On-Going Programs
After-School Hangout
A weekly gathering where FC members (middle school age and younger) get together with the teens of the FC Club from American Martyrs School for an hour of socializing, sports, games and snacks. After-School Hangouts are held every Thursday throughout the school year (except holidays) at Meadows Elementary School in Manhattan Beach; 3:30-4:30PM. There are no fees for participating in this program.
Birthday Club
A monthly gathering of friends and families to celebrate the birthdays of the month, sponsored by Dr. Barbara Schulz and Pence Wealth Management. Birthday Club is typically held on the third Friday of every month at RoundTable Pizza in Hermosa Beach; 3:30-4:45PM.
Parent Support Group
Parent Support Group is a monthly meeting for parents of FC members to gather in a small group setting for discussions of current challenges and an open exchange of ideas and solutions. The discussions are led by Casey Ann Hickey, MSW. Meetings are held at The Friendship Circle offices every 2nd Thursday of each month; 6:30-7:30PM. There are no fees for participating in this program.
Sibling Support Group
Sibling Support Group is a monthly meeting for siblings of children with special needs to gather in a small group setting for discussions of current challenges and an open exchange of ideas and solutions. The discussions are led by Casey Ann Hickey, MSW. Meetings are held at The Friendship Circle offices every Thursday from 5:00pm - 6:00pm. There are no fees for participating in this program.
Parent Seminars
Periodic meetings for parents of FC members to hear from professionals working in the special needs field regarding current topics. Examples of topics are Life Care Plans, Special Needs Trusts, Special Needs Housing, Insurance and Government Aid, IEP's and more! Meetings are led by Douglas Baker of Waddell & Reed and volunteer professionals Seminars are held at The Friendship Circle offices. There are no fees for participating in this program.
School Clubs
FC has school clubs on various high school, middle school and elementary school campuses around the South Bay. Clubs meet once per week as general and special education students come together to eat lunch and socialize. To find out more, or to get your school involved, click here.
Sports Night
Sports Night is a monthly program wherein FC members and student volunteers join Super Soccer Stars for a variety of interactive sports activities. Super Soccer Stars see to it that the children get their share of exercise while learning the basic skills of soccer. Sports Nights are held the first Thursday of every month (October-May) at L.A. Galaxy Soccer Center; 5:30-6:30PM. There are no fees for participating in this program.
Kinder Circle
Kinder Circle is a monthly program geared toward our youngest members, in preschool and kindergarten. Children ages 3-5 buddy-up with student volunteers to participate in activities highlighted by games, stories, music, refreshments and more. Each month features a different form of interactive entertainment, such as: Drum Circle, Bubble Mania and animal exhibits. Kinder Circles are mostly held at The Friendship Circle center, though other community facilities are periodically used as well. Typically, there are no fees for participating in this program.
Sunday Circle
Sunday Circle is a monthly program geared toward our elementary school age FC members. Children ages 6-11 buddy-up with student volunteers to participate in activities highlighted by games, stories, music, refreshments and more. Each month features a different form of interactive entertainment, such as: Drum Circle, Bubble Mania and animal exhibits. Sunday Circles are mostly held at The Friendship Circle center, though other community facilities are periodically used as well. Typically, there are no fees for participating in this program.
Junior Adventures
Junior Adventures is a monthly program geared towards middle school age FC members (ages 12-14). Each month we embark on outings taking our teens into their community for a fun experience where they can participate in activities with peers, implementing "everyday" skills. Some examples of the outings are bowling, movies, fishing, amusement parks and more! There is often a $5-$10 fee to participate in this program.
Teen Adventures
Teen Adventures is a monthly program geared towards high school age FC members (ages 15 and 18). Each month we embark on outings taking our teens into their community for a fun experience where they can participate in activities with peers, implementing "everyday" skills. Some examples of the outings are bowling, movies, fishing, amusement parks and more! There is often a $5-$10 fee to participate in this program.
Life Skills Adventures
Life Skills Adventures is a monthly program geared towards our oldest group of FC members (ages 19-25). Each month we embark on outings taking our young adults into their community for a fun experience where they can participate in activities with peers, implementing "everyday" skills focused around transportation, education and employment. Some examples of the outings are visiting local colleges, filling out job applications at the mall, traveling on the metrorail system more! There is often a $10-$15 fee to participate in this program.