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Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities
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True Friends Family of Services
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Conference & Retreat
Join us at Camp Friendship March 11-13 for a fun
crafting weekend! Download the registration form
here.
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NEWS & NOTES
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Friday, January 29, 2015
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VIDEO: Check out the results
of eight months of therapeutic riding with True Strides in a
new video and blog!
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FIND YOUR SESSION TODAY
Browse the new and returning options and
sign up today!
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Camper Stories
Grady's six-session summer at camp
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When campers start calling camp their "summer home," you know they feel comfortable. With more than ten summers of experience, Grady calls camp his summer home, and with good reason. He's made it the focus of his summer, both in quantity and quality. In 2015, Grady spent six weeks at either Camp Friendship or Camp Courage. He participated in Adult Retreat, enVISION, Horsing Around, Respite and a special water sports session. Grady's first time to camp was at age 11. Now, at age 22, he still loves all the activities, especially the horses. Grady enjoys trail riding and the calming activity of working with and grooming the horses.
"
At camp, you're not looking for friends, you're looking for family
," Grady said. He also said he wants everyone to experience the family he has found with camp. Summer counselor Connor added, "
Grady has a very positive attitude and always makes sure that all of the campers are involved in activities
."
Grady lives in Monticello and has graduated high school. He says he dreams of working with music to raise money for charity. He has many hobbies, including playing video games, softball, baseball, bowling, spending time with his dad and going to the movies.
"Trust me, just come to camp, you'll never want to leave!" says Grady.
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Volunteers
Be the difference.
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| Youth award-winner, Serita, with a summer camper |
True Friends is a certifying organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award. The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation established the award program as a way to thank and honor volunteers who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.
In 2015, it is our honor to certify 15 individuals and three community partners with the PVSA Gold Award. Each award winning individual has contributed at least
100 hours
and each group
1000+ or more
within a calendar year.
Elizabeth Alviani
Jazmin Brown
Elizabeth Donovan
Danielle Ginther
Emma Landers
Hannah Larson |
Katelyn Palasek
Kiryl Rabushka
Makenzie Rau Lehmann
Emily Rollins
Bailey Ronneng |
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Young Adult
s (
16-25)
250+ hours
Serita Donovan
Adrienne Rainer
Gabby Ridlon
Adults (26+) 500+ hours
Brian Dean
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Groups, 1000+ collective hours
Annandale Middle School
Catholic Heart Work Camp
St. John's Lutheran Church
C. H. Robinson |
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Save the Date
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March 11-13 - Camp Friendship Crafting Weekend
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This weekend package includes two nights of lodging, five homemade meals and crafting space. Download the registration form here.
March 20 -
Dance with Courage
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Over the last 10 years, Dance Arts Centre has teamed up with True Friends , to host the annual Dance With Courage event, raising over $160,000. This year the event will be held at the Eden Prairie Center from 12-6pm and feature a Dance Marathon, dance party and live performances including audience participation! Learn more about the event or sponsor a dancer here.
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Giving is Good
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The Camp Friendship Auxiliary held their annual holiday party at Camp Friendship on December 11, raising a total of $15,500!
The 35th year of the popular event saw a record number of ticket sales, with more than 325 guests in attendance.
Partygoers enjoyed hot appetizers, wine samples and a variety of cookies and treats. The silent auction featured over 130 gift baskets, plus door prizes, raffle items and 50/50 raffles. Thank you to the Ladies Auxiliary for their continuous work for camp!
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True Friends Can...
spread the joy of board games
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Cole and his brother, Brady, dropping the games at camp.
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Cole Solomon, an Eagle Scout candidate, donated EIGHTY board games to camp! These games will be spread to all of our camps and allow campers a great variety to choose from. Thanks, Cole!
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