When I first joined friendship circle I didn't realize what I was getting myself into. In just a few months time I would love Anthony like a little brother, that I would protect him from any harm.  The moment that happened for me was one Sunday when we were playing hide and seek, I am afraid of the dark, and Anthony and I were hiding in one of the rooms and it was pretty dark since the shades were drawn, I asked him if he was afraid of the dark, he responded no, and I told him that I was.  He looked up at me and said "It's ok, don't be scared, Anty's here, Anty's here."  That moment changed it, the fact that he was making sure I was ok made me want to hug him until he started yelling at me to let go!  Anthony is a naturally sweet kid who generally loves people and playing games.  One day we were playing a game and the sirens went off and he doesn't like the sound, he had knocked down the curtain in his parent's bedroom and started crying because he thought he broke it. I went up there and started telling him that he didn't break it and he wasn't in trouble and I had to wipe away his tears, which broke my heart.  He took my hand and sat me down and said "now give me the bad boy talk."  The fact that he knew he had done something in his mind that was bad and he knew he could be in trouble made me think that, he is the definition of what we call normal and not necessarily "different.” He knows right from wrong, he knows how to do things and does well in school.  So why do people have to make fun or him or stare at him?  This experience for me has had an incredible impact on my life and has even been a career verdict for me, I want to go into special education.  I could never, nor would I ever change this experience for anything.

~ Kristen Madonia

I have been a Friendship Circle volunteer for a few months, however the experiences I have gained will last me a lifetime.  Throughout my Bowling League participation, I have met and had the opportunity to spend my time with the most enthusiastic and fervent people I have ever met.  The friends I have met never cease to display a passion for learning.  I have had the pleasure of bowling with one of my extremely amicable peers, Mikki.  Every month Mikki arrives with excitement and can not wait to begin a wonderful game of bowling.  Even though she is eager to bowl, she patiently waits for her turn, avidly cheering on her friends and supporting the entire group.  I enjoy watching Mikki give enthusiastic high fives to players as they return to their seats after bowling an exciting strike or spare!  Her warmhearted personality and sense of humor makes her a pleasure to be with.  There is not a moment Mikki is not smiling or laughing, she lightens the spirit of the entire group.  Each special friend has their own wonderful qualities, so volunteering every month is something I look forward to and enjoy.  The friends I have met have inspired me in my daily life.

~ Megan Buckley

I started out doing the friendship circle, hoping to gain a better understandment of what the life of an autistic child was. What I found was much greater and rewarding than just that. I have made a special bond with Anthony that I really never thought this was possible. We have become good friends. I look back to the first day with him and can't believe how far we've come.
I look forward to every Thursday to our visit and to play with him. We play outside on the trampoline and swings. Sometimes we go biking or play with the scooters. During most of the winter months we played inside with board games and some video games. We usually start our time with doing some homework and reading stories. It's really rewarding to see Anthony smiling and laughing along with us. I can't thank the friendship circle enough for this amazing opportunity.

~ Dena Spanos

During the past few months I had the opportunity to spend each week with Anthony.  As each visit passed, Anthony and I have developed a sincere friendship which allows us to grow and learn from each other.

Visiting Anthony has been really fun. The first thing we always do is get homework done. Reading his books for school is always entertaining. It’s fun when each of us comes up with odd voices for the characters. Anthony, Dena and I enjoy warm and sunny days by playing various games on the trampoline and inventing new games on the swings. We go bike riding around the neighborhood and ride scooters down the street. Anthony likes soccer so we play two on one soccer as well. Anthony is pretty tough to beat! We always find something to do on the cold and rainy days. We enjoy playing board games that Anthony chooses. We have a great time learning and playing games such as Monopoly, Battle Ship (a definite favorite), War, and Finding Nemo. He mastered the one I gave him for his birthday pretty quickly too! Among other games we enjoy are the Wii and Play Station. Anthony always helps by teaching me how to throw with a Wii remote during The Olympics games since I have absolutely no idea how to.

I have brought pieces of my life into Anthony’s as well. I love music and play the piano, so I have been teaching Anthony entertaining and popular duets that he can play with others. Anthony and I were so excited on how fast he was able to pick up all the scales as well. Now he can read letters of the notes that make up the C-Scale, D-Scale and Heart and Soul! He is doing such a great job and I’m so happy that he gets excited after completing a song or scale.

I’m really proud of Anthony and everything I was able to see him accomplish. He’s more open to us about what he wants to do. He is learning many new skills, and is able to remember and use them. I look up to Anthony because he doesn’t give up. If he is struggling or if he is tired of an activity he will still keep going. That is something I can learn from. Anthony has taught me to enjoy being myself and to enjoy each day that follows. He finds pleasure in little things, which I feel is an extraordinary virtue to have.

During this experience I was able to meet many inspirational individuals such as Chanie, Mrs. Prestia, Mr. Prestia, Krista, and of course Anthony. These people taught me many lessons that I will take with me throughout my life. I look up to every single one of them for their strong courageous hearts and am truly grateful to have met them. Thank you all for giving me this opportunity and being so gracious to me, especially Anthony. Thank you for making me laugh and listen, and thank you for being my friend.

~ Meri Thompson

By joining The Friendship Circle I have given my time and heart to an amazing young lady. Her name is Jenny and my relationship with her has become way more than a volunteer program.

I didn’t go into this trying to get community service hours. I went into this trying to make a difference in someone’s life. I didn't realize that it would make a difference in mine as well. We play games, go to the movies, speak on the phone Jenny’s family has been so loving and kind to me. They've invited me for over for dinner and to family gatherings. Jenny even joins me at another volunteer program I am involved in at an animal shelter. Jenny has become so comfortable with me. In the beginning, she wouldn't really look into my face while speaking to me, and now she looks directly at me and talks much more. When her family tells me how much she looks forward to spending time with me, I feel so good inside. I hope she knows how much I look forward to every Thursday evening with her. She's funny, sweet and always makes me laugh with her witty sense of humor. I have learned so much from her, including patience and understanding.

I would never have traded this experience for anything else, and I hope to stay close to my friend even after graduation. I already love her dearly and wish the best for her in her future.  I wish more teens would get involved in this program, with an open mind and open heart. I thank Friendship Circle and Chani for this opportunity and wish this organization the best.