2024-07-24T18:35:07-07:00 2023-12-31 Karen A Wilson CPA 7226 Laurel Lane Parkland FL 33067 990EZ 2023-01-01 900719846 THE FRIENDSHIP INITIATIVE INC FRIE 9546839216 6574 N STATE ROAD 7 COCONUT CREEK FL 33073 SAMANTHA NOVICK PRESIDENT 9546839216 2024-07-24 true SAMANTHA NOVICK XXX-XX-XXXX true Karen A Wilson P01063616 9546839216 2024-07-24 X 3 AAL1 IAL1 FAL1 2023 2023-04-26 12:10:37Z X X www.thefriendshipjourney.org X X 106281 X 87604 0 0 0 0 0 18677 27486 -8809 0 0 78795 4000 2577 15645 532 82667 105421 -26626 109808 83182 X 109236 78901 1341 4541 110577 83442 769 260 109808 83182 X The organizations mission is to unite individuals of all cognitive and developmental abilities through equitable opportunities and lasting friendships. We provide free inclusive enrichment programs, family respite and community education in our effort to enrich lives and create inclusive communities. The organization provided a combination of free services for approximately 200 individuals of all ages with disabilities. (Contd Sched O) 4000 89733 Over 2,300 members of local and regional communitieswere educated via events, media, and networkingto advance all aspects of community inclusiveness. 0 4580 94313 Samantha Novick President/Director 20.00 0 0 0 Paola Blanco VP/Director 5.00 0 0 0 Karen Wilson Treasurer/Director 5.00 0 0 0 Heather Weissman VP/Director 10.00 0 0 0 Jason Novcik Director 5.00 0 0 0 Gustavo Padrino Director 5.00 0 0 0 Carole Zangari Director 5.00 0 0 0 Silvia Gil Director 5.00 0 0 0 false false false false false 0 false false 0 0 false false FL Karen Wilson 7226 Laurel Lane Parkland FL 33067 9546839216 false false false false false false false false false false false NONE NONE true X 0 42758 32026 46239 122997 87604 331624 0 0 42758 32026 46239 122997 87604 331624 25893 305731 0 0 0 331624 69302 0.92190 0.86800 X 0 0 0 Gala 19278 3600 15678 1125 18429 1526 2745 Brunch 7599 4600 2999 3600 61 26877 8200 18677 1125 22029 1526 2806 27486 -8809 Other Part I, Line 6: The organization holds a gala and scholarship brunch annually to honor participants with disabilities, volunteers and community partners. The events serve as a meaningful way for families to commune together, increase visibility in the community and attract donors. They are attended in large part by volunteers and individuals with disabilities alongside their family members. Admissions are priced to remain affordable and are waived to ensure access for participants of various socioeconomic statuses. Because these events were not fully sponsored in 2023, they did not yield event specific surplus contributions. Other Part III, Line 28: Providing support and respite services for their family members brings our reach to several hundred individuals. The programs are designed to encourage creativity, improve wellness, and foster inclusion. The organization relied on approximately 20 youth and adult volunteers to provide services. Community businesses provided facilities, and equipment valued at approximately $12,000 for in-person activities, as well as virtual field trips, entertainment, cooking and art lessons in real time. Qualified professionals serving as board members or program directors provided unmeasured professional services free of charge for families including special education support services, IT, accounting and administrative services. Volunteered services in addition to the generosity of our donors have enabled the organization to offer all programs for free. Programs include in-person activities for participants and families including art, fitness, dance, farm experiences and sensory friendly live theatre productions. Educational family resource nights and life skills classes such as financial literacy are offered periodically. Our virtual summer Camp Wings of Friendship serving over 400 individuals with disabilities, family members and volunteers nationwide, is continuing to expand its reach. Virtual access has removed the transportation barrier for participants with limited mobility and has brought meaningful social connections to young people that were previously isolated or experienced limited social interactions. During 2022, the organization received significant funding earmarked for infrastructure. The organization used those funds in 2023 to develop systems, training programs and policies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization into the future. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 10 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR POST SECONDARY EDUCATION AWARDED TO YOUTHS WITH EXCEPTIONAL COMMITEMENT TO INCLUSION; SCHOLARSHIPS; TWO AWARDS TO NEURODIVERGENT: HS SENIORS OF $2,000 EACH, , , ; , 4000. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 ADVERTISING 1373. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 AUTO EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS 470. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 INSURANCE 2332. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 MERCHANT FEES 725. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 PROGRAM SUPPLIES 8073. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 REGULATORY FILINGS 189. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 STORAGE 1131. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 WEB BASED SOFTWARE AND SERVICES 3113. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 WEBSITE DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE 2302. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 Depreciation 492. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 YOUTH ACTIVITIES 25007. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 MEETINGS AND EDUCATION 1770. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT 35490. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 EMPLOYER TAXES 200. Form 990EZ, Part II, Line 24 COMPUTER AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT, NET OF DEPRECIATION 96. 2596. Form 990EZ, Part II, Line 24 VOLUNTEER AND PARTICIPANT T-SHIRTS ON HAND 945. 945. Form 990EZ, Part II, Line 24 SECURITY DEPOSITS 300. 1000. Form 990EZ, Part II, Line 26 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 769. 260.