Company Overview: Friend in Me
Friend in Me is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating friendships between children with disabilities and neurotypical youth volunteers. Founded in 2020, the organization aims to create inclusive environments through weekly online Zoom sessions. These sessions are personalized based on the interests and abilities of each participant to encourage a more inclusive society, with flexible scheduling options for convenience.
Website: [Friend in Me Group](https://www.friendinmegroup.org/)
Mission and Operations
The mission of Friend in Me is to develop lasting friendships and create social opportunities for children with disabilities while celebrating neurodiversity. Weekly Zoom sessions are at the core of the program, pairing volunteers and participants according to age, gender, and compatibility. Each session typically lasts 45 minutes and includes activities such as conversations, games, or collaborative projects like art, tailored to accommodate diverse abilities and encourage parental involvement when necessary.
Leadership Team
- Sophia Flosi: President - Overseeing daily operations, she serves as the main contact for participants and volunteers, with a focus on program expansion and community engagement since joining in 2023.
- Ariana Mirsalimi: Volunteer Trainer - Transitioned from hosting sessions to training roles, focusing on enhancing volunteer experiences.
- Emily Kim: Zoom Host - Actively involved in session hosting and community outreach.
- Brady Drensner: Director of Outreach - Instrumental since 2022 in program growth and community ties, facilitating weekly sessions.
- Julia Sansing & Drew Sansing: Co-Founders - Established the organization motivated by personal experiences, aiming to foster friendships for their brother and others.
- Griffin Shakespeare: Vice President - Responsible for efficient organization of weekly sessions and overall program management since 2024.
- Elle Perlman: Co-Director of Recruitment - Transitioned from volunteer to management in 2024, working on community connections and friendship cultivation.
- Nina Chen & Bradley Chang: Zoom Hosts - Committed to creating an inclusive session atmosphere.
International Initiatives
Friend in Me's international outreach includes the "Angeti" initiative, partnering with Fondation Les Anges du Ciel in Cameroon to extend inclusive activities to neurodiverse children facing significant societal challenges.
Contact Information
- General Inquiries: info@friendinmegroup.org
- Angeti Inquiries: angesduciel7@gmail.com, WhatsApp: (00237) 691827632 / 657943155
Community Feedback
The program is lauded for creating meaningful interactions and friendships, positively influencing participants' social experiences.
Opportunities for Involvement
Friend in Me encourages volunteers aged 8 to 18, providing flexible schedules and options to request specific buddy pairings. They seek volunteer support and donations to sustain and expand operations, emphasizing the impact of these friendships.
Donation and Support
Donations are welcome via their website and GoFundMe, aiding operational expenses like Zoom subscriptions and marketing, supporting service provision and international endeavors in Cameroon.
Competitor and Comparable Organizations
- Best Buddies International: A notable competitor that fosters friendships and promotes inclusivity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities globally, offering one-to-one friendships, employment, and leadership programs.
- Aspire Chicago: Focuses on disability inclusion with job support, independent living programs, and community integration, aiming to transform communities through inclusivity.
Recent Activities and Initiatives
Friend in Me's recent expansion includes the Angeti program in Africa, collaborating with local non-profits to alleviate social isolation for disabled children in Cameroon. These efforts are supported by donations that fund marketing, internet services, and volunteer training.
Opportunities for Collaboration and Growth
There is potential for collaboration with organizations like Best Buddies and Aspire to enhance the reach and effectiveness of Friend in Me. Learning from larger entities can help improve service delivery and expand their volunteer and participant base.
