Friends in Action’s mission is to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities by creating inclusive social and recreational opportunities.

The best thing that has happened to me during this quarantine is knowing that Nathaniel can still connect with all of his friends.

Friends are what make the world go round.

Friends in Action is providing THE most important service for young adults with disabilities. As parents of a 26 year old who has disabilities, we struggle every day to try to help our son find a path in life. What he needs most of all is to feel accepted, have friends his age and do things away from his parents. Most of these young adults need some supervision and Friends has provided the space, the supervision and the FUN! These moments are few and far between for these young people with special needs. They wait for the next event.

Wildcat Friends has been terrific for James.  He looks forward to it every week because of the friendships and pride in learning.  Both have had a huge impact on him.  How can I say it… he has a new smile?  He has new friends? He is proud of what he is learning and he is increasingly social.  What else can I ask for him?

Friends in Action and Wildcat Friends provides opportunities for Erin to interact with a terrific group of people. I can honestly say that without these activities Erin would pretty much be isolated to her home and immediate family members. You really cannot measure the worth of the friendship and kindness that Erin receives from not only her peers but the wonderful staff members and volunteers in these programs. Thanks to all.

The impact of Friends in Action for and on Jeremiah is great! Miah would have no place to go, nothing to do if it weren’t for the Friends group. He would be isolated so much more if it were not for the Friends group and the Friends extra activities. The people are what’s best for Miah. The activities offered in a fun and safe environment are good for both the friends participants and the parents, and the impact on families is enormous. It allows us to have a break, to know that our son in having the time of his life, etc.

Our son Thomas loves Friends in Action because he feels like he is going out with his friends socially. His younger brother and sister have social lives with friends and now he feels like he does too! (without mom and dad participating!!) Thank-you for all you do!

Brendan has expanded his circle of friends, as well as his opportunities to practice his social skills. It allows him to be with peers without being with his parents. He spends time in the community – getting to know it, and feel more comfortable in it. He gets exposed to events and activities that he might not otherwise be able to. He is able to work on his independent living skills in a safe environment. Others are impacted as well as they see people with disabilities having a positive, productive time together. It helps us as parents as we get to know other parents and share resources, ideas, problems, concerns, etc – It is a wonderful program – hats off to you and your staff!

Friends in Action has changed my disabled son’s life. Before his involvement with Friends, he was often home alone watching movies, playing games on his computer, or hanging out with his mom and dad. He saw his two sisters socializing with friends, and he felt lonely and isolated. When the FRIENDS schedule comes every month, he immediately posts the paper in his room, and he tells me when and where the activities are. He socializes with friends in a supervised environment. He is happy, his social skills have improved, his self-esteem and self-confidence have soared. I believe that this has had a positive impact on his success in the work force. Michael now has three jobs in which he has success. He gets along well with his employers and fellow employees. Friends in Action has impacted this aspect of his life also. My family is deeply grateful for all that Friends has done for our son.

The two activities my daughter Ellen participates in are the highlight of her week. She will not miss bowling or her Friday night social unless something REALLY important comes along. Ellen’s communication skills are not great because she has poor hearing, and she has always been a little shy and attached to me. NOT AT FRIEND’S. She goes in alone, at her request, and mingles beautifully. Her speech therapist told me she has never seen her as happy as she was at a recent social. When we received the fund raising flyer with her picture on it, we were AMAZED! She looked beautiful! Our friends and family couldn’t believe it was Ellen! She was smiling from ear to ear. Her case worker wanted a copy of the picture to show other clients. It has been a wonderful experience for Ellen and it gives my husband and me a night out each week. We haven’t done that in 17 years!

Friends in Action endeavors to combat the social isolation that many people with disabilities experience. This is done through an integrated approach that promotes inclusion practices. Friends in Action recognizes, encourages and promotes a variety of relationships in many settings. Friends in Action believes that accessible activities that address the needs of people with disabilities need to be facilitated in order for more choices to be available.