FRIENDS-DOWN SYNDROME SPECIAL NEEDS WEST FLORIDA INC
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. DOWN SYNDROME SPECIAL NEEDS - WEST FLORIDA, INC.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Families, Respect, Inspire, Educate, Networking, Down syndrome & Special needs) – West Florida
A 501c3 Non-profit organization that provides information, education, programs, and fun activities for our Down Syndrome and Special Needs community in Hillsborough and Pinellas.
Contact us! (813)245-2782
Email: info@friendssupport.org Website: www.friendssupport.org
TAX EIN#65-1261646
Address: 12704 Barrett Dr. Tampa FL 33624
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. anagram stands for:
Families, Respect, Inspire, Education, Networking, Down Syndrome, Special needs.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. MISSION
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FRIENDS MISSION
- To support new parents, families, and individuals diagnosed with Down syndrome or other special needs.
- To provide our special needs community support groups, resources, and educational information.
- To provide vital programs and activities for our Down syndrome and Special Needs community so they can connect, find support, and make FRIENDS.
- To Advocate for Inclusion, Equality, & Diversity!
GOLDSTAR PLATIUM SEAL OF TRANSPARENCY
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Down Syndrome, Special Needs - West Florida
is proud to announce it has received the 2023 Goldstar Platinum Seal of Transparency for the third year.
GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations and the platinum rating is GuideStar’s highest level of recognition. In previous years, GuideStar has recognized F.R.I.E.N.D.S. with the silver, gold and most recently, with the platinum rating.
In an effort to be completely transparent F.R.I.E.N.D.S. will post on their website each year their IRS 990 PF Forms, along with:
- Bylaws & Conflict of Interest Policy's
- Annual Report
- Profit and Loss Report
NEW & EXPECTANT PARENTS
Learning your pre or postpartum baby has Down syndrome and/or other special needs can be very difficult to hear. This unexpected news may generate a wide range of emotions and unanswered questions. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. can provide the emotional support and guidance you may need while answering any questions that you may have. Call anytime (813)245-2782. Learn More Here
NEW PARENTS
WHAT IS DOWN SYNDROME
PHYSICIANS
VOLUNTEER
Click here to sign up for our Volunteer Programs
VOLUNTEER - Thank you for your interest in volunteering for F.R.I.E.N.D.S. We are always in need of great volunteers who are hard-working, organized and who love interacting with our families. Please click on the link to fill out our Volunteer Application and we will get back to you ASAP.
MEMBERSHIP
World Down Syndrome Day (3/21)
World Down Syndrome Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about Down syndrome and celebrating individuals around the world living with the genetic condition. According to the World Down Syndrome Day website, the date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
April 2nd WORLD AUTISM DAY
Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Day, beginning with the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. This year marks the 16th annual World Autism Awareness Day.
Throughout the month, we focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support. This year, we are committed to standing together to make a world of difference for people on the spectrum.