The Friendship Initiative Inc

“Part III, Line 28: Providing support and respite services for their family members brings our reach to several hundred individuals. The programs are designed to encourage creativity, improve wellness, and foster inclusion. In addition to the cash expenditures reported on line 28, the organization made use of volunteered services and donated facilities with an estimated value in excess of $100,000. These donations of time and space have been essential in providing free services with minimal overhead costs. Donated facilities provided by our municipal, non-profit, and community business partners continue to allow us to host in-person activities at a painting studio, recreation center and rescued animal farm as well as at the Broward Center for Performing Arts and the Florida Panthers Ice Den. Community partners also donated time and space to provide interactive virtual field trips, entertainment, cooking and art lessons via Zoom. Additionally, the organization relies on approximately 20 youth and adult volunteers alongside its Board to provide services. Qualified professionals serving as board members or program directors continue to provide professional services free of charge including special education support services, certified Speech Language Pathologist consultation and program development services, IT, accounting and administrative services. Programs now offered include in-person activities for participants and families including art, fitness, dance, farm experiences, sensory friendly live theatre productions, all abilities performing arts classes, and hockey in partnership with the Florida Panthers and the American Special Hockey Association. Educational family resource nights and life skills classes such as financial literacy are offered periodically. Our virtual summer Camp Wings of Friendship serving over 400 individuals with disabilities, family members and volunteers nationwide, is continuing to expand its reach. Virtual access has removed the transportation barrier for participants with limited mobility and has brought meaningful social connections to young people that were previously isolated or experienced limited social interactions. With support from an infrastructure grant, the organization has invested in the development of systems, training programs and policies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization into the future.”

“Part III, Line 29: Its social media presence and web site reached more than 3,000 individuals nationwide. Locally, board members and volunteers participated in community events and collaborated with other non-profits and local government agencies that support our mission. In 2024, the organization held a gala and scholarship brunch attended by approximately 200 community leaders, families, volunteers and program participants. The events showcased the extraordinary benefits of social acceptance for individuals with disabilities and celebrated the accomplishments of our participants and volunteers. In addition to raising the visibility of our mission and the need for our services, the events provided a meaningful way for families to commune together in a joyful atmosphere. Although these events required an admission fee to offset costs, many attendees benefited from free and reduced-price admissions made possible by a targeted fund-raising drive and the generosity of donors.”

“Scholarships for post secondary education awarded to youths with exceptional commitement to inclusion; scholarships; awarded to two hs seniors for : $2,000 each, , , ; none, 4000.”

“ADVERTISING 1533.”

“Auto expense reimbursements 214.”

“INSURANCE 634.”

“MERCHANT FEES 1379.”

“PROGRAM SUPPLIES 6265.”

“REGULATORY FILINGS 187.”

“STORAGE 1624.”

“Web based software and services 4326.”

“Website design and maintenance 2759.”

“YOUTH ACTIVITIES 11805.”

“Depreciation 765.”

“Dues and subscriptions 349.”

“Program apparel-youth and volunteers 2419.”

“COMMUNITY EVENTS 32757.”

“Computer and accessablity equip. Net of depreciation 2596. 1831.”

“Volunteer and participant t-shirts on hand 945. 1500.”

“Security deposits 1000. 0.”

“Accounts payable 260. 448.”