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Click here to order our free information packet through our online bookstore or call toll free 888-866-8966.
Getting Started
Here’s what you’ll find on this page.
- Getting started is easy
- FREE Information Packet
- Intro Kit
- Program Guide (An indispensable handbook that will make getting started much easier.)
- What Friendship Mentors Need to Know
- Abuse Prevention Guidelines
- Volunteer Disclosure Form
Getting Started is Easy
There are many reasons to start a Friendship group. Maybe it’s for your son or daughter or someone in your congregation who is cognitively impaired. Maybe there’s a family that stopped coming to your church because their needs weren't being met, or perhaps there’s a group home whose residents need to hear the message of God’s love.
Whatever the reason, it’s an exciting and rewarding challenge that God has placed before you. And you’re not alone. The Friendship staff is here to help you every step of the way. We’ll provide all the information and support you need to get started, and we’ll continue that help after your group has been established.
You can call us toll-free at (888) 866-8966 or drop us a line at friendship@friendship.org
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Click here to order from our online bookstore or call toll-free 888-866-8966
Free Information packet
Curious about Friendship, but need more information? Order the free Info Packet. It includes detailed info about Friendship as well as a listing of our materials, a copy of our newsletter, and abuse guidelines.
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Intro Kit
You're convinced that you need to do something, but wouldn't it be great if you could see the materials before making a commitment? Order the Introductory Kit. It will help you get acquainted with the Friendship program and the Friendship Bible Study series. It includes:
- Friendship Program Guide
- Unit 1 Group Leader's Packet
- Unit 1 Leader/Mentor Guide
- Unit 1 Youth Take-Home Papers
- Unit 1 Adult Take-Home Papers
- Friendship tote bag
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Program Guide
You’re interested, but you wonder how it would all work out? This indispensable resource presents the Friendship Ministries philosophy, describes the program model, and provides practical tips for starting a Friendship group: from choosing materials and defining roles, to recruiting friends and mentors, to building community. Click here to download it for free.
To order a printed copy, click here.
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What Friendship Mentors Need to Know
Whether you’re a brand new Friendship mentor or have been involved for years, this new resource is a must-read, answering questions like “What does a Friendship mentor do?” and providing helpful tips for working with the friends in your group.
Leaders, we encourage you to print out a copy for every volunteer in your group.
To download, click here.
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Abuse Prevention Guidelines
The success of Friendship Groups depends on numerous dedicated volunteers working in one-on-one interpersonal relationships. Unfortunately, it's in the context of close interpersonal relationships that persons with intellectual disabilities are often abused. To make Friendship meetings and social events enjoyable and safe for everyone, Friendship Ministries has developed a set of model guidelines to reduce the potential risk.
To download, click here.
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Volunteer Disclosure Form
Friendship Ministries has developed this model disclosure form for anyone interested in a volunteer position that involves the mentoring, supervision or instruction of friends. We believe the use of this form can facilitate the screening and selection of applicants who will provide a safe and secure environment for our friends. This form was developed by Friendship Ministries in conjunction with its Model Guidelines For Abuse Prevention.
To download, click here.
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