Testimonials

Volunteer

“During spring break camp, I got very close to my special friend, and I felt like bonding with her was very impactful for me. It made me feel very happy to be part of Friendship Circle Miami! To be able to give someone like her, who is an incredible person but has a hard time making friends, an opportunity to express herself with someone.”

Tracey Berkowitz

Donor

“The Friendship Circle is a unique charity that focuses on social enrichment for children who ordinarily don’t get the opportunity to spend time with other teens.”

Dr. Trevor Resnick MD

Chief, Department of Neurology, Miami Children’s Hospital,
Medical Professional

“The Friendship circle provides the opportunity for children with special needs to spend quality time with “community children”. The relationships built are at a much deeper core level than between adults and special needs children. This is an important part of the therapeutic process for these children because it opens windows for further developmental progress that would otherwise not necessarily occur.”

Shelly Sinclair

Friendship Circle past president, 6th year volunteer

"The Friendship Circle has given me perspective and taught me how to be a better friend and a compassionate person."

Volunteer

"Volunteering at FC Miami has impacted me in ways I could have never imagined. Whether it was as simple as improving my public speaking/instructional skills or something as daunting as a possible career, FC Miami has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding on what my future may look like."

Volunteer

"Volunteering at Friendship Circle Miami has been incredibly impactful on my personal development, patience, empathy, and communication skills. Through interactions with special needs children, I've learned to celebrate small victories and understand the power of progress. The experience has sharpened my problem-solving abilities, as I've had to adapt and find creative solutions to unique challenges. It has also deepened my sense of community and purpose, creating lasting bonds and improving my life significantly. This journey has not only benefited my personal growth but has also allowed me to contribute positively to the lives of others."

Danielle Guenther

Friendship Circle past president, 6th year volunteer

"Over the years Friendship circle has become more than just a volunteer opportunity, it has become a place where I have learned to accept, bring joy, and provide a safe and fun environment for those who may not be able to obtain these things in daily life."

Michele Kaplan

Parent

“For the past four years, the Friendship Circle has been a central part of our family. Since our son Matthew was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome at two years old, his Friendship Circle friends have been there every week without fail to be his friend. They never judged him for being different, always just wanting to be his friend. Through the teen’s dedication, patience, and love, they have taught our entire family that there will always be a place where Matthew will be accepted just as he is.”

Diego

Special Friend

“Friendship Circle ROCKS!”

Volunteer

"Hearing my friendship circle buddy, Mimi, remember my name without my help for the first time was an extremely positive experience that made me realize the impact I have on the kids, as well as the impact they have on me."

Volunteer

"A very positive and memorable experience I had while volunteering was building Lego structures with my special friend. We had a lot of fun while also creating a stronger bond. We faced obstacles during the complex building and finished it together perfectly. We found great value in working as a team and having tons of fun."

Volunteer

"One day my special friend came into Sunday Circle and was upset and sat away from everyone. I decided to sit next to her and ask her how she was. She told me she was upset and that she didn’t really want to talk. I suggested that we could take some deep breaths together that we were taught by our Friendship Circle staff to do, and after doing that together she was so happy that she gave me a hug and told me that she was happy to have me as a friend. After that day we grew super close, and we take deep breaths whenever she’s upset."

Volunteer

“Volunteering at Friendship Circle Miami has impacted my personal development by making me more sensitive towards other people, as you never know what they are going through and, as such, should always be approached with kindness regardless of how they treat you."

Liat Sinclair

Friendship Circle president, 5th year volunteer

"Friendship Circle has inspired me to make everyone feel accepted and has taught me that our differences are what makes us unique and brings us together."