F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is exactly what you want in a Down Syndrome support group. This group helps its members find comfort, advice, socialization, and community for starters. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. embraces our kids and supports parents; making you feel like you belong, in a world where you often feel out of place.
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- EIN 65-1261646
- info@friendssupport.org
- (813)245-2782
- 11612 Miss Chloe Court Riverview FL 33579 USA
- https://www.friendssupport.org
- Facebook page
- FRIENDS_TampaBay
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F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is exactly what you want in a Down Syndrome support group. This group helps its members find comfort, advice, socialization, and community for starters. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. embraces our kids and supports parents; making you feel like you belong, in a world where
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Sue W.2, Advisor
Volunteering
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Adult Education, Down Syndrome, Education, Health
Mission: The Mission of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is to provide free all-encompassing educational and support services to families who have been impacted by Down Syndrome or other Special Needs; while advocating and promoting community integration.
Results: F.R.I.E.N.D.S. GOALS · F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Goals will provide a foundation on which we will meet the demands of the future. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. will provide broad reaching educational services for families impacted by Down Syndrome and other special needs. · To provide accurate and up-to-date information to new and expectant parents. · To change people’s attitudes about Down Syndrome and promote respect and esteem. · To enable people with Down Syndrome and other special needs to speak up and be heard. · To have people with Down Syndrome and other special needs be included in our community. · To provide financial and social service support, educational outreach, and community integration for families impacted by Down Syndrome and other special needs. · Training volunteers to represent and promote “best practice” programs in meeting the needs of all individuals with Down syndrome and their families whether in early intervention programs, schools, colleges, employment, social settings, etc. or through legislative advocacy. · To offer a safe, positive and welcoming environment where our families, their children, and our adults can create lasting friendships, build self-confidence, and experience the joy of getting together.
Target demographics: F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Families, Respect, Inclusion, Education, Networking for Down Syndrome/Special Needs)
Geographic areas served: Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties
Programs: F.R.I.E.N.D.S. PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND ACTIVITIES 1. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Parent Packets for new and expectant parents. 2. Parent Liaisons - A Peer to Peer parent support available 24/7. 3. Hospital Outreach - F.R.I.E.N.D.S. assembles and donates our parent packets, to our bay area NICU's, to distribute to parents. 4. Hospital Presentations - Offered to new nurses and interns to give them a parents perspective of the challenges of raising a child with special needs. 5. Baby F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - a fun play/support group for parents with children birth to 5yrs. 6. After School Specials - our 6 to 12yrs meet up at the park, splash pad, or other fun venue. 7. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Special Needs Adult Dances - 15 yrs + meet up for fun, music, dancing, and free refreshments. 8. ZOOM Programs - Sweating with Sunshine and Good Vibes! 9. World Down Syndrome Day at ZooTampa 10. Spring Picnic and Easter Egg Baskets for the kids. 11. July Pool Party 12. Buddy Walk - We advocate for our loved ones and the special needs community. 12. DAD'S - Dad's Appreciating Down Syndrome 13. B Street Gives Back - A wonderful group that raises money for F.R.I.E.N.D.S. 14. NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME MONTH - October! 15. Scholarships for families in need. 16. Holiday parades and parties. 17. ADULT/SELF ADVOCATE VOLUNTEERS - work at a Raymond James concession stand and help raise money for F.R.I.E.N.D.S. 18. Student Volunteers - earn service hours by volunteering at F.R.I.E.N.D.S events.