Friends Connect Foundation a New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation (NP)
Home - Friends Connect Foundation
825336571
Glen Rock, NJ 07452 USA
friendsconnectfoundation.org
FCF_NP
Friends Connect Foundation
Introduction
Friends Connect Foundation is a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing social opportunities for teenagers with special needs. Founded by Sophia Ziajski, the organization aims to foster friendships, improve self-esteem, and enhance community integration among its participants.
Mission
The mission of Friends Connect Foundation is to facilitate social connections for individuals with special needs. Its programs are designed to help participants form lasting friendships, improve their self-confidence, and increase their sense of belonging within their communities[1][2].
History
Founded in 2017 by then 16-year-old Sophia Ziajski, Friends Connect Foundation evolved from a small social group into a recognized New Jersey nonprofit corporation in the spring of 2018. The organization gained IRS recognition as a charitable 501(c)(3) entity in June 2018. Ziajski's initiative was sparked by observing the isolation and lack of appropriate social activities for teens with special needs in her community[1][2].
Programs
Friends Connect Foundation offers a variety of age-appropriate activities, including:
- Fitness: Yoga, dance classes, and cardio-based field activities.
- Art and Music: Drum circles, dance classes, and various art programs like canvas painting and candle-making.
- Social Activities: Sensory-friendly parties, robotics, gardening, and board games.
- Community Service: Production-line-style piece work, donating artwork, and volunteering at community events[2][5].
Impact
The organization facilitates social interactions by pairing participants with volunteer "Buddies" who share similar interests. This approach ensures that both individuals have a positive and engaging experience, laying the groundwork for natural friendships. Friends Connect Foundation also serves as a consistent community service opportunity for volunteers needing service hours[1].
Media Recognition
Friends Connect Foundation has been recognized for its efforts in community building. Sophia Ziajski, the founder, has been highlighted in local media for her work in creating inclusive social opportunities, including activities with local sports teams and collaborations with community venues[1][2].
[1] https://friendsconnectfoundation.org/about/ [2] https://friendsconnectfoundation.org [3] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/82-5336571 [4] https://www.instagram.com/friendsconnectfoundation/ [5] https://www.monmouthresourcenet.org/search/friends-connect-foundation/
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About the organization
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Friends Connect Foundation Helping children with special needs through affordable and inclusive social programs Home We Envision a World Where Friendship and Recreational Activities are Accessible to All Friends Connect Foundation provides social opportunities designed for individuals with special needs. Our ageappropriate programs assist participants in forming new friendships improving their selfesteem and increasing their sense of belonging in the community. Our Programs Our ageappropriate programs include meaningful and enjoyable activities such as dance lessons art classes gardening drum circle cooking field days ice skating robotics board games and more Fitness Community Service Social SelfExpression Music Recent Media Coverage Friends Connect Foundation Sophia Ziajski is a Middletown Community Builder 19 year old Sophia Ziaski is creating joy for so many local teens and young adults with the nonprofitFriends Connect Foundation FCF Middletown North boys soccer team plays minigolf with special needs kids Members of the Middletown North boys varsity soccer team play minigolf with the Friends Connect Foundation a nonprofit run by Sophia Ziajski 19 of Middletown at TST BBQ Mini Golf in Middletown NJ mini golf donates free fun for special needs kids every week Finding things to do with kids who have autism or any other disability is often hard because of the looks comments or sometimes outright hostility you get. So when a place out of the kindness of their heart sets aside a special time for families just like yours it needs to be commended and shared.
Community Service Clubs, Youth Development Autism Developmentally Disabled Services/Centers
