“giving back to the community that has given us so much”

Special Friends Exchange Clubs

“Giving back to the community that has given us so much”

A “Special Friends Exchange Club” is an Exchange Club consisting of all “Special Needs” members

“Special Friends” is a “Special” name

The Special Friends Exchange Club of Hampton, VA, held its POM on June 26, 2010

What is a “Special Friends Exchange Club”?

SFEC – Hampton, VA, “Official” Charter Photo

All “Special Needs” or “Intellectually Disabled”… Include conditions such as Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, etc.

Most members are affiliated with local agencies and workshops – the Arc, Community Service Board (CSB), Sarah Bonwell Hudgins Foundation

Our Members

Controlled number of our members – POM’d with 20 Exchangites

Initially involved club members with higher abilities – Eliminating mobility and other issues at start up

Once the SFEC is established, membership is intended for all interested parties

Everyone wishing to participate with the club, will be welcome

Our Members Cont’d

Magic!

“Giving Back to the community that has given us so much” or in our members words:

“We want to help people”

“Special Needs” Meets “Exchange”

Effort, Effort, Effort!

Fearless

Given Opportunities like never had before

Very Proud to be Exchangites

“Special Need Meets “Exchange”

Writing the Military in Afghanistan Project

Writing the Military in Afghanistan Project

Service Projects, included:

Sending Cards to Afghanistan GIVEAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE – Parade -

Ballgame Adopt-a-Spot Trash Clean Up Alzheimer’s Memory Walk Feeding the Homeless Singing Christmas Carols at Assisted Living

Home

SFEC – Hampton’s First Year

SFEC – Hampton GIVEAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE Project

Completed 17 Service Projects

Conducted 3 Fundraisers

Won the National Service Award!

SFEC – Hampton’s First Year

SFEC – Hampton Singing Christmas Carols

SFEC’s are structured very similarly to regular Exchange Clubs with a few exceptions:

Club “Advisors” are used to help implement projects and fundraisers

Club “Advisors” also assist the SFEC officers with their tasks

Club “Advisors” are a vital component to the success of a Special Friends Exchange Club

Special Friends Club “Advisors”

SFEC – Hampton Feeding the Homeless Project

SFEC – Hampton Feeding the Homeless Project

The Colonial District is in building its second SFEC, in Lynchburg, VA, in conjunction with their local Arc – Should POM by the end of March 2012

A third SFEC is planned for Winchester, VA, to be POM’d in September 2012

SFEC – Future Club Building

SFEC – Hampton – “Adopt-a-Spot” Project

SFEC – Hampton – “Adopt-a-Spot” Project

Talk with National to gauge interest in building Special Friends Exchange Clubs across the country

Would like to develop “models” for potential clubs across the country

Possibly building relationships with the Arc and/or the Special Olympics organizations

Devising literature similar to our Excel Club literature explaining the SFEC concept

Moving Forward…

The “Special Needs” community - How?

By building SFEC member’s self esteem and confidence

By participating in “never done before” projects

By feeling the “Pride” all Exchangites experience while serving others in the community

Who Benefits from Building SFEC’s?

Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

The National Exchange Club - How?

By additional SFEC’s being built

Increased membership

Excellent “PR” by giving our Special Needs community opportunities to serve others

Who Benefits from Building SFEC’s?

Special Friends Exchange Club

Controlled growth – Need to make sure each club is nurtured and grows

Potential Clubs need to have “Advisors” with “Special Needs” experience to be successful

501(c) 3 Tax Status, to enhance fundraising capabilities… “Project within Project”

Suggestions…

“Giving back to the community that has given us so much”….

Special Friends Exchange Clubs