We are a nonprofit organization providing social opportunities for children & families to foster connection & community.
The Foundation seeks to provide meaningful social opportunities for children and families, because we know that community matters. We offer free social groups, led by therapists and supported by volunteers, to serve children with special needs with a caring community. We also offer parent support groups as well as special events quarterly — which include holiday parties, proms, summer bashes, fall fests, and more!
Learn more about our program offerings below, or jump directly to an age group:
ABOUT FUNCTIONAL FRIENDS FOUNDATION
Buddy Builders
(ages 10-13)
Buddy Builders is a social group led by occupational and speech therapists, designed for children ages 10–13 who benefit from guided opportunities to practice peer interaction, communication, problem-solving, and collaborative play. The program emphasizes real-world application of social skills within a supportive, strengths-based environment.
Connection Club
(ages 14-18)
Connection Club is a strengths-based social engagement group for teens ages 14-18 who benefit from guided opportunities to practice authentic peer interaction, emotional regulation, communication, and real-world readiness skills in a supportive environment. The program blends structured learning, collaborative activities, and natural peer connection while honoring teen autonomy and dignity.
Community Supported — At No Cost to Families!
Our social groups are offered at no cost to families thanks to the generosity of our foundation and community supporters. We believe every child deserves the chance to build friendships, practice social skills, and grow in a supportive environment—without financial barriers.
While participation is free, we do accept donations to help sustain and expand these programs. Every contribution goes directly toward creating more opportunities for children and young adults to connect, learn, and thrive (and it’s a tax deduction for donators!).
Learn how to make and maintain friendships through conversation, teamwork, and shared experiences.
Friendship Skills
Practice expressing ideas, listening to others, and using strategies that support verbal, nonverbal, or AAC communication.
Communication Skills
Develop tools for understanding emotions, managing frustration, and handling challenges with peers.
Emotional Growth
Gain self-esteem by trying new things, celebrating accomplishments, and participating in group problem-solving.
Confidence & Independence
Activities are designed to mirror everyday experiences — from playground play to classroom teamwork to community outings — so skills transfer naturally outside of group.
Real-Life Application
Groups are structured to support individual strengths and needs, creating a welcoming space for all abilities.
Inclusive Environment
Why Social Groups?
Social groups offer children, teens, and young adults a safe and supportive space to build the skills they need to connect with others, navigate friendships, and feel confident in social settings. Guided by experienced therapists, each group provides meaningful opportunities for growth through structured activities, play, discussion, and real-world practice. Use the arrows below to learn about some of the proven benefits of social groups.
“This is a highly recommendable group!”
“Everyone I’ve worked with has been highly professional and dedicated to providing specialized and individualized care. They are extremely timely and helpful when it comes to scheduling and organizing events and appointments. Its fantastic to see a skilled group really impacting their local community. I’ll continue to support them in their current and future endeavors.”
- Isabella
Social Stars
(ages 6-9)
Social Stars is designed for children ages 6-9 who benefit from structured, guided opportunities to practice team work, flexible thinking, perspective-taking and early friendship building. This group allows children to further practice social communication, collaborative play skills, emotional regulation and problem solving through engaging and interactive activities.