Circle of Friends School

We are Circle of Friends and we are building a classroom, after school programs, and additional camps and activities for children with the most severe and complex disabilities in Oregon.

There is no organization around doing what we do!  Created in 2018 by a special education teacher and a mom of a child with disabilities, Circle of Friends was founded on one simple concept: children and youth with complex disabilities are just like anyone else – they deserve opportunities. Through resources, support, training, education, and a community built on compassion, we’re here to break the cycle of isolation for these individuals and the people who love them.

Children and youth with rare or undiagnosed syndromes receive less opportunities than their peers because they tend to require more equipment, more medical care, and do not fit into a one-size-fits-all form of special education. These individuals are commonly left out of their communities at large. We are a female-founded 501(c)(3) motivated to bring opportunities and support to these individuals in Lane County and beyond. The children and youth we serve are deserving of visibility and accessibility, regardless of their disabilities and medical needs. We aim to be the hub of community, support, activities, and education for these individuals.

Families with a child who is severely disabled have so much on their plates. The grief cycle is real. If we can relieve even just a fraction of that stress by providing resources and activities that support them, then we are part of the change we wish to see in the world.

We currently offer day camps for spring, summer, and winter breaks, as well as host regular gatherings like park meet-ups, art classes, nature walks, and other diverse events intended to uplift, educate, and build community. We provide a safe and accepting space for families to come exactly as they are without fear of being marginalized. 

COVID impacted our community more than most. Due to the medical fragility of our children and youth - most with rare syndromes that already impact their life expectancies - we had to pivot and get creative with our offerings. One example you can see here:

Since being back to in-person events, we are full steam ahead at building even more activities and events that get our families out of their homes and into safe spaces where they're encouraged, stimulated, and supported. Here's an example of that:

WHAT YOUR DONATIONS WILL DO

Your donations will ensure we can continue to provide our existing programming, as well as expand to after school programs, respite care, provide grief counselors and other mental health specialists for families, and even have a private classroom option for those who want the additional support. The generosity of previous donors has made possible the recent addition of a nurse to our phenomenal team, increasing our capacity to offer medical protocols and training for our staff. This is just one example of the action we're taking to ensure our organization is meeting the needs of families.

Through your giving we will continue to grow so we can serve the most vulnerable in Lane County.

Every person deserves opportunities. Every person deserves community. #InclusionIsLove