Page Title

Our Members

Most members are from Nassau and Suffolk counties, although
the Friendship Connection welcomes members from all over
the New York area. We charge a small membership fee so that
people of all income levels can participate. Members’ ages
range from teenagers to young adults.
Our services are designed for parents as well as their
children. Monthly support group meetings offer parents the
chance to network and provide an outlet for sharing common
concerns and problems associated with having a
developmentally-delayed child. Discussions revolve around
issues such as “empowering” parenting, how to facilitate
independence, survival skills, stress management and
independent living options.

The Friendship Connection provides a therapeutically
challenging and supportive environment that is appropriate
for teens and young adults with a full range of learning
disabilities and social handicaps.

For Bob, age 24, learning and developmental disabilities
challenged his social skills, preventing him from making
any quality friendships. Although he had a full-time job,
Bob experienced difficulty with independence skills and was
overly-dependent on his parents.

Similarly, Karol, a 16-year old attending a local high
school, had no friends or peer relationships outside of her
family, due to her social awkwardness and difficulty
processing social cues. In fact, her peers teased and
tormented her, leaving Karol anxiety-ridden and depressed.

Another 16-year old, Michael, was also teased by his peers
because of his thick glasses and speech impediment. While
maintaining a B-average, Michael was suffering from low
self-esteem and high levels of social anxiety, causing him
to avoid most social situations.

David, who was attending a learning disabled program at a
local college, had few peer relationships outside of his
family. His dyslexia and organizational challenges left him
unprepared for the stress of independent functioning. As a
result, he avoided socializing to the point of affecting
his health.

At age 19, Julie had a pervasive processing disability that
limited her social skills, social insight and sense of
boundaries. While attending special education classes in
school, her few peer relationships where characterized by
much stress and disappointment.

Through weekly recreational activities and trips to places
of interest, members like Bob, Karol, Michael, David and
Julie are able to improve their social lives and self-
esteem, putting an end to their loneliness and giving them
a sense of purpose and hope.