thereby eliminating a whole group of kids who would benefit from this program.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I am a Music Therapist, Special Education teacher and a volunteer for Friendship Circle of San Diego. Several times I was asked to set up a Music Resource room for parents or volunteers with their children to come and participate singly or in small groups. The activities were often related to holiday celebrations which added to the interest and enthusiasm of all concerned. I also helped to lead the entire assembly for one holiday celebration with the help of other musicians,teachers, volunteers and all the parents who came with their children. I am extremely impressed with all the activities of the San Diego Friendship Circle. First of all, the variety of activities offered are inspiring: from concerts, picnics, boat rides, horsebackriding, holiday gatherings of all varieties, which always include wonderful meals, foods and snacks which add to the awakening of all sensory experiences. Most impressive is the quality and committment of the volunteers, both teenagers who may become professionals in these fields some day and caring adults as well. This organization has a warm and efficient way of bringing the community together for activities and fund raising walks. Young people involved do become closer friends and the cooperation and volunteerism encouraged is phenomenal. It is a great source of comfort and support for so many parents with this added challenge of special needs children. As a grandmother of an extremely limited special needs child, who passed away at age 19, I experienced first hand the stress on my daughter's family, even though I helped when I could. Teenage volunteers who came on Sundays and holidays to help with his care, and also brought him to activities were so appreciated. They became like a part of our family as well. I was so touched and comforted by their involvement and I am so thankful for all the volunteers involved here in San Diego.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Becoming more friendly with some of the special needs children and volunteers as I meet them in the community.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
They impress me very much. I assume more administative help would enable them to expand. But I see new things being added all the time, such as a new newsletter.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Making friends. Uplifting parents by giving tips on language development and home activities to reinforce their growth.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Kind, caring, involved and from all ages and backrounds.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Build or rent its own facility to hold more frequent activities and weekend availablitly for respite for some situations. Transportation vehicles to site.
Ways to make it better...
I had more time to be involved.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Distances to be covered between neighborhoods where these families live. perhaps transportation help to the activities would be helpful.
One thing I'd also say is that...
The San Diego Friendship Circle adds a great deal to our community.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I am a parent of a young man with disabilities and I was absolutely delighted to find Friendship Circle. I had not previously found any place at all where my son could be offered amazing experiences with non-disabled peers in a positive, safe, and supportive environment and where I have been offered beautiful friendships and parent support with the most caring and understanding people.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
that my son has an enriched social life and is learning about Jewish holidays at a level he can comprehend. Also, the members who reach out to us have been a blessing and a great support
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Knowing we are not alone and that we are cared for.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
amazingly kind and helpful.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
offer more services for children and persons with disabilities and offer support and other services and it could offer more volunteer opportunities for the non disabled to interact and learn about the disabled...a win-win for all..very loving.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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