The Friendship Circle | Teen Ink

The Friendship Circle

September 17, 2010
By writergirl248 GOLD, Southfield, Michigan
writergirl248 GOLD, Southfield, Michigan
11 articles 0 photos 1 comment

Have you ever seen a child with special needs? Have you ever said Hi to them? Have you even smiled at someone who has appeared to you as “different”? Let’s be honest, probably not. And to tell you the truth, before I volunteered for Friendship Circle, I am not sure that I have either.

The Friendship Circle is a non-profit organization, originally created in Michigan to help and befriend children and teenagers with special needs. Now, there are Friendship Circle buildings not only all over the country, but also all over the world! Since The Friendship Circle was created in Michigan where I live, I believe that we have one of the most amazing facilities in the world. Upstairs there are about ten different rooms all there to help children with any disability. There are swings, and arts and crafts, sports, water fun, and much more.

Downstairs in the amazing Michigan facility is something which I believe might be one of the most breathe-taking things that I have ever seen. Friendship Circle created an entire village especially for children with special needs. Programs run there regularly where kids take out money from the Friendship Circle Bank and explore the entire village. There is a wonderful library, a pet store, a convenience store, a craft studio, and ice cream shop, a beauty parlor, a Dr’s office, a movie theater, bikes, and more. The village has real traffic lights hanging up and volunteer police men walking around to teach all of the children to cross the street and follow important safety laws. To me, all of this is amazing. This is preparing children with special needs to manage money, be safe, sit quietly in a movie, make an appointment, and much more. Our goal is to stick with these special children and help them get jobs when they are older so they could have some independence that they deserve.

I believe that volunteering for Friendship Circle has changed me. It has changed my perspective on life, and it has encouraged me to give back to my community. From the moment that I started volunteering I knew that this was the thing for me. I have never been to a place with such a non-judgmental attitude. A place where everyone goes to volunteer because they want to, not because they have to. I have never seen a building with more hugs, laughter, and smiles then the Friendship Circle.

As a volunteer for almost three years now I have learned to love every child for their strengths, putting aside their weaknesses. I have learned to appreciate everyone around me and letting them show what they have to offer. This is the most amazing thing for me and I could not thank Friendship Circle enough for teaching me these life lessons. Not only am I helping amazing children with special needs, they are truly helping me.


The author's comments:
Thank you to my amazing special friend, Noah. I love you.

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This article has 4 comments.


on Nov. 28 2010 at 4:02 pm
writingchick GOLD, Huntington, Indiana
11 articles 0 photos 127 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Faith is taking another step without seeing the entire staircase."

This sounds so cool! I too volunteer, although I do for animal shelters and right to life organizations. It is a great feeling to know you're doing good! This seems like a truely incredible thing! I want to be a part of it now! So what do you do when you volunteer?

By the way great essay!


Shahed GOLD said...
on Nov. 23 2010 at 4:36 pm
Shahed GOLD, Tulsa, Oklahoma
16 articles 2 photos 350 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;People are like tea bags, they don&#039;t realize their own strength until they&#039;re dropped in hot water &quot;<br /> &ldquo;People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.<br /> If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.&quot;

You're welcome!! :)

on Nov. 23 2010 at 6:47 am
writergirl248 GOLD, Southfield, Michigan
11 articles 0 photos 1 comment

Aww thanks so much!

I'm so glad you liked it.


Shahed GOLD said...
on Nov. 13 2010 at 11:18 pm
Shahed GOLD, Tulsa, Oklahoma
16 articles 2 photos 350 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;People are like tea bags, they don&#039;t realize their own strength until they&#039;re dropped in hot water &quot;<br /> &ldquo;People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.<br /> If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.&quot;

This touched my heart in a way.. I like it; it opened my eye on something .. you made important points .. I am glad im the first one to comment as the first one to find a treasure! :D good job!!

 

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