Programs | Friendship Circle

Programs

Friendship Circle is a nonprofit organization that pairs teen volunteers with an individual with special needs. Together, they form a lasting friendship and participate in one of our 40 weekly and seasonal programs.

Family Oak Park Respite Sunday & After School Summer Soul Projects All programs

Sunday

Efshar Circle

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Efshar Circle provides a Hebrew and Judaic education for children with special needs. Teachers focus on engaging the child’s sense of Jewish identity through exciting, hands-on learning. Each student is paired with a one-on-one volunteer which enables students to learn at their own pace with individualized curriculums. No previous Judaic instruction is necessary. Teachers design curricula to meet each student’s current level and learning style.

Program Details
Location: Meer Center
Times: Sundays, 10am – 12pm
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $600

Dates:
September: 8, 15, 22
October: 6, 27
November: 3, 10, 17, 24
December: 8, 15
January: 5, 12, 19, 26
February: 2, 9, 23
March: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
April: 26
May: 3, 10, 17

Efshar Circle is offered in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit’s Opening the Doors Program.
Interested in Joining Efshar Circle? Enquire Here:

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Sunday

Sunday Circle

Description

Details

| Volunteers

This program offers a unique opportunity for children to gain from group activities while still receiving one-on-one attention from their volunteers. Participants are divided into small groups to partake in structured activities and free play throughout the Friendship Circle facility. Activities include sports instruction, music and movement instruction, arts and crafts, and free play in the activity wing and cheese-pit. Sunday Circle is a two hour drop off program creating a wonderful respite opportunity for parents.

Program Details
Location: Meer Center
Times: Sundays, 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Ages: 4 – 12
Fee: $350

Dates:
October: 27
November: 3, 10, 17, 24
December: 8, 15
January: 12, 19, 26
February: 2, 9
March: 8, 22, 29
April: 19, 26
May: 3

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Sunday

Pathfinders

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Pathfinders is a social outing program designed for participants who can safely attend community outings without a one-on-one volunteer. The outings are planned to give participants exposure to outdoor exploration, music, swimming, art, and social excursions. Pathfinders takes place outside of Friendship Circle, giving participants the opportunity to socialize with their peers, practice social interactions with community members, learn life skills and have fun!

Program Details
Location: Various sites around Metro Detroit
Times: Sundays, 1pm – 2:30pm
Ages: 13 and older
Fee: $350

*Drop off and pick-up at each site location.

Dates:
October: 27
November: 3, 10, 17, 24
December: 8, 15
January: 12, 19, 26
February: 2, 9
March: 8, 22, 29
April: 19, 26
May: 3

Volunteers: Boys
Volunteer Type: Not one on one volunteers
Volunteer

Volunteer

Sunday

Teen Trips

Description

Details

| Volunteers

During Teen Trips, participants and their one-on-one volunteer go on weekly outings in the community to participate in meaningful projects and social opportunities. These trips give teens and young adults the opportunity to socialize with their peers, practice social interactions with community members, learn life skills and have fun! Weekly outings include bowling, going to the mall, swimming, visiting parks, museums and more!

Program Details
Location Options:
Various sites surrounding West Bloomfield
Various sites surrounding Oak Park
Times: Sundays 1pm – 2:30pm
Ages: 13 and older
Fee: $350

*Drop off and pick up at site location

Dates:
October: 27
November: 3, 10, 17, 24
December: 8, 15
January: 12, 19, 26
February: 2, 9
March: 8, 22, 29
April: 19, 26
May: 3

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Sunday

Fall Basketball Clinic

Description

Details

| Volunteers

This six week basketball clinic is a great opportunity for players to build motor and social skills while playing basketball. Skills include ball handling, offensive and defensive strategies, zone and man-to-man defense, passing and moving with and without the ball and more. During the session players run drills, play basketball style games and scrimmages.

This program does not offer one-on-one volunteers and is appropriate for players looking to build skills in the game of basketball.

Program Details Location: Meer Center, Elkus Gym
Times: Sundays, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $75

Dates:
October: 27
November: 3, 10, 24
December: 8, 15

Volunteers: Boys
Volunteer Type: Not one on one volunteers
Volunteer

Volunteer

Sunday

Winter Soccer Clinic

Description

Details

| Volunteers

The winter Soccer Clinic is being offered in partnership with TOPSoccer. TOPS centers around an inclusive environment where players of all abilities can enjoy the game of soccer, improve communications skills, make new friends and have fun!

This program offers one-on-one volunteers and is appropriate for all ability levels.

