Building Friendships
The Building Friendships program has been established to help involve socially isolated individuals
with developmental disabilities pursue their interests within the community, service clubs and local
organizations. This is to foster sincere and meaningful relationships between these individuals and
members of the community.
The role of the Building Friendships staff is to facilitate connections between individuals and
organizations based on shared interests. We see things as a benefit to both community
organizations and to people with special needs in order to enrich the lives of all members
of the community.
People with developmental disabilities are often isolated from their communities. This is generally
due to the fact that they have smaller social networks from which to draw on for close personal
friends. Many of their close relationships are family or paid caregivers.
By encouraging participation in community organizations and clubs related to their own personal
interests, social networks will expand and friendships become available.
The program aims to build a more inclusive community, one that is more accepting of individual
differences.
Staff: Karen Ellis (program co-ordinator),
Iain Cameron, Michelle Sandiford
Phone: 250-338-5371
Email: bfriends@courtenay.ca
Last Update : Monday, November 21, 2011