Volume 1181 - Circle of Friends Ministry 105 E. Stuart Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853 - January 2023 |
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Notable Disability Date: January 31 - Ed Roberts Day: In 1962, Roberts became the first severely disabled student at the University of California at Berkeley. Ed Roberts Day is celebrated annually on his birthday to acknowledge his contributions to the Disability Rights Movement. |
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A Message from Our President |
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Christ tells us in John 14:2 “In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” While there are just enough rooms for the saints to swell among one another in the house of God, we know that the need for housing and concern for homelessness is on the rise in our society. Nearly one in four Americans live with a disability and nearly one in four Americans who are homeless live with a disability. People with disabilities face a higher unemployment rate than their “able-bodied” peers and are more likely to be in a part-time position. Florida continues to face a growing housing crisis as rent continues to outpace wages, wages which for people with disabilities receiving assistance are capped by those very same programs, perpetuating a permeant cycle of poverty for many families. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, access to affordable healthcare is challenging to the twenty thousand Floridians awaiting placement onto the Medicare program administered by the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
The Circle of Friends Ministry was started with a handful of children with special needs inside a Sunday School Class at IMPACT Church of Lake Wales and has now grown to provide day program services for individuals with special needs and their families. Founded in 1999 by Mertice Fehringer, whose daughter was disabled, conceived out of a mother's love and driven by her passion for people with disabilities. Mertice wanted to see her daughter and others have a place that serves as a safe platform to learn, grow, and thrive. She wanted to see stereotypes broken apart and obstacles built upon ignorance and intolerance torn down.
Fast forward to 2023: The Circle now has 23 students, 3 program instructors on staff, and we’re still growing! As the general population of Central Florida continues to grow, so does the disability population and the necessity for programs like ours. That’s why the Circle is looking to move from our Stuart Avenue location into a larger space so we can provide more programming to more students and offer housing on campus. Those are lofty goals for a worthy cause. One which requires your personal support. Proverbs 3:27 asks us “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” We humbly ask that, if it is within your power, you might bless the Circle with your support and investment. - Crystal Higbee, President/CEO
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P.O.P. HIGHLIGHTS Meet our Program Team members! We are actively seeking a POP Program Director! Please contact Crystal for details at (863) 679-2507 |
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| | Cortney Grunder POP Instructor |
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| | Addie Odom Program Assistant |
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| | Terry Jenkins Program Instructor Assistant |
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We are so excited to welcome Ms. Daisy to the Circle of Friends! She is one of our new senior volunteers, participating in the AARP Foundation’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).
AARP Foundation’s SCSEP offers unemployed adults 55 and older both community service and work-based training. This on-the-job training experience can then be used as a bridge to find employment opportunities outside of the program.
The Circle of Friends warmly welcomes community members who would like to share their gifts and talents with students. If you have a unique skill or talent please be encouraged to inquire about the possibility of teaching this skill and/or talent. Volunteers can choose to lead a class virtually or in person. If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity please fill out our 'Volunteer Packet' found in the link below and return it by email to president@circleoffriendsministry.org. You may also choose to mail or drop off the application to 105 E. Stuart Ave., Lake Wales. Please note that we take extra precautions when onboarding volunteers and staff. Each is required to pass a rigorous background check. It is an important part of ensuring the safety of our participants. We are not able to host any person with a history of convictions that are violent or sexual in nature. No exceptions. We look forward to bringing our volunteers and participants together for a great experience! Thank you for selflessly giving your time and talents. |
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Our students at Circle of Friends Ministry have been invited by the Lake Ashton Supporters of Special Olympians (LASSO) to participate in their Shuffleboard League which will meet every Friday afternoon. This is a great opportunity for members of the community to connect with our students. Interactions like these help tear down barriers within our community and create a pathway for building meaningful relationships. |
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We want to give a big thanks to Colton’s mother, Mrs. Mary Morosky, for making this possible. We have some of the most amazing and involved parents at the Circle. It’s their support and participation that makes our Circle of Friends stronger! |
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We're going to be rooting hard for Lynette Brown when she's at Disney Springs competing in Bowling with Special Olympics on February 3rd! |
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We will soon be visiting the LB Brown House Museum in Bartow, a physical legacy left behind by a former slave who defied the odds and became a successful Florida business leader. |
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Our Overcomers Performing Arts Troop is available to perform for your organization and/or event! If you would like to schedule a performance from the Overcomers, please contact Crystal Higbee at (863) 679-2507 |
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Thank you to our friends at Tower Lakes Chapel for their generous food box donations and allowing us to talk about our organization and perform for them. Another BIG thank you to the personal and anonymous donors who make such a big difference in the lives of our students by their selfless contributions towards our mission. You are always appreciated! |
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We love getting to treat our students on fun outings. We can't be all work and no play, right? Big thanks to the staff at Aunt Laurie's Candy Jar, which just become our neighbor down the street, at 127 Stuart Avenue. Be sure to give them a great big Lake Wales welcome! |
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Big thanks to Rob Quam of the Lake Wales Care Center for bringing this year’s class of Leadership Polk by the Circle of Friends on their tour of Downtown Lake Wales. We are so grateful that leaders in our community would turn their minds and hearts towards our cause. |
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Circle of Friends Ministry, Inc. 105 E. Stuart Ave. Lake Wales, FL. 33853 (863)679-2507 |
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Lawrence Maxwell Mountain Lake Community Service Empower Polk Impact Polk Church of the Good Shepherd First Baptist Church LW First Presbyterian Church First United Methodist Church Florida’s Natural Growers GiveWELL Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Hartshorn Impact Church E.R. Jahna Foundation Lake Wales Care Center New Harvest Worship Center Publix Tower Lakes Chapel Truist Foundation United Methodist Church Winn Dixie |
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Do you need community service hours or just want to get out of the house and be active in your community? We are looking for upbeat volunteers who have a desire to make a difference in the lives of our special friends by donating their time and talent in the following areas; computer technology, sewing, crafting, drama, or music. Get job experience by volunteering your I.T., videography, or website building skills. For more information, contact Crystal at (863) 679-2507. |
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ATTENTION EDUCATORS LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCE OR A CHANGE OF PACE! We are hiring for P.O.P Program Director! Please contact Crystal for more details. (863) 679-2507 or president@circleoffriendsministry.org |
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Would you like to be part of strengthening your community? Sponsor a scholarship student, partner with the Circle of Friends, or make a one-time donation today by visiting us online! | | |
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