Family Member
Frequently Asked Questions

How does my family member become a member?
Becoming a member is easy. The Highland Friendship Club was formed by parents who often felt overwhelmed by paperwork, so we try to keep ours to a minimum! Simply go to [hotlink] and download the Registration forms. These are important because they let our staff know how to get in touch with you if there's an emergency or a change in plans. They also give you a chance to let us know if there are any special things we should know about your family member to help make their experience more comfortable. For example, if your family member becomes nervous around animals, it would help us to know that in advance. That's it!

How much does it cost?
There's no membership fee. However, most activities require an activity fee. We don't try to make a profit on our events, so you help pay only the cost of hiring entertainment, renting space, staffing, providing refreshments, or reserving seats. But please don't let financial considerations stand in the way of your family member's social life. If your family is unable to pay to participate in an activity, some generous donors have provided "scholarship" funds to make sure that everyone who is interested can participate.

What if my family member can't afford to participate in an activity?
No one will be turned away because he or she is unable to pay. The Highland Friendship Club offers financial assistance to any member who wants to participate in an event but isn't in a position to do so financially. Simply note on the Sign-Up form how much you can pay for a particular event and we'll chip in the rest.

What forms do we need to fill out?
All members must have completed registration and waiver forms on file with the Highland Friendship Club. Forms can be downloaded and filled out in advance and returned to Highland Friendship Club staff via email or traditional mail along with your registration for an event. If you've completed these forms in the past, simply tell the coordinators at check-in. Insurance waivers and registration forms must be updated annually. We ask that your family member's personal and emergency contact information be updated regularly so it is up-to-date.

Does a parent or guardian have to stay during the activity or event?
No. Your Highland Friendship Club member is welcome to attend the event without a family member remaining on site. In fact, if a family member does opt to stay, he or she is encouraged to leave their child, brother or sister with their friends and the staff of the Highland Friendship Club. After all, one of the Highland Friendship Club's goals is to foster independence! Obviously, it's critical that current personal and emergency information is readily available.

Many family members choose to stay. They've found it's a good chance to meet the parents and siblings of other family members, share experiences and ideas, and listen to experts discuss topics that are unique to parents and guardians for young adults with disabilities, such as guardianship issues, housing, employment etc.

A sibling will usually drop off our Highland Friendship Club member. Is that OK?
Absolutely. Siblings are welcome to stick around and meet the siblings of other Highland Friendship Club members. Many have found it a great way to build friendships with others who share the experience of having a sibling with disabilities. Some may prefer to drop off their sibling, then return when the activity or event is over. That's OK, too. There's no "right" way - it's up to each family to decide what's best.

Is there anything we need to know about sending our family member to a Highland Friendship Club event or activity?
You can help make sure your family member's experience is fun and uneventful by:

• Signing up in advance.
• Discussing the event, what he or she can expect, friends that might be attending, etc. with your family member prior to arriving at the activity.
• Sending along items that will help him or her feel comfortable (i.e., a snack, emergency phone numbers, etc.)
• Making sure they are dressed appropriately for the activity, including bringing along outdoor clothing if members will going outside for a hike, sledding party or outdoor sporting event.
• Sending activity fees along with your family member - checks can be made out to the Highland Friendship Club.
• Making sure your family member understands where and when he or she will be picked up when the event is over.
• Following the Highland Friendship Club's check-in procedures to ease the transition and ensure your family member's safety.
• Offering insights to program staff at the event about your family member's interests, anxieties and "triggers" and offering suggestions to help calm his or her fears if the need arises.
• Picking up your family member promptly.
• Following the Highland Friendship Club's checkout procedures.

Is Highland Friendship Club staff trained to work with people with disabilities?
Yes. Our staff is trained to work with people with disabilities and all have passed a thorough background check. Currently, we have four part-time paid staff. Two of the program coordinators are trained in first aid and CPR. Check out the staff bios for more information on HFC staff.

What is the best way to let staff members understand my family member's unique needs?
You can pass on that information in several ways. You can:

• Send us an email at info@highlandfriendshipclub.org with an update before an event.
• Call our staff at 651-698-4096 to discuss your concerns and offer tips for helping your family adjust to new situations.
• Talk to one of our staff members when checking in your family member at an event.
• Update the registration form found on our web site at [insert link].

What commitment does our family have to make in order for our family member to become part of the Highland Friendship Club?
There's no commitmentþyou don't have to attend a minimum number of events, chaperone or host an event or donate to Highland Friendship Club's operating budget. That said, the reality is that the Highland Friendship Club is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteer support and runs on a modest budget. Any help you'd like to offer would be most appreciated!

How can I help?
There are unlimited opportunities to help. Everyone is welcome to volunteer their time, special talents or resources - in-kind and financial - to help our members experience a typical adolescence and young adult life. Some ways to help include:

• Helping your family member host an event that interests them.
• Offer ideas and resources for future events.
• Donate to the cause - the Highland Friendship Club can always use financial donations, tickets to local sporting events, movies, etc., refreshments, art supplies, etc.
• Sponsor a specific event.
• Volunteer to work at events.
• Mentor other families who are new to the Highland Friendship Club or whose children with disabilities are younger than yours so you can share what you've learned.
• Serve on our board of directors or chair one of the major fundraising events that are so critical to our continued success.
• Help us identify business partners who might be interested in supporting the Highland Friendship Club's mission.