Thank you for visiting our Birdies for Charity Page. This is the third year Friendship Circle has participated in the Rocket Mortgage Classic Birdies for Charity Program. We are looking forward to an incredible event!

Established in 1994, Friendship Circle is dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and their families. Friendship Circle started with eight volunteers meeting families each week to provide support and friendship. Today, Friendship Circle supports 3,000 individuals and their families with the assistance of hundreds of dedicated volunteers.

Friendship Circle programs at our Meer Center include a life-skills educational program for students, 40 after-school programs and seasonal camps, and the Daniel B. Sobel Friendship House and UMatter programs that support individuals and families struggling with isolation, addiction, and other life crises. Programs at our Farber Center support adults and include the Soul Studio Art Program and the Soul Cafe Training Program. Participants gain job experience, earn an income, and are given the opportunity to reveal their talents to the community.

In October 2020, Friendship Circle finalized the purchase of Dakota Bakery, a respected and established bakery in West Bloomfield. As the new owner, Friendship Circle has launched a bakery training program to create new employment opportunities for adults with special needs.

For most of 2020, we offered programs virtually to continue to support our community. We recently began safely welcoming back participants in small groups while still offering virtual programs for those unable to attend in person.