Vision

Friendship Circle believes every individual can be a productive member of society and thrive with social support from peers. Friendship, acceptance, and opportunities for meaningful connection are key to fostering an inclusive community. Our mission is to provide children and teens with autism and other special needs, along with their families, the social and recreational experiences enjoyed by the general community. These opportunities build confidence, self-esteem, and the foundation for a fulfilling, independent life. We envision a world where individuals with special needs and their families are embraced as valued members of society, free from the isolation they often face. Through innovative programs, Friendship Circle inspires teens with meaning, purpose, and a sense of self-worth while fostering their connection to and responsibility for the broader community. This is vital to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Goals

1. 1.Friendship Circle's strength is directly tied to the 1,000 teen and adult volunteers, who provide 55,000 hours of friendship, respite and other opportunities for the children and families. The community involvement goes even beyond the active volunteers, as more than 4,000 people contribute annually and are involved and impacted by Friendship Circle.
2. 2.Since its inception Friendship Circle has continued to expand its programs and services. Initial programs for children and families has now grown to include teens and adults with specials needs.
3. 3.The flagship LifeTown center has allowed Friendship Circle to scale its programming and quality of services. This year we have welcomed more than 35,000 people to LifeTown for a wide variety of programs.