Programs & Activities | 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
Younger Groups: 10:30am – 12pm
Older Groups: 10am – 12pm
Ages: All Ages
Member Fee: $600
Non-member Fee: $600

Dates:
September: 10, 17, 24
October: 22, 29
November: 5, 12, 19, 26
December: 3, 10
January: 7, 14, 21, 28
February: 4, 18
March: 4, 11
April: 15, 22, 29
May: 6

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 craft, 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
Member Fee: $225
Non-member Fee: $300

Dates:
October: 22, 29
November: 5, 12, 19
December: 3, 10, 17
January: 7, 14, 21, 28
February: 4, 11
March: 4, 11, 18, 25
April: 15, 22, 29
May: 6

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
Member Fee: $175
Non-member Fee: $250
*drop off and pick-up at each site location.

Dates:
October: 22, 29
November: 5, 12, 19
December: 3, 10, 17
January: 7, 14, 21, 28
February: 4, 25
March: 4, 11, 18, 25
April: 15, 22, 29
May: 6

Volunteers: Boys
Volunteer Type: No 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: Various Sites around Metro-Detroit
Times: Sundays 1pm – 2:30pm
Ages: 13 and older
Member Fee: $225
Non-member Fee: $300
*drop off and pick up at site location

Dates:
October: 22, 29
November: 5, 12, 19
December: 3, 10, 17
January: 7, 14, 21, 28
February: 4, 25
March: 4, 11, 18, 25
April: 15, 22, 29
May: 6

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 centric 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, 3:30-4:30 pm
Ages: All Ages
Member Fee: $50
Non-member Fee: $75

Dates:
October: 29
November: 5, 12, 19
December: 3, 10

Volunteers: Boys
Volunteer Type: No 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
Member Fee: $50
Non-member Fee: $75

Dates:
January: 7, 14, 21, 28
February: 4, 11

Volunteers: Boys
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Sunday

Spring Floor Hockey Clinic

Description

Details

| Volunteers

The spring 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 benefitting from exercise and movement.

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
Member Fee: $40
Non-member Fee: $60

Dates:
February: 25
March: 4, 11, 18, 25

Volunteers: Boys
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Sunday

Parent-Sibling Social

Description

Details

| Volunteers

On select Sunday afternoons siblings and parents will enjoy an art activity followed by a group game or discussion with fellow siblings. This program provides an opportunity for parents to give undivided attention and quality time to their ‘sibling’ child while enjoying a relaxing activity. Siblings will also have the opportunity to socialize and make friends with peers who share some of the same challenges and joys of living with a sibling that has special needs.

Program Details Location: Meer Center
Times: Select Sundays, 4:00-5:30 pm
Ages: All Ages
Member Fee: $40
Non-member Fee: $60
*This program is only open to siblings,
please make childcare arrangements for your other child/ren

Dates:
October: 29
November: 12
December: 17
January: 21
March: 25
April: 29

Volunteers: N/A
Volunteer Type: N/A
Volunteer

Volunteer

Monday

Intro to Art @ Dresner Soul Studio

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Young artists work in the state of the art Dresner Soul Studio inside Friendship Circle’s Farber Center . Participants will have the opportunity to explore fine art mediums under the guidance of Brian Kavanaugh, the Art Programs Director for the Farber Center. Mediums include drawing, painting, paper mache, textiles and more. The art program is offered in two, eight-week sessions and is designed for participants who do not require a one-on-one volunteer.

