Programs benefited 2,642 children, teens and adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities who gained skills, tried new activities and had fun with peers at a summer or winter camp, respite care weekend or trip through Ventures Travel LLC. At the same time, their parents, foster parents or other caregivers gained a crucial respite, having the chance to rest, relax and regroup from the stresses of providing constant care. Program participants safely participated in fun and challenging outdoor activities, practiced life-enhancing skills, experienced success, discovered new interests, boosted their self-esteem, developed friendships and made treasured memories. In a world in which they are often left out, they have their own opportunities to learn, explore and have fun with peers in an atmosphere of appreciation for abilities rather than a focus on disabilities. Through programs, quality of life was improved for participants, and so was the quality of life for their families. <p> Friendship Ventures programs benefit children, teens and adults with a wide range of disabilities, from mild cognitive impairment to multiple and severe developmental and physical disabilities. Our thorough training for staff is comprehensive and effective. We prepare them to deal with the medical, behavioral and developmental needs of clients and to keep them safe and healthy. We seek staff with empathy and work to foster an atmosphere of respect for all people. The result is a client experience that is the highlight of the year and staff experiences that are life-changing and character-building.

Our primary goal is to continue to ensure that all participants and their families who could benefit from programs can participate regardless of their economic status. By providing financial assistance, we help families access programs even if they are experiencing cuts to county and state assistance for care of their child or are impacted by job loss. Most families of children with special needs would not ordinarily be considered low-income, but their financial situation is negatively affected by their child’s needs. According to an article in the St. Cloud Times, “families of children with disabilities can expect their living expenses generally to be 33% higher than those of other families.” Any assistance we can give families helps as they seek enrichment activities for their child and a break for themselves. <p> A second goal for this year is to serve older teens or young adults with disabilities who see their existing community social networks change as many of their peers leave home for college or jobs. We are introducing new programs to offer them experiences and opportunities to meet a new group of peers. <p> At the same time, we continue upgrades and improvements at all three sites: renovating buildings and improving accessibility to better accommodate participants with greater and multiple disabilities, increasing the effectiveness of healthcare centers that are seeing more demand for medication dispensing and increased need to monitor chronic medical conditions, severe allergies, multiple disabilities and special diets.

Children, teens and adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities

All of Minnesota and other states