It’s time for the Walk4Friendship again, and if you know Leila, you KNOW this is one of her favorite times of year!

She’s already buzzing with excitement about going to overnight camp this summer (seriously, she’s practically packed). She loves everything about Friendship Circle, from all the amazing programs to just being surrounded by friends who truly “get” her. Leila has a place where she is celebrated for who she is by people who see her shining light.

One of the best things ever is walking around town with Leila and hearing her say, “That’s MY friend!!” when we bump into someone she knows from a program, a volunteer who made a difference, or just someone who was kind and friendly to her at Friendship Circle. That moment means more than we can say.

But FC isn’t just for Leila, it’s been a game-changer for us, too. Parenting an 18-year-old with toddler-level tantrums isn’t for the faint of heart. Some days are more than we can handle alone. But the other moms and dads at Friendship Circle? They get it. We laugh, we cry, we text each other memes at midnight and hug each other whether it’s good times or bad. It’s a community in the truest sense.

Friendship Circle gives our kids (and parents!) a place to belong and so many incredible chances to grow, connect, and shine. It’s inclusion in action.

If you’ve ever asked how you can support us, this is the way. Please donate to our Walk4Friendship team (https://www.walk4friendship.com/thehelpers).

Every dollar helps FC keep doing what it does best: bringing people together and changing lives, one friendship at a time.

Thank you for being part of our circle!

Hayley, Leila, Mark, and Sophia and all The Helpers!