Program Details Location: Meer Center, Elkus Gym
Times: Sundays, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $75

Dates:
January: 12, 19, 26
February: 2, 9
March: 8

Volunteers: Boys
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Sunday

Spring Floor Hockey Clinic

Description

Details

| Volunteers

The Friendship Circle Floor Hockey Clinic is offered with equipment proudly sponsored by the Detroit Red Wings. Our Floor Hockey Clinic creates an inclusive environment where players of all abilities can enjoy the game of hockey while benefiting from exercise and movement. Players will learn to operate hockey sticks in an appropriate, safe way.

Program Details Location: Meer Center, Elkus Gym
Times: Sundays, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $75

Dates:
March: 22, 29
April: 19, 26
May: 3

Volunteers: Boys
Volunteer Type: Not One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Monday

Monday Nights in Oak Park

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Monday Nights in Oak Park is an hour drop-off program where participants come together for group activities including music, games, snacks, and more! This program will use these fun experiences to promote engagement and socializing with peers and volunteers. So come join us for all of the fun!

Program Details Location: Aish 25725 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park, MI 48237
Times: Mondays, 5:30PM – 6:30PM
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $250

Dates:
October: 28
November: 4, 11, 18
December: 2, 9, 16
January: 6, 13, 27
February: 3, 10, 24
March: 9, 16, 23
April: 20, 27
May: 4

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: Not One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Mon or Tue

Social Circle

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Each week, participants meet their volunteer at Friendship Circle to enjoy one-on-one free play with full use of the Elkus Gym, Bauer Activity Wing and multipurpose room. Kids and buddies start with a welcome circle in the gym before creating their very own schedule of free play to maximize fun! During Social Circle, the art room and water room offer a different, in-room activity each week. Participants will also be able to put together their own snack in the apartment!

Siblings are welcome to participate

Program Details
Location: Meer Center
Times: Mondays or Tuesdays
4:30pm – 5:30pm or 5pm – 6pm
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $200

Dates:	Monday	Tuesday
Sep		17, 24
Oct	28	29
Nov	4, 11, 18, 25	12, 19, 26
Dec	2, 9, 16	3, 10, 17
Jan	6, 13, 27	7, 14, 21, 28
Feb	3, 10, 24	4, 11, 25
Mar	9, 16, 23	17
Apr	20, 27	21, 28
May	4	5

Volunteers: Mondays – Boy Volunteer Corps, Tuesdays – Girls Volunteer Corps
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Tuesday

Soul Social

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Building relationships as a young adult can be challenging for any individual. For individuals with special needs, attending social events can be overwhelming. Luckily, Soul Social is a great option for individuals looking for a fun, socially-appropriate and meaningful evening. The activities planned will include informal conversation groups, art, music, improv, drum circles, films, mindfulness and games. Soul Social takes place at Soul Studio, giving participants a chance to experience the mature, adult atmosphere of Farber Center.

The group is designed for participants who can safely attend and engage without a one-on-one volunteer.

Program Details
Location: Farber Center, Soul Studio
Times: Tuesdays, 5pm – 7pm
Ages: 14+
Fee: $100

Dates:
November: 14
December: 12
January: 9
February: 13
March: 12
April: 30

Volunteers: Boys
Volunteer Type: Not one on one volunteers
Volunteer

Volunteer

Wednesday

Open Gym

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Open Gym allows participants an opportunity to get some exercise with their one-on-one volunteer in a fun, social environment. Gym time will include familiar games such as basketball, soccer and hockey as well as free choice, stretching, playground games and more. Open Gym allows each person to enjoy exercise and game play at an individual level while enjoying social interactions with their volunteer, coaches, and peers.

Program Details
Location: Meer Center Elkus Gym
Times: Wednesdays, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $200

Dates:
September: 18, 25
October: 23, 30
November: 6, 13, 20
December: 4, 11, 18
January: 8, 15, 22, 29
February: 5, 12, 19
March: 11, 18
April: 22, 29

Volunteers: Boys
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Wednesday

Life Skills

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Life Skills takes place in the state of the art Weinberg Village and gives participants the opportunity to practice life skills in a realistic, safe, and controlled environment. Focus areas for the village include street safety, money skills, personal responsibility, and inter/intra personal communication skills. Location specific goals include things such as visiting the doctor or placing an order in the cafe. Life Skills also offers a simulated job experience for all participants ages 13 and older. This unique program offers the excitement and fun of the village as well as life skill development.

Friendship Track: The Friendship Track is an advanced Life Skills track, structured to give the opportunity for participants to focus on building friendships, taking turns, and considering a friend’s needs. This track does this by pairing 3 participants with 1 volunteer. Participants on this track ages 13 and older, will still receive a simulated job experience, in addition to the excitement and fun of the village and building friendships!

