Here are some of the many ways that The Friends Network is helping people with disabilities live fulfilling, meaningful, successful lives:

Programs for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

• Monthly Meetings: A dinner meeting is held monthly for socializing and planning group activities. Also, at each meeting 4 members are given leadership roles, under guidance from program coordinators:
• One person is the meeting leader who calls the meeting to order and maintains order during the meeting.
• One person takes the minutes.
• One person is called the "greeter" and will introduce any new members or guests to others.
• One person is the "outreach person" who has (with help from program leaders) made arrangements for the guest speaker for the evening
• After each member completes their duties, they are awarded a FRIENDS NETWORK pin at a special ceremony scheduled at one of the monthly meetings.
• Drama Club: Through cooperation with Mahopac High School students, the club’s first performance was held at the Pastel Art Show in October 2005.
• Garden Club: Our most recent project was to beautify a public park in Mahopac.
• Knitting Club: Members are working on items that will be sold this fall at our Annual Harvest Ball.
• Book Club: Meets every 6 to 8 weeks at the Mahopac Library, for book discussions led by a librarian.
• Bowling League: Meets every Sunday at Jefferson Valley Lanes in Yorktown for fall and spring seasons.
• Social Outings: Social events are scheduled throughout the year, e.g.: movies, dancing, mini golf, live theatrical performances, museums, baseball games, etc.
• Overnight Trips: One major trip a year, overnight for several days: 2003 – traveled to Florida; 2004 – traveled to Boston; 2005 – traveled to Washington, DC; 2006 – a trip is planned to Cancun, Mexico.
• Movie Club: Meets once a month at local theaters.
• Life Skill Programs: Classes in money management, cooking, safety, personal hygiene and health, etc.
• Involvement in the Community: Members participate in community service projects and volunteer work
• *NEW* FRIENDS recently began providing Job Placement and Employment Services, at the request of the NYS Education Dept. Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities.

Programs for Children with Developmental Disabilities

Called "PALS" ("Play and Learning Sessions") this program was started in 2003 as a pilot project, and is growing rapidly:

• After-School Program: PALS meets 5 days a week from 2:30 to 6:30 (after-school) providing recreation and respite. Working with professionals trained in child development, children engage in games, stories, craft projects, and other activities that help facilitate teamwork and cooperative play .
• Summer Program: In 2006, we will run for 5 days a week for 2 weeks during the month of August, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (including field trips)
• Future Plans: In the fall of 2006, we hope to expand our program to work with teenagers with developmental disabilities. We have received numerous parent requests for this service. Also to add a Saturday respite program and a weekly early intervention program.