Friendship Circle - Newport Beach, California

Michael L.

Our family has been with The Friendship Circle from its very beginning in Orange County. The program has been wonderful and fun for both our special needs son and his typical-developing brother. The leadership and volunteers are caring, kind and have provided our kids with so many fun experiences, and so much love and friendship, every year! The Sunday Circle, Young Adult Circle and camp programs have all been great experiences! The fact that the typical-developing siblings, who can often feel left out when parents other adults in their lives have to pay so much attention to their special needs sibling, get their own volunteer buddies is fantastic and something unique to Friendship Circle compared to most other programs.

We cannot say enough good things about what Friendship Circle has done for our sons, and what it has meant to our family. If you have a special needs child, getting involved in the Friendship Circle family experience is something you absolutely should do and will never regret!

Syndi S.

I highly recommend Friendship Circle! Our autistic son is 11 years old and has participated in many Friendship Circle events. Without a doubt, they have the best summer camp program, as well as an amazing winter camp. Their activities are fantastic, well organized and the volunteers are some of the nicest and kindest kids I have met. Thank you to the wonderful team at Friendship Circle, Newport Beach, you all do a terrific job!

Stephanie M.

My three sons (now 17, 18 & 21) have all participated as volunteers with the Friendship Circle beginning in sixth grade. What started off as a way to fulfill community service hours in middle school became an incredibly meaningful monthly basketball/soccer meet up which my sons continued through high school and beyond. They helped to organize the games and were paired with buddies all the while learning compassion and developing leadership skills.
Chani Mintz and the entire team work tirelessly to make this such a fun and special opportunity for everyone involved. I can't recommend this program enough if you are looking for a life changing volunteer opportunity for your child.

Michael W.

I cannot say enough good things about Friendship Circle. Any parent of a special needs child knows that it is extremely difficult to find an organization that is truly supportive, accepting, and understanding. Friendship Circle is all of those things and more. Everyone involved in the program truly cares about the participants, so much so that Friendship Circle feels like an extension of the family. Over the years, we tried many, many different programs for our now 16 year old son, and none of them have been as welcoming or had the positive impact Friendship Circle has had. I recommend it any family of a special needs child or adult.

Simi S.

Friendship Circle OC is the best! We've taken part in their programs for many years. We love the afternoons at the park for the younger children -- always well planned, fun, and staffed by well-trained volunteers, the adult program, in which the volunteers help the disabled young adults do a fun dinner and program (like singing, etc.), the soccer and basketball options, and the special holiday events/activities. Chani Mintz and her staff are truly dedicated to what they do. The teenage volunteers are respectful, well-trained and lovely. We love Friendship Circle! Thank you for all you do!

Suzanne B.

Friendship Circle (FC) has offered my autistic son a multitude of successful and fulfilling social opportunities. My 16 yr-old son began participating in FC activities 4-5 years ago and he describes it as a welcoming place where he is accepted and loved. As a mom, I cherish and infinitely appreciate the efforts FC staff & volunteers make to provide a safe, accepting and vital social outlet to all the kids who participate. FC is amazing!!

Aus S.

Since summer 2021, the campers were all mean people and everyone there mistreated me.

Elayne B.

This program is exceptional and extremely valuable to the special needs community. Director Chani Mintz and her staff are the most incredible people and run the friendship circle with such commitment, joy, love and pure genuineness. I am so grateful for all the different programs that they offer.