Program Details
Location: Farber Center
Times: Mondays, 5pm – 6:30pm
Sessions: 2
Ages: 10 and older
Member Fee: $100
Non-member Fee: $150

Dates:
Session 1
October: 30
November: 6, 13, 20, 27
December: 4, 11, 18

Session 2
January: 22, 29
February: 5, 12, 26
March: 5, 12, 19

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: No one on one volunteers
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 each week with a welcome circle in the gym. Participants are then encouraged to create 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
Member Fee: Free
Non-member Fee: $200

Dates:	Monday	Tuesday
Oct	16, 23, 29	17, 24, 21
Nov	6, 13, 20, 27	7, 14, 21, 28
Dec	4, 11, 28	5, 19
Jan	8, 22, 29	9, 16, 23, 30
Feb	5, 12, 26	6, 13, 27
Mar	5, 12, 19, 26	6, 13, 20, 27
Apr	9, 16, 23, 30	10, 17, 24
May	7	1, 8

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

Volunteer

Tuesday

Music

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Friendship Circle Music program is a great social option for anyone with musical leanings. Participants enjoy enjoy sing-a-longs, movement, rhythm, games and sound making throughout the program. Add music into your Social Circle program or come just for music! Participants will practice collaboration, taking turns and sharing, all while making friends. Music offers one-on-one volunteers and is appropriate for all ages and abilities

Siblings are welcome to participate

Program Details
Location: Meer Center
Times: Tuesdays 5:30pm – 6pm or 6pm – 6:30pm
Sessions: 2
Ages: All Ages
Member Fee: $40
Non-member Fee: $60

Dates:
Session 1
November: 7, 14, 21, 28
December: 5, 19

Session 2
January: 23, 30
February: 6, 13, 27
March: 6, 13

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: One on one
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
Times: Wednesdays 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Ages: All Ages
Member Fee: $150
Non-member Fee: $225

Dates:
October: 25
November: 1, 8, 15, 29
December: 6, 13
January: 10, 17, 24, 31
February: 7, 14, 28
March: 7, 14, 21
April: 11, 18, 25
May: 2, 9

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 getting a haircut in the salon. 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 serious life skill development.

Program Details Location: Meer Center
Times: Wednesdays 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Sessions: 2
Ages: All Ages
Member Fee: $75
Non-Members Fee: $100

Dates:
Session 1
October: 25
November: 1, 8, 15, 29
December: 6, 13

Session 2
January: 17, 24, 31
February: 7, 14
March: 7, 14

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Thursday

Science Club

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Science Club will foster curiosity about the world around us for young, imaginative scientists. Each session we will explore a different scientific topic from chemical reactions to gardening and even the human body. Our young scientists will enrich their knowledge through participation in experiments, exciting demos and hands on exploration and games. Participants will soon realize that science is everywhere!

Program Details Location: Meer Center
Times: Wednesdays 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Sessions: 1
Ages: 6 and older
Member Fee: $50
Non-Members Fee: $75

Dates:
January: 11, 18, 25
February: 1, 8, 15

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Thursday

Animal Friends

Description

Details

| Volunteers

In the Animal Friends program animal lovers can come together each week to interact with some four legged friends. We will have the opportunity to get to know our resident critters in the pet shop, spend some time reading with therapy dogs, learn about the dos and don’ts of pet care from veterinarians and see an exotic animal presentation. We all know that the companionship of an animal is incredibly comforting. This program gives participants the opportunity to spend some time benefiting from the calming nature of pets.

Program Details Location: Meer Center
Times: Thursdays 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Sessions: 1
Ages: 6 and older
Member Fee: $50
Non-Members Fee: $75

Dates:
March: 8, 15, 22
April: 12, 19, 26

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Thursday

Tech Teens

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Tech Teens participants work in the digital arts studio at the Farber Soul Center on Macs, PCs and tablets. The studio offers unique opportunities for projects to be completed with state-of-the- art equipment such as the laser cutter. This program utilizes technology as a creative outlet, allowing participants to explore topics they are passionate about. Tech Teens is tailored for teens and young adults who do not require a one-on-one volunteer

Program Details Location: Farber Center
Times: Tuesdays 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Sessions: 2
Ages: 13 and older
Member Fee: $100
Non-member Fee: $150

Dates:
Session 1
November: 2, 9, 16, 30
December: 7, 14, 21

Session 2
January: 25
February: 1, 8, 15
March: 8, 15, 22

Volunteers: Boys
Volunteer Type: No one on one volunteers
Volunteer

Volunteer

Thursday

Cooking

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Our cooking program invites future chefs to join a facilitated discussion on manners, healthy foods, and preparing food in a fun cooking class environment with their one-on-one volunteer. Over the course of the program, participants try new foods, learn food safety and prepare simple dishes that can be re-created at home. This program offers one-on-one volunteers.