Program Details Location: Meer Center
Times: Wednesdays, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Sessions: 2
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $125/session

Dates:
Session 1
October: 30
November: 6, 13, 20
December: 4, 11, 18

Session 2
February: 12, 19
March: 11, 18
April: 22, 29
May: 6

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: One on one
Friendship Track Volunteers: 1:3, girls
Volunteer

Volunteer

Voting Day Respite

Description

Details

| Volunteers

A 3-hour opportunity for participants to have some fun while school is closed for voting day. This is a drop-off program, allowing you to return to work or head to the polls yourself! Participants will enjoy lunch and playing with their buddy in the Bauer Activity wing and Elkus Gym, including an art project, sports activity, games and a special show!

Program Details
Location: Meer Center
Date: Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $30

Siblings are welcome to participate

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: Not One on one
Volunteer

Respite

Thanksgiving Break Camp

Description

Details

| Volunteers

While school is out and the dishes are dirty, Friendship Circle offers a camp-style program for participants to enjoy some time out of the house over Thanksgiving weekend. Participants will utilize the Bauer Activity Wing and take an exciting trip out into the community with their special volunteer!

Siblings are invited to participate

Program Details
Location: Meer Center
Date: Sunday, Dec 1, 2019
Time: 10am – 3pm
Ages: 4 – 18
Fee: $100

Siblings are welcome to participate

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: Not one on one
Volunteer

Respite

Winter Camp

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Friendship Circle provides a fun-filled week with enjoyable and educational trips around Metro Detroit while school is closed. During this week on the town, campers and their volunteers build friendships and connections to last a lifetime! Campers may be registered for individual days or the entire camp to ensure the best-fit schedule for your busy winter break!

Siblings are invited to participate

Program Details
Date: Dec 22 – Dec 26, Sunday – Thursday
Time: 10am – 3pm
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $500, or $100/day

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: Not one on one
Volunteer

Respite

MLK Day Camp

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Our MLK Day Camp provides a full day of activities for participants to keep busy while school is out! We will enjoy a field trip in the Metro Detroit community for a day of adventure, social opportunities and fun!

Siblings are invited to participate

Program Details
Location: Meer Center
Date: Monday, Jan 20
Time: 10am – 3pm
Ages: 4 – 18
Fee: $100

Siblings are welcome to participate

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: Not one on one
Volunteer

Respite

Mid-Winter Day Camp

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Campers are invited to join the Friendship Circle in a fun-filled day camp experience while school is closed for Mid-Winter Break. Campers will have the opportunity to engage in winter-themed activities such as building snowmen and drinking cocoa while also enjoying a field trip out in the community with their friends. Participants have the ability to sign up for one day or two, depending on your schedule.

Siblings are invited to participate

Program Details
Location: Friendship Circle Meer Center
Date: Sunday, Feb 16 & Monday Feb 17
Times: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Ages: Boys: 6 – 12, Girls: 6 – 16
Fee: $100

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: 2:1
Volunteer

Respite

Super Sunday @ Meer

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Super Sunday is an extension of Sunday Circle, offering a special program for siblings to join Sunday Circle for additional respite for parents! Participants are divided into small groups to partake in structured activities and free play throughout the Friendship Circle facility. Activities include sports instruction, music and movement instruction, arts and crafts, and free play in the activity wing and cheese-pit!

Program Details
Location: Meer Center
Dates: November 17, February 9, March 22, April 26
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Ages: 4 – 12
Fee: $30, unless already attending Sunday Circle

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Respite

Mitzvah Volunteer Learning Group

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Mitzvah Volunteer Learning Group engages participants in volunteerism and community service in a meaningful, hands-on way. This monthly program enables youth to be positively involved in their community, receive sensitivity and general volunteer training, preparing them to become active community members and full-fledged Friendship Circle volunteers. Each participant will be mentored by a seasoned, older, Friendship Circle volunteer. At the end of the year, participants will be able to use what they learned to plan a special community activity for Friendship Circle families and volunteers. A nutritious dinner is provided.

Program Details
Location: Meer Center
Dates: Thursdays, Nov 7, Dec 5, Feb 6, Mar 5, Apr 30
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages: 8 – 12
Fee: FREE

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Respite

Family Fun Day

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Join us for a fun-filled event for the whole family! We will have a BBQ, blow-ups, arts and crafts, music, entertainment, and more! Meet our staff and learn more about our programs while your children enjoy playing with a special teen volunteer.

Program Details
Location: Meer Center
Date: Sunday, September 22
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Fee: FREE