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Supported By Funding From
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 | Building the Circle Information Website |
Kansas Health Foundation
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KT Wiedemann Foundation
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CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
The Arc of Sedgwick County's newest program provides special education students with the opportunity to gain confidence and friendships through a mentor relationship with another teen. Our Circle of Friends program pairs regular education students as mentors with special education students. The mentoring for kids program is designed to function in a reciprocal manner. Mentors gain confidence acting as a leader, while their peer with special needs gains the support and guidance of a regular ed. peer. Children interested in becoming a mentor are encouraged to apply. |
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What Are The Benefits? |
The benefits of such a program are numerous- decreases in inappropriate behavior i.e. drug use, criminal activity, teenage pregnancy; have been attributed directly to the development of a positive relationship in mentoring programs. Increases in grades and the graduation rate are also linked to such programming.
The “Circle of Friends” would have the same benefits for a group of students too often over-looked. Having strong peer role models will help the special education student build self-esteem, help develop positive social skills, and create a support network outside of the family.
The benefits to the teen mentor are also numerous. We have seen increased maturity, self-confidence, and have seen students gain a greater respect for individuals with disabilities. We have documented these traits in our teen volunteers. We have learned that 85% of our teen volunteers have found a calling to work with people with disabilities. |
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As The Circle Grows |
As the mentoring relationship develops others are subsequently involved in the relationship. A similar program at Maize High School has been running three years, when the director was asked how many students at Maize were aware of the program her answer was “every student”. Does an average high school student know every club or program offered, not likely, but this is different because it touches lives. In the Circle of Fiends, the friends of the ‘typical teen’ are introduced and the acceptance begins to expand. Parents, teachers, coaches, and others in the lives of each peer begin to intermingle and awareness grows. As the matches increase and the number of peers grows, so does the ‘circle of friends’. If a special education student is matched annually with two peers and remains the average 7 years in a high school special education program, they will have been a part of 14 lives. If the special education student gets to know just two of their peer’s friends within each match in that time, then the number of lives with which they have been connected grows to 42 lives. If this happens with just 20 special education students the program will have impacted a network of 840 lives coming into our community from our schools with an understanding and acceptance not taught in a classroom.
Picture what happens when these peers become employers, community leaders…what happens if one becomes the Governoror the President. The Circle of Friends will affect all our lives. This may seem a bit extreme, but we all started somewhere and all of us have had our lives touched by someone in such a way that it has shaped who we have become today. |
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What Is The Arc's Role? |
The Arc serves as the catalyst for this program expanding awareness and understanding while helping to establish programs in high schools throughout Sedgwick County, focusing initially on Wichita’s USD 259.
Beyond establishing groups in the various high schools The Arc provides monthly social opportunities away from the school setting to promote socialization in a free non-threatening environment. The Arc also acts as a resource for those involved in the program as well as for the education staff assisting within the schools. The Arc staff provides awareness inservices to peer matches to provide an increased awareness and understanding. The Arc also provides some training to prepare them for situations that might arise. Trainings in areas like ‘setting appropriate boundaries’, ‘encouraging positive choices’, ‘seizure recognition & first aid’, and ‘understanding developmental disabilities’. |
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How Do I Get Involved? |
For more information about The Circle of Friends or to volunteer and contribute contact The Arc at 943-1191.
If you are interested in bringing the Circle of Friends to your school we can provide information for you to share with your school’s teachers and principal. Arc staff could be invited to provide an overview of the program and help to initiate the steps to make the program a reality in you school.
Through your support the Circle will grow and continue to touch countless lives… |
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The School Districts We Are Working With
Wichita School District USD 259
Andover Public Schools USD 385
Derby Public Schools USD 260
El Dorado Public Schools USD 490
Hutchinson Public Schools USD 308
Maize Public Schools USD 266
Valley Center Public Schools USD 262
Burrton Public Schools USD 369
Goddard Public Schools USD 265
Haysville Public Schools USD 261
Renwick Public Schools USD 267
Rose Hill Public Schools USD 439
Wellington Public Schools USD 353
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Check out what is scheduled at your school!
Read what parents and professionals have to say about the program.
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