Program Details Location: Meer Center
Times: Thursdays, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Sessions: 3
Ages: All Ages
Member Fee: $100
Non-Members Fee: $150

Dates
Session 1
November: 2, 9, 16, 30
December: 7, 14, 21

Session 2
January: 11, 18, 25
February: 1, 8, 15

Session 3
March: 8, 15, 22
April: 12, 19, 26

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Any Day

[email protected]

Description

Details

| Volunteers

The [email protected] program provides children with the chance to bond with their volunteers in an environment they are most comfortable in– their own homes. Together, they play games, create arts ‘n crafts, read books or anything fun!

Friends at Home is able to make volunteer placements for families living within the following districts: West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Walled Lake, Birmingham, Royal Oak, Berkley, Southfield, Farmington and Novi.

Program Details 1 Hour weekly at a time and day that suits you and the volunteer.
Member Fee: Free
Members Only Program

*A parent must be home the entire time a [email protected] volunteer is present

Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Volunteer

Family Village Night

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Parents and kids are invited to join us in the state of the art Weinberg Village for a special family village night. Our village shops will be open and staffed by our adult volunteer corps allowing you and your child to experience the full magic of the village. In addition to our typical locations we will also be offering families the opportunity to take a family portrait and get a haircut in Fringe Salon.

Program Details
Times: March 28th 5:30PM – 7:00PM
Member Fee (per family): $10
Non Member Fee (per family): $15

Volunteer

Seasonal

Chanukah Party

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Program Details
Date: December 12, 2017

Volunteer

Seasonal

Shabbat Dinner

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Program Details
Date: January 26, 2018

Volunteer

Seasonal

Purim Party

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Program Details
Date: March 1, 2018

Seasonal

Thanksgiving Day Respite

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Program Details
Location: Meer Center
Date: Sunday, Nov 26, 2017
Time: 12pm – 3pm, Now expanded to three hours!
Ages: All Ages
Member Fee: $10
Non Member Fee: $15

Siblings are welcome to participate

Volunteer Type: 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, children and their volunteer build friendships and connections to last a lifetime!

Program Details
Date: Dec 25 – Dec 29, Monday – Friday
Time: 10am – 3pm
Ages: All Ages
Member Fee: $225
Non Member Fee: $300

Siblings are welcome to participate

Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Respite

MLK Day Respite

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Program Details
Location: Meer Center
Date: Monday, Jan 15
Time: 10am – 3pm, Now expanded to five hours!
Ages: All Ages
Member Fee: $35
Non Member Fee: $55

Siblings are welcome to participate

Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Respite

Dinner and a Movie Night

Description

Details

| Volunteers

Kids, sibs, teens and adults are invited to join us for a fun, laid back movie night. We will gather in the multi purpose room for dinner (gluten free available) and then head into the theater to enjoy the show. Movie goers are invited to bring a pillow and/or blanket and are welcome to come in their jammies if they like. This two hour program is a great opportunity for parents to enjoy a date night, run errands or take a nap! This program offers one-on-one volunteers.

Siblings are welcome to participate

Program Details
Location: Meer Center, Weinberg Village Theater
Date: Feb 18, 2018
Time: 5pm – 7pm
Ages: All Ages
Member Fee: $10
Non Member Fee: $15

Volunteers: Girls
Volunteer Type: One on one
Volunteer

Respite

Family Registration

Volunteer Registration

Programs was last modified: March 7th, 2018 by admin