16th Annual Walk for Friendship 3K Raises Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars
A Walk for Inclusivity and Acceptance
Hundreds of families in the Miami area took part in the 16th Annual Walk for Friendship 3K on Sunday morning. The event was hosted by the nonprofit Friendship Circle of Miami, a program that helps individuals with special developmental and/or intellectual needs acquire the skills necessary to enhance their social lives.
A Personal Connection
Michele Kaplan, a board member for the nonprofit, shared her personal connection to the organization. "I got involved about 18 years ago," she said. "My son has special needs, he has something called Fragile X Syndrome in Autism, and when he was diagnosed, I felt very alone; and a friend recommended me to Friendship Circle." Kaplan and her 19-year-old son Mathew join a number of families who are united under Friendship Circle’s mission of love and inclusivity.
A Program of Inclusivity and Support
Rabbi Yossi Harlig and his wife created the organization back in 2004, and this year, the Walk for Friendship 3K raised more than $182,000. "We run over 26 different programs, and the community is coming together to say, ‘we want to support this,’" Rabbi Harlig told NBC 6.
The Impact of Friendship Circle
Christine Nieves, whose 9-year-old son Grayson was diagnosed with level two Autism, spoke about the impact of the nonprofit. "He struggles a lot with emotional behaviors, and that’s why programs like Friendship Circle are so important because they’re based on friendship, and that can teach him exactly how to build those bonds and friendships so that he could be an active member of the community." In the past, Grayson has been bullied, but with the nonprofit’s volunteer pairing, kids like him are able to feel accepted and included.
A Space for Everyone
Miami-Dade District 8 Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins spoke about the importance of inclusivity and acceptance. "There are different varying levels of abilities, but there’s a space and a place for everyone," she said. "I think every step counts towards the walk for friendship."
Get Involved
To learn more about the mission and ways to donate or volunteer, click here.
Conclusion
The 16th Annual Walk for Friendship 3K has once again shown the power of community coming together to support individuals with special needs. With the help of organizations like Friendship Circle, individuals can build meaningful connections and feel a sense of belonging.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the mission of Friendship Circle of Miami?
- The mission of Friendship Circle of Miami is to help individuals with special developmental and/or intellectual needs acquire the skills necessary to enhance their social lives.
- How does the nonprofit support individuals with special needs?
- Friendship Circle offers a variety of programs, including volunteer pairing, social events, and skill-building activities, to help individuals with special needs build connections and feel included.
- How can I get involved with Friendship Circle?
- You can learn more about the nonprofit and ways to donate or volunteer by visiting their website or contacting them directly.
