FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE SD INC
Invite reviews
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.
More feedback...
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
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
More feedback...
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.
More feedback...
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 have had the privilege of volunteering on an occasional basis for the Friendship Circle. Every time I have had the opportunity to be involved, it has been a rewarding experience for me. I particularly enjoy watching my daughter's involvement as a volunteer. I think we get more out of helping the Friendship Circle than the Circle gains from our participation.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing the beneficial affect that it has had on my nephew and my daughter
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
seeing the happy faces on the kids who benefit from the organization and on the teenage volunteers
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
cheerful, enthusiastic and dedicated
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 an amazing organization! Not only do they pair up children with disabilities with "friends" that allow parents some respite time, but all their events are of high quality and are set up to appeal to a variety of biological and developmental age groups.
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
happy, enthusiastic, positive individuals.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
do more and more AMAZING things for children with disabilities!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
I have volunteered for Friendship Circle. It has been a magnificant experience. Volunteers like myself strive to make the world a better place by volunteering and creating a sense of Unity. As I write I this I think of that famous song "We Are The World We Are The Children." So Everyone Lets Volunteer And Make The World A Better Place. Hillel Rissman
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Feeling unification amongst other Jewish people with special needs.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
It is perfect just the way it is
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The feeling of Unity
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Kind and Loving volunteers that understand the feeling of Unity.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Have Shabbatons once a month
Ways to make it better...
Friendship Circle is Perfect.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
The cost of having events.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I have found it very rewarding to help Friendship Circle. I was asked to play the guitar for some of their events. I saw so many children enjoying themselves at a number of activities on different days. Their parents seemed very happy too. I also have a teenage daughter who volunteered and it was a very valuable experience for her too. She may major in special education now.
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very dedicated and sensitive to the needs of the children with special needs
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Friendship Circle does not only help people in obvious need. My children attend FSC's events with pride and always looking forward to the next event. I am in awe to witness how the devoted volunteers love, care, give warmth and supporting hands to the ones who need it. I am extremely grateful to Friendship Circle to introduce and teach unconditional acceptance to all of us.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my family dealing in a more positive way with others
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the way the show the world, that every individual worth the same and just because certain appearances differ, we all deserve equal level of acceptance and love.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
super kind and caring, paying individual attention to all
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
probably thrive even better
Ways to make it better...
there were more events! we love them
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the lack of financial funds
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Friendship Circle has left an everlasting impression on so many peoples lives. I volunteered with Friendship Circle throughout my college years. I was matched up with a friend with special needs. Most of the time her and I would just hang out and do what most friends do with each other, have fun. Other times we would go to the planed events which were always a blast. I have made some amazing friends that to this day I still keep in touch with. This organization brightens the lives of so many people both with and without special needs.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing people for who they are.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
making other people happy and making new friends.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
genuinely nice, giving, and down to earth people.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
It would make the world a better place to live.
Ways to make it better...
I stayed living in San Diego.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
publicity, and funding.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews