our story
Friendship Makes The World a Better Place
Research shows that, over time, friends can become part of the very fabric of our lives. In fact, the highly regarded Mayo Clinic medical facility tells its patrons “Good friends are good for your health” on its website. You can read the entire article and see what the experts believe the benefits of friendship to be by clicking here.
The online, virtual platforms that allowed us to connect with one another in 2020 have empowered us to do new things in new ways.
Now it’s possible to reach out and connect individuals to groups of people that have specific interests or needs, without them having to leave their homes.
Our personal experience in working with special needs adults online over the past year has been both rewarding and successful. The interactive online format has convincingly demonstrated that nearly all participants can thrive in a virtual environment when appropriate structure is provided along with professional facilitation. In fact, some participants enjoyed the new format more than a traditional face-to-face environment.
It is against that backdrop that Friends Shine Online was initially conceived and began hosting sessions in June of 2021. We now offer a meaningful experience for all adults in the special needs community, virtually.
We strive to create a comfort zone where our Friends can feel free to express themselves in a virtual setting without being judged and where they can nurture friendships within a network of peers and a framework of structured activities. Although there are opportunities for discussion of current events and other topics, our emphasis is on personal development and interaction.
What Our Friends Have to Say
“I would like to talk about friends shine online it isa class I do every wenday it is fun we talk about stuff we stretch we talk about the weather we play music I love I it is fun and I enjoy it very much the teachers are cool” Peter
“I have a fun time and awesome time.” Brooke
“As a caregiver for an amazing special needs young man, I have had the pleasure to assist his Friends Shine Online class. This online community is helping him work on his goals. During class he works on communication and participation skills with friends all while learning and enjoying a variety of topics. Everyday Mary and Celeste show up with cheerful smiles and positive attitudes as they introduce new and interesting topics that engage the mind.” Denise
“I have a great time. It is fun.” Garret
“My favorite activities are American Sign Language, book club, and talking about the favorite things that the group likes. In friends shine online I felt happy and I had a lot of fun.” Sophie
“I heard the program from my office and you are on point with your content. Just the right pace and great topics!” Carolyn
“Friends Shine Online is eagerly anticipated by my daughter each day. She loves connecting with her friends and learning in the virtual world via this fantastic program.” Cecilia