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MISSION

The FRIENDS Project's mission is to create inclusive social and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.

PHILOSOPHY

The FRIENDS Project endeavors to combat the social isolation that many people with disabilities experience. FRIENDS does this through an integrated approach that promotes inclusion practices. While keeping inclusion practices in the forefront, FRIENDS also recognizes, encourages and promotes a variety of relationships in many settings. FRIENDS believes that accessible activities that address the needs of people with disabilities need to be facilitated in order for more choices to be available.

HISTORY

The FRIENDS Project was started in 2000 by the Portsmouth School Department because students and parents were frustrated over the lack of friendships that people with disabilities experience. FRIENDS is a partnership between the Portsmouth School Department and a working group of parents and community members.

FUNDING

FRIENDS is funded through grants, fundraisers and private donations. Private and corporate donations are needed and greatly appreciated.

PROGRAM

The FRIENDS Project offers a number of programs and activities, including:

EDGEWOOD CENTRE CLUB

Children who live at the Edgewood Centre socialize with their peers. These children play games, socialize, go on field trips and enjoy each other's company.

GIRLS GROUP

A group of High School girls meet once per week and make crafts, go on field trips, do community service projects, and socialize.

MOVIE NIGHT

A group of people aged high school or young adult meet at the local movie theatre twice per month to enjoy a good movie and some popcorn together.

BOWLING

A group of people aged high school or young adult meet twice per month to bowl and socialize.

BASKETBALL CLUB AND RECREATION GAMES

Participants play basketball or play games twice per week at a local recreational facility.

FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIALS

Friday Night is a social gathering of young people ages 15-24. The program meets twice per month. Participants play basketball, listen to music, shoot pool, make craft projects and socialize. Participants come from Seacoast area towns. University of New Hampshire students participate regularly as volunteers. At the Greenleaf Recreation Center.

Directions: Go to the Portsmouth traffic circle. Get on Route 1A bypass South. Go 1.2 miles. At the lights at 1.2 miles, take a right onto Greenleaf Avenue. Go .2 miles. The Greenleaf Recreation Center is on the left.

HEARTBREAKERS CLUB IN EXETER

A group of young women ages 15-30 participate in social activities twice per month. This club collaborates with Phillips Exeter Academy.  Students from the academy are participants in the group and academy facilities are used.

COMMUNITY RECREATION DEPARTMENT TRAINING

The FRIENDS Project works with area recreation departments to educate staff around disability issues. FRIENDS has collaborated with the Newmarket Recreation Department, Newmarket School Department and a group of parents to start a program involving friendship facilitators for the summer camp program in Newmarket.

 

CONTACT

The FRIENDS Project
Portsmouth High School
50 Jarvis Andrew Drive
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-436-7100 x2919
Heidi Chase, Executive Director
hchase@portsmouth.k12.nh.us