Friendship Circle of Michigan

09/16/2025

Friendship isn't one thing, it's a million little things.

The Friendships formed between our special friends and volunteers enhance and transform the lives of everyone involved.

Tag a Friendship Circle friend and tell them why you love 'em ❤️

09/15/2025

Sunday Circle is baaaack!

The hugs, the squeals, the energy, it's magical.

09/14/2025

"Hayden, I'll help you with this" That's what 14-year-old Kendall used to say all the time to her 23 year old special needs brother.

Two years ago, Hayden was afraid to even go near the oven. He needed help with basic tasks and relied on Kendell a lot.

Today? Everything has changed.

Hayden now makes his own lunch every day before heading to Dakota Bakery for the vocational training program. When his mom texts him to start the oven, he knows exactly which buttons to press. He closes the garage door independently while waiting for his ride.

'From where he started and where he is now, it's just huge growth. He's just gained so much independence. He just feels so independent and I think he likes it.'

Watching her brother's transformation inspired Kendall to dive into volunteering herself, starting with overnight camp. despite never being away from her parents before. She's formed lasting friendships with her buddies, including Sarah, whom she still hangs out with going to movies and birthday parties together.

'Even though I'm just one person and only helping just one person at a time, that's one person less experiencing isolation and loneliness.

To join Kendall and hundreds of volunteers like her, DM us and we'll share our current opportunities!

09/12/2025

This is the perfect role for someone who loves working with kids, isn’t afraid to be silly, and wants to make a real difference!

Swipe through for all the details and tag or send to someone you know who would love this position!

Email Airen@friendshipcircle.org to apply:)

09/11/2025

Last month, we hosted a brunch celebration dedicating the Elkus Village in honor of our dear friends Phillip and Estelle Elkus.

“For me, this is also very personal. I grew up with a younger brother and sister who had special needs. Back then, there weren’t places like this anywhere in the World.

The Friendship Circle has always believed in these kids, and the Elkus village has opened the doors of independence, dignity, and possibility for them.

When you walk through this Village, you’ll see all kinds of wonderful things. A bank where kids get twelve dollars to spend, shops, a beauty salon, a movie house, an ice cream cart, and even a dentist’s office. There are bikes to rent, traffic lights to obey, and even a volunteer policeman ready to give a ticket if you cross on red.

But this Village isn’t just about fun, it’s about life skills. It’s about giving children with special needs the chance to practice how to shop, make choices, follow the rules, build confidence, and enjoy the independence so many of us take for granted.

Double tap to help us thank the Elkuses for their incredible support and to show some love for the newly named Elkus Village!

09/10/2025

We're just eight days away from the Worlds Beyond Opening Night show at the Soul Studio, showcasing the incredible works of our artists with special needs!

Listen to our studio manager Caitlin share the behind the scenes exclusive details. Check the comments for the ticket link:)

Community Projects Coordinator with the Friendship Circle, Caitlin Cartwright, talks with Jake Schaf about Soul Studio’s upcoming “Worlds Beyond” exhibit, op...

09/10/2025

Get your free tickets to the WORLDS BEYOND show opening next week! 🥳

Comment OPENING NIGHT for the ticket link.

This show celebrates the unique, quirky, fascinating inner worlds of our artists. But it's also an invitation for YOU to show up and celebrate the most unique, delightfully campy parts of yourself, too.

Opening Night: September 18, 2025 | 5:00-7:00 PM

Opening Night Exclusives:
First dibs on new merch – including bright, fun-scented candles
Delicious treats from Dakota
Make-your-own-crown station – why not rule your own world?
Artwork scavenger hunt – perfect for all ages!

When you show up for an evening of whimsical art and genuine connection, you tell every artist with special needs that their voice and all the wonderfully quirky parts of who they are make the world better.

And we could all use that reminder, couldn't we?

09/08/2025

Our basics and beyond life skills program is baaack!

This is a foundational life skills program for adults who benefit from a slower pace and higher support, supporting goals like:

▪️Eating safely and at a comfortable pace
▪️Completing hygiene steps (like washing hands)
▪️Following step-by-step directions and basic safety rules (like traffic rules)
▪️Participating in group activities
▪️Responding to questions
▪️Identifying likes and dislikes
▪️Practicing greetings and taking turns

Participants take frequent movement and sensory breaks, and we use visual tools and supports to encourage independence in daily routines!

We love watching our adults build confidence, develop self-help skills, and grow at their own pace.

09/07/2025

Looking for a place that celebrates differences? This is it.

DM us to inquire about programs or to get involved with volunteering 🙌

09/05/2025

What happens when brilliant artists don’t hold back and let their wildest visions run free?

You're about to find out.

Soul Studio (And Ari!) invites you to WORLDS BEYOND: An Exploration of Imagination.

Opening Night: September 18, 2025 | 5:00-7:00 PM

This extraordinary exhibition celebrates visionary artists with special needs as they explore their wonderfully silly and wacky sides, sharing the rich, in-depth worlds that live inside their imaginations.

It's about artists courageously bringing their inner visions to life, embracing the campy and the fantastical, and showing us what magic happens when imagination is set completely free.

Come ready to be amazed, inspired, and step into worlds beyond.

Click this link https://heyor.ca/PEZPZp for complimentary tickets!

09/04/2025

We’ve got some incredible programs in our Fetter Children’s and Teens division open for registration! 🥳

These take place on Sunday or mid-week after school and are game changers for kids and teens with special needs.

Programs accepting new participants include Sunday Circle, Teen Trips, Sports & Rec, Friendship Free Play, Movement & Arts, Life & Social Skills and Teens Together.

Tag a parent with special needs in Metro Detroit who needs to know about our programs, or DM us for all the details and to apply!

09/02/2025

Ready for the second batch of Walk4Friendship 2025 photos?

Spot yourself and your friends and relive the awesome day where you came out to support the special needs community and raise one million dollars to make sure everyone in our community has the opportunity to thrive!!