Mission
Circle of Friends is a volunteer organization that reaches out to children, teens and young adults with special needs in Fairfield County, CT and involves them in a full array of inclusive, social experiences. Our innovative programming of home visits, play dates and social interactions, is designed to foster a relationship between children, teens and young adults with special needs and community teenage volunteers.
In addition to helping families in need, Circle of Friends empowers and enriches its network of volunteers (the majority of whom are teenagers) by enabling them to reap the vast rewards of participating in a program that strengthens their personal connections to the community by giving back to the community.
Ruling year
2015
Executive Director
Freida Hecht
Main address
40 King St
Norwalk, CT 06851 USA
EIN
47-4152491
NTEE code
Developmentally Disabled Services/Centers (P82)
Developmentally Disabled Services/Centers (P82)
IRS filing requirement
This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Sign in or create an account to view Form(s) 990 for 2019, 2018 and 2017.
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Communication
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Home With Friends
Children and teens with special needs are partnered with teenage volunteers who visit them weekly in their homes and establish meaningful, shared experiences. The volunteers are screened and receive orientation from professionals in the field of special education prior to their home visits.
Sunday Circle/Teen Scene
Sunday Circle/Teen Scene: Once a month on Sundays throughout the school calendar year, our teenage volunteers and their friends spend two wonderful hours together. In a fun filled atmosphere, highlighting a Jewish holiday or theme, participants enjoy a wide variety of activities such as music, art, sports, snack, baking, cooking and story time. Professional teachers in the field of special education and therapists lead the activities. Parents also receive a respite as their children engage in an afternoon of quality social and educational activities.
Young Adult/Adult Social Circle
Young Adult/Adult Circle: Circle of Friends hosts a monthly program on Tuesday evenings for young/adults with disabilities. Participants are transported to and from their group residences and homes and then join together with volunteers to socialize, enjoy music, dance, yoga, art, snack, cooking and baking.
Winter/Summer Camp
At Circle of Friends Camp children and teens with special needs will have their week transformed into an exciting camping experience.
The fun-filled camp programs features a variety of activities, swimming, games and sports, as well as exciting field trips. Dedicated volunteers will be there to assist the children throughout the day.
Crumb Together Bakery, always rising
Crumb Together is a not-for-profit bakery with heart. We train and employ adults with disabilities to create delicious baked goods under the supervision of a professional baker. At Crumb Together Bakery they learn skills, build self-esteem, socialize, and are productive members of our community. 75% of adults with disabilities are unemployed. Our mission is to change that. Find out more at: www.ctbakery.org
Where we work
Awards
Community Impact Award 2011
American Red Cross
External reviews
Photos
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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CIRCLE OF FRIENDS OF CONNECTICUT INC
Board of directorsas of 7/27/2021
Freida Hecht
Beth Davison
Diane Yormark
Meir Deitsch
Chanie Stone
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? No -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? No -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? GuideStar partnered on this section with CHANGE Philanthropy and Equity in the Center.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data
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