Circles of Friends Volunteers

“When we seek for connection, we restore the world to wholeness.
Our seemingly separate lives become meaningful
as we discover how truly necessary we are to each other.”
      - Margaret Wheatley

Being together…
   Enjoying each other…
       Celebrating life…

Sharing mutual interests…
     Valuing the gifts and talents each has to         offer…
          Supporting each other in difficult
             times…

This is the essence of a Circle of Friends. And volunteers make
it happen!

Here’s how Shari shared her experience as a Circle Facilitator:

“One of the most enjoyable, ongoing experiences of my entire life.”

"Thank goodness I didn’t
assume I was too busy
the day the invitation came!
Now I have a friend
unlike any other!
Her name is Ardis.
She happens to have
cerebral palsy."

When Bridge Ministries asked me to become a facilitator for Ardis’ “Circle of Friends”, I was intrigued. I discovered that it had long been Ardis’ dream to do things with others and have fun. I love to be with people and have fun too! This sounded like a good match! It wasn’t until Ardis got her Circle that she was able to fulfill her long time dream of ascending to the top of a lighthouse, participating in a Walk ‘n Roll a-thon and pursuing a project to benefit others over the holidays. Now we sometimes go out for lunch and share about our lives. As I begin to see the world through Ardis’ eyes, I am more and more impressed by her insights and the gifts she has to offer.

Through her Circle of Friends Ardis, well, really all of us in the Circle, experiences acceptance and encouragement to live life to the fullest. And I’ve learned how a small investment of time can grow into a lifelong friendship. In fact, I’d say it’s been one of the most enjoyable, ongoing experiences of my entire life!

Through Ardis I’ve learned that having a disability can be isolating. Others often do not readily seek out your friendship or invite you on fun outings. Transportation is not easy or timely. And for some, professional caregivers are the only people involved in their lives. Friends are sometimes a luxury.

I want persons to see the treasure that lies in Ardis – and in other folks who have disabling conditions. I encourage anyone who wants a richer life to become part of a circle of Friends and discover this treasure for them selves.

Shari Bonnell

This summer, my circle of friends took a new turn. Bridge found me a catcher of dreams. Her name is Shari & we discovered we enjoy the same things. For now, I don’t know where my dreams will go, But I know there will always be a circle of friends around me!

From “Circles and Dreams” by Ardis Lawrence

What is a Circle of Friends?
A Circle of Friends is a small gathering of individuals who build a relationship with a person who has a disability to celebrate his or her life. Basically, they are simply a more intentional way to get together with friends on a regular basis.

Circles typically meet once a month for several hours. They are as varied as the person around whom they are gathered. That person’s dreams determines what the Circle is about.

Examples of Circle activities:

• listening to the person’s “life” story
• enjoying social activities together
• developing friendships
• having parties together: celebrating birthdays & holidays
• supporting and encouraging each other
• problem solving/brainstorming on issues such as independent living, developing weekly schedules, the job search process, avenues for volunteering, etc.

  Please visit Circles of Friends, Dreams Coming True, Forming a Circle and Award Winning Model.

Your opportunity is waiting…
Your involvement can mean so much to someone who is alone and who has little or no family. And like Shari and others have experienced, your own life will never be the same. Participation in a Circle gives you a chance to have a significant impact on someone’s life. Being one of several Circle members relieves you of feeling like “you’re it” because, as part of a team, you are all working together.

A facilitator:

• Meets one-on-one with the person for whom a Circle is being formed
• Works with that person to identify and help recruit individuals to become part of their Circle of Friends
• Coordinates and facilitates the Circle gatherings
• Meets monthly with other Circle facilitators for support and ongoing training.

A member:

• Meets one-on-one with the person for whom a Circle is being formed
• Meets with the Circle and assists with the coordination of Circle activities

As a Circle facilitator or member you receive…

• Individualized attention to your volunteer goals and the gifts you want to share
• A careful matching process that introduces you to a person with a disability
• Staff support from people who are ready to listen, encourage and guide
• Training from staff on being with persons with disabilities

Please visit Facilitator Training to learn more about the support and ongoing
training available for Facilitators.

Facilitators also receive…

• Membership in our Circles of Friends Facilitator Support Group through which you can share your Circle experience and learn from others in similar circumstances
• Training from staff and consultants about issues relevant to facilitation skills

To find out more about volunteering with Circles of Friends…
Contact Colleen Dodson at (425) 885-1006 ext 113 or e-mail volunteer@bridgemin.org.

Please visit How to Apply if you wish to apply to become a Circle volunteer.

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