Circle of Friends of Connecticut
​ 40 King Street Norwalk, CT 06851 - 203-293-8837 cof@circleoffriendsct.org
© Circle of Friends  CT 2023 All rights reserved

JOIN  CIRCLE OF FRIENDS!
​ We offer a diverse range of social and recreational programs for individuals with special needs of all ages.
 please scroll down to select the relevant age group below. 

SUNDAY CIRCLE
​Kids 4-12
TEEN SCENE
Teens 13-18

Once a month on Sundays 2:00 – 3:30 PM, throughout the  year, our teenage volunteers and your child spend  time together.  In a fun filled atmosphere, highlighting a seasonal  holiday or theme, participants enjoy a wide variety of activities such as music,  dance, art, sports, snack, baking, cooking, yoga, story time, games and special activities. Professionals in the field of special education and therapists lead the activities. Parents receive a respite as their children engage in an afternoon of quality social and educational activities. 
Sunday Circle & Teen Scene run consecutively.​

​KIDS & TEENS
SOCIAL SKILLS CLASS
Sundays 2:00-3:30 pm monthly
​This program teaches kids & teens social skills, alongside supportive & engaging teen volunteers. During each session, kids & teens will learn and practice self-advocacy, and other important social skills within a relaxed and fun environment that promotes independence. 
Open to kids &  teens of all abilities.
​Kids & Teen Classes run consecutively.
TEENS ON THE TOWN
​13-18
This program allows teens to enhance social, safety and daily living skills, alongside supportive & engaging teen volunteers. During the outings  and trips, teens will learn and practice self-advocacy, to safely cross streets and other important life skills within a relaxed and fun environment that promotes independence.
​Open to teens of all abilities.

HOME WITH FRIENDS
​all ages

This weekly program facilitates quality time between teen volunteers and children & teens with special needs in the comfort of their own homes.  Each week a volunteer teen comes to your home to spend one hour with your child, offering companionship, laughter, and fun. In exchange, the teen volunteers learn the value of friendship and experience firsthand the power of giving.  Home With Friends  takes place in-person or over Zoom at your preference. The volunteers are screened and receive  orientation from professionals in the field of special education prior to their home visits.
A schedule is set up by our program coordinator to accommodate each family.​

YOUNG ADULT/ADULT CIRCLE
​18+

Circle of Friends hosts a monthly program on Tuesday evenings, 6:00-7:30PM for young adults & adults with disabilities. Participants are transported to and from their group residences and homes and then join together with volunteers to socialize, enjoy music, dance, art, snack, games, cooking, baking and trips. Young adults participate in Community Service projects & outings. to theater, sports events, hikes, apple picking and other exciting places.

Additional Programs

 Community Awareness
 Circle of Friends hosts community awareness events and provides lecturers to educate the community on individuals with disabilities and respect of differences.

 Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Every child deserves a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Circle of Friends will custom tailor a service and celebration for that Special Day. 
Hebrew School Jewish Enrichment Program
 Sundays 10:30 – 11:30am. Using the most progressive teaching methods, each student receives an individualized approach to maximize their capabilities and build their self esteem.
Life Skills
For a teen with special needs, the “outside world” can seem overwhelmingly strange. Under the Life Skills program, teen volunteers and professionals help them become comfortable in public places so they can gain confidence and become as self-sufficient as possible. 
​​Camp
Winter/Summer Camp.  Visit our Camp page for more information.
Sib Shop - Sibling Support Group
Circle of Friends offers sibling support groups. The group is lead by a family therapist and includes games, art, snack and discussion.
​Hospital Visits & Counseling
In a time of crisis or need  Circle of Friends is here for you with care packages and visits.