The role friendships play throughout our lives is important, multi-faceted and profound. All children need friends for support, companionship, to build confidence, self-esteem and develop relationships that prepare them for life.Yet many children with developmental disabilities grow up excluded from the web of membership and connections that define community life, their social universe limited to interaction primarily with their family and the sphere of “specialized services”.

The past year has been challenging for most people due to the pandemic, and in many ways, it’s taken an even greater toll on children-the isolation created from quarantining, school closures, families in economic distress, possible loss of loved ones and the “new normal” of socializing from a computer screen.  They also may have an acute awareness of the anxiety the adults around them are experiencing, causing ambient stress.

Research shows a friendship between special-needs children, and abled peers’ benefits both.   Our program is most effective when we work together, parent(s), families, kids, schools, and communities.  Adopting an immersive and consistent approach designed to encourage long-term social emotional development for children with and without disabilities.No complex psychological theories are necessary-the message is a single one-friendships are what matter most-whatever labels we have been given, however awkward our needs.

Relationships don’t just happen, and true friendships can’t be “engineered.” They must be initiated, cultivated, maintained, and nurtured.  If we are serious about values of diversity, inclusion, mental wellbeing, and socio-economic opportunity for all our children, including those facing challenging conditions, isolation, rejection; and we want to raise kids to be adults who are resilient in their will and empathetic to others, we will need to do somethings differently. Adopt new tools, and approaches, and do the hard, yet meaningful work, with consistency, creativity, and compassion to see them through.

Our Summer Friendship Camp is a pathway to fostering friendships and a step towards social mobility and equity for all children.

Will you support us in creating real change and opportunity for ALL our children?