2025-07-21T21:28:56-07:00 2024-12-31 Karen A Wilson CPA 7226 Laurel Lane Parkland FL 33067 990EZ 2024-01-01 900719846 THE FRIENDSHIP INITIATIVE INC FRIE 9546839216 6574 N STATE ROAD 7 PMB 236 COCONUT CREEK FL 330733625 SAMANTHA NOVICK PRESIDENT 9546839216 2025-03-14 true true Karen Wilson P01063616 9546839216 2025-07-22 X 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z X www.thefriendshipjourney.org X X 100253 X 78513 21740 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 100253 4000 20813 19244 667 67016 111740 -11487 83182 71695 X 78901 68812 4541 3331 83442 72143 260 448 83182 71695 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 programs for approximately 330 individuals of all ages with disabilities. (Contd Sched O) 4000 75972 The organization advanced its mission through education viacommunity relations, live events and the internet.(Contd Sched O) 0 25330 101302 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 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 32026 46239 122997 87604 78513 367379 0 2400 2400 32026 46239 122997 87604 80913 369779 60601 309178 0 0 0 369779 67142 0.83610 0.92190 X 0 0 0 RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 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. In addition to the cash expenditures reported on line 28, the organization made use of volunteered services and donated facilities with an estimated value in excess of $100,000. These donations of time and space have been essential in providing free services with minimal overhead costs. Donated facilities provided by our municipal, non-profit, and community business partners continue to allow us to host in-person activities at a painting studio, recreation center and rescued animal farm as well as at the Broward Center for Performing Arts and the Florida Panthers Ice Den. Community partners also donated time and space to provide interactive virtual field trips, entertainment, cooking and art lessons via Zoom. Additionally, the organization relies on approximately 20 youth and adult volunteers alongside its Board to provide services. Qualified professionals serving as board members or program directors continue to provide professional services free of charge including special education support services, certified Speech Language Pathologist consultation and program development services, IT, accounting and administrative services. Programs now offered include in-person activities for participants and families including art, fitness, dance, farm experiences, sensory friendly live theatre productions, all abilities performing arts classes, and hockey in partnership with the Florida Panthers and the American Special Hockey Association. 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. With support from an infrastructure grant, the organization has invested in the development of systems, training programs and policies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization into the future. Other Part III, Line 29: Its social media presence and web site reached more than 3,000 individuals nationwide. Locally, board members and volunteers participated in community events and collaborated with other non-profits and local government agencies that support our mission. In 2024, the organization held a gala and scholarship brunch attended by approximately 200 community leaders, families, volunteers and program participants. The events showcased the extraordinary benefits of social acceptance for individuals with disabilities and celebrated the accomplishments of our participants and volunteers. In addition to raising the visibility of our mission and the need for our services, the events provided a meaningful way for families to commune together in a joyful atmosphere. Although these events required an admission fee to offset costs, many attendees benefited from free and reduced-price admissions made possible by a targeted fund-raising drive and the generosity of donors. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 10 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR POST SECONDARY EDUCATION AWARDED TO YOUTHS WITH EXCEPTIONAL COMMITEMENT TO INCLUSION; SCHOLARSHIPS; AWARDED TO TWO HS SENIORS FOR : $2,000 EACH, , , ; NONE, 4000. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 ADVERTISING 1533. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 AUTO EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS 214. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 INSURANCE 634. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 MERCHANT FEES 1379. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 PROGRAM SUPPLIES 6265. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 REGULATORY FILINGS 187. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 STORAGE 1624. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 WEB BASED SOFTWARE AND SERVICES 4326. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 WEBSITE DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE 2759. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 YOUTH ACTIVITIES 11805. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 Depreciation 765. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 DUES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS 349. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 PROGRAM APPAREL-YOUTH AND VOLUNTEERS 2419. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 COMMUNITY EVENTS 32757. Form 990EZ, Part II, Line 24 COMPUTER AND ACCESSABLITY EQUIP. NET OF DEPRECIATION 2596. 1831. Form 990EZ, Part II, Line 24 VOLUNTEER AND PARTICIPANT T-SHIRTS ON HAND 945. 1500. Form 990EZ, Part II, Line 24 SECURITY DEPOSITS 1000. 0. Form 990EZ, Part II, Line 26 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 260. 448.