Todd for Friends in Action NH
Tax deductible
On August 8th I will be completing a 5 hour simulated climb of the Haleakala volcano in Hawaii to raise money for Friends in Action of NH. Friends in Action is an organization that provides meaningful social experiences for individuals with developmental disabilities. During the simulated climb I expect to ride between 90-100 miles on our Peloton indoor bike.
Why I am doing it
I have developed a close friendship with my buddy Michael. Michael, 31, is an extremely active young man who has Down Syndrome. We have not only become golfing partners, but also go for walks, mini golf (to practice our putting, of course!) and are waiting for batting cages to open so we can hit some home runs. Since middle school Michael has been active with Friends in Action as a way to build meaningful and lasting friendships with other members of the community who also have developmental disabilities. During COVID-19 he has thoroughly enjoyed participating in Zoom calls that Friends has organized and is looking forward to returning to their in-person activities such as basketball, movie nights, and educational programs at UNH.
More about Friends in Action NH
Friends in Action Promotional Video
Friends was started as the "Friends Project" in March of 2000 by the Portsmouth School Department and a group of parents. Per their website Friends was started because "students and parents were frustrated over the lack of friendships that people with developmental disabilities experience." In 2012 the Friends Project left the Portsmouth School System and became a non profit organization, renaming itself Friends in Action. In 2000, 25 families participated, while currently over 100 families participate in the wide array of programs that Friends offers.
Friends focuses on programs that combat the social isolation that many people with disabilities experience. They currently offer a variety of programs including movie nights, theatre classes, game/craft club, dinner club, basketball, and bowling. In addition, they run a program called Wildcat Friends where the participants receive a college experience. The participants go the the campus of UNH where they go to the dining hall, enjoy a recreational acitivity, and then attend a class geared toward their specific interest. The program is augmented by student volunteers from the UNH community. The program provides adults with developmental disabilities a meaningful college experience that allows them to discover a lifelong love of learning and have the experience typical of their peers.
During COVID-19 Friends has had to temporarily suspend their in-person programs. However, they have provided a number of opportunities through Zoom for individuals with developmental disabilities to stay engaged and socialize during a difficult and stressful time. I hope you will join me in supporting such a wonderful organization.
Why I am doing it
I have developed a close friendship with my buddy Michael. Michael, 31, is an extremely active young man who has Down Syndrome. We have not only become golfing partners, but also go for walks, mini golf (to practice our putting, of course!) and are waiting for batting cages to open so we can hit some home runs. Since middle school Michael has been active with Friends in Action as a way to build meaningful and lasting friendships with other members of the community who also have developmental disabilities. During COVID-19 he has thoroughly enjoyed participating in Zoom calls that Friends has organized and is looking forward to returning to their in-person activities such as basketball, movie nights, and educational programs at UNH.
More about Friends in Action NH
Friends in Action Promotional Video
Friends was started as the "Friends Project" in March of 2000 by the Portsmouth School Department and a group of parents. Per their website Friends was started because "students and parents were frustrated over the lack of friendships that people with developmental disabilities experience." In 2012 the Friends Project left the Portsmouth School System and became a non profit organization, renaming itself Friends in Action. In 2000, 25 families participated, while currently over 100 families participate in the wide array of programs that Friends offers.
Friends focuses on programs that combat the social isolation that many people with disabilities experience. They currently offer a variety of programs including movie nights, theatre classes, game/craft club, dinner club, basketball, and bowling. In addition, they run a program called Wildcat Friends where the participants receive a college experience. The participants go the the campus of UNH where they go to the dining hall, enjoy a recreational acitivity, and then attend a class geared toward their specific interest. The program is augmented by student volunteers from the UNH community. The program provides adults with developmental disabilities a meaningful college experience that allows them to discover a lifelong love of learning and have the experience typical of their peers.
During COVID-19 Friends has had to temporarily suspend their in-person programs. However, they have provided a number of opportunities through Zoom for individuals with developmental disabilities to stay engaged and socialize during a difficult and stressful time. I hope you will join me in supporting such a wonderful organization.
Organizer
Todd N. Bohannon
Organizer
Portsmouth, NH
Friends In Action
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
