Here at the Friendship Network, Alice and Berna know that many of you need encouragement and support to break the cycle of loneliness and begin meeting people. They provide
members with much more than just an introduction.
When a suitable member is found for an introduction, Alice or Berna will call BOTH parties to discuss the upcoming introduction.
Either member may then call the other. Keep in mind, the Friendship Network's focus is FRIENDSHIP.
Usually, members make an appointment to meet each other, if the telephone conversation goes well.
After the initial meeting, Alice or Berna review the introduction and meeting with you to ensure a positive encounter for
both members, and get the necessary feedback for better introductions in the future.
When a member is happy with the person he/she has met and does not wish to be introduced to another person for a while, he/she is obligated to keep in touch on a regular basis.
Although the focus is on friendship, several have formed
closer bonds and there have been twelve weddings, several
long term relationships and many grateful members who no longer
feel as isolated as they did prior to joining the Friendship
Network. Initially, many were unable to leave their
residences without trepidation. Now, they revel in all
the activities in which they participate and the level of
camaraderie they share with other members.
Group Activities
In addition to the one-on-one introductions, the Friendship Network offers group activities.
Consumers are encouraged to participate in all group activities.
On a monthly basis, a Certified Social Worker meets with a group of members to discuss socializing.
At these meetings, difficult social situations are discussed.
Role-playing is utilized, as well.
Those who have attended on a regular basis, now get together for monthly bowling, trips to a museum and lunch or dinner at a diner.
This is one of the highlights of the Network's accomplishments, for those fearful of leaving their house at one time, now look forward to not only meeting friends on a one-on-one basis, but in groups, as well.
The Friendship Network held two 'relationship' workshops run by a Certified Social Worker, one in the NAMI Queens/Nassau office, the other at Fountain House, in New York City.
Topical discussion groups held with social workers include nutrition and food control, sexuality, and vocational counseling.
Currently, many members are taking group tennis lessons subsidized by
the Friendship Network. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced classes on Sunday mornings at Cunningham Park in Queens.
Members usually go to the diner for lunch afterwards.
T'ai Chi classes were offered for a while, but there were insufficient funds to continue this activity.
Hopefully, these classes will resume in the near future.
Occasionally, the Friendship Network has a social event. On October 17, 1999, the Friendship Network had a social with a DJ.
How inspiring and motivating it was to see members dancing, socializing and having such a wonderful time!
One member expressed the hope the evening would never end.
Crowning all the Friendship Network activities is the annual summer barbecue held in Cunningham Park.
Members collect money, buy the food, and grill it. It is so exciting to see how they all work together for this event.
This summer fifty people attended. What a day it was!
Hopefully, all this will continue, with additional activities
provided, as the opportunities arise and as monies become available.
Four times a year, the Friendship Network publishes a newsletter, Network News, edited by one of its members.
In it, members are apprised of past, present and future activities, events, etc.
During the last several years, members have volunteered at the NAMI Queens/Nassau office, to help with its mailings.
Sometimes, it requires a great deal of time to arrange the transportation logistics.
But, the benefit of members feeling useful and the camaraderie they enjoy working together, more than outweigh the time it takes to make all of these arrangements.
Getting along with colleagues is as important as proficiency in employment skills for keeping a job.
This volunteering goes a long way.
Office work for unemployed consumers of the Friendship Network is available, as well.
The Friendship Network would like to develop stipends to compensate its members for the work done.
