Friendship Circle

Bio

Friendship Circle is a not-for-profit organization located in West Bloomfield, Michigan that creates friendship in the lives of children and adults with special needs. Our unique method pairs individuals who have special needs with local teen volunteers. Through these friendships the teens grow into socially responsible citizens and the children and adults gain confidence through community inclusion. The Ferber Kaufman LifeTown gives individuals with special needs the chance to learn life skills in a realistic setting, thus improving their social, physical and cognitive skills. In addition to helping individuals with special needs and their families, Friendship Circle touches people struggling with addiction, isolation and related crises. At the Daniel B. Sobel Friendship House, participants receive guidance in the form of recovery programs, referrals and supporting networks. Founded in 1994 with 8 Families and 16 volunteers Friendship Circle of Michigan has grown to include 250 families and over 800 volunteers. In addition, 2,500 students from schools around Metro Detroit visit Friendship Circle’s Weinberg Village yearly. Since 2001 Friendship Circles have been started in over 80 locations in 22 states and 7 Countries.