Member
Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I join the Highland Friendship Club?
To be part of the fun, that's why! The Highland Friendship Club was formed to help people with disabilities make new friends, explore new activities, get involved in the community and become more independent. If you're interested in any of these things, the Highland Friendship Club is just the ticket! The great thing about the Highland Friendship Club is that it's not a program - it's an opportunity to do things that you want to do - not what someone else decides you should do! We make the plans, you bring the interest and the enthusiasm!

How much does it cost?
Joining the Highland Friendship Club is free - there's no membership fee. However, because we attend typical community events, many of our activities require an entrance fee, ticket, etc. For example, if you want to join other Highland Friendship Club members attending a sporting event, you have to buy a ticket and would need to pay for your own refreshments if you want them. But don't let a limited budget stand in the way of a night out! The Highland Friendship Club can help with expenses if you have trouble paying.

How do I join the Highland Friendship Club?
Membership is easy. Simply check out our schedule of upcoming events and sign-up for the ones you're interested inžor, just come and hang out with other members. To sign up for an event, go to Sign Me Up [hot link] and follow the instructions. Regardless of how active you choose to be, you must fill out a few forms so we know important information like where to send Highland Friendship Club news, emergency contacts, etc., and sign insurance waivers, photo releases, etc.

What activities does the Highland Friendship Club offer?
The list changes constantly. We schedule regular movie nights for film buffs Karaoke nights are just right for members who want to belt out a few favorites, and community events give us a chance to do things with our friends. Then, of course, there are special activities like jewelry-making, drawing and painting classes, sessions to build independent living skills and trips to sporting events, the theatre, zoo and other events. For the more adventurous, we arrange activities like indoor rock-climbing, canoe trips, performing in a youth circus and day trips to local ski resorts. We always partner with organizations that are trained to work with disabilities.

How do I sign up?
That's easy! Simply go to [insert hot link to sign up form] and click on Sign Me Up! to download a copy of the activity/event registration form you are interested in attending. Then, fill it out and return it to Highland Friendship Club offices by the deadline. You can send it in the mail or attach it to an email [hot link]. If there's an activity fee, you can send a check with your registration or bring it with you to the event. Call our offices at 651-498-4906 if you have any questions. Our mailing address is: Highland Friendship Club, P.O. Box 16437, St. Paul, MN 55116. Our web site address is highlandfriendshipclub.org and our email address is info@highlandfriendshipclub.org

How can I get to the events?
Members are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from Highland Friendship Club events and activities. Events and activities take place at different locations so make sure you check the calendar and the event registration form to find out where and when the activity/event is taking place and if carpools will be used for transportation. Members sometimes meet at an assigned place before going into the event and carpool with other members to get the event. Then when the event is over, families carpool and bring members back to the assigned place to get picked up at the end of the event.. We encourage carpooling! If you want the names of other members who are attending an event, contact mary@highlandfriendshipclub.org

Do I have to have a family member come with me?
Nope. The Highland Friendship Club is your social club, so feel free to come alone! However, if your parents or family members decide to tag along, they're welcome and can use the time to make new friends with other members' parents and siblings. The Highland Friendship Club sometimes offer seminars on topics like financial planning and housing so they can help you become more independent.

Do I have to bring my own PCA?
Yes. If you need personal assistance, it's up to you to make sure you have the resources you need. Highland Friendship Club staff does not provide personal care assistance services. Some activities require one-to-one assistance and it is beneficial to everyone if personal care assistants or a companion participate to make sure that everyone is able to fully participate in the activity.

Is membership only for people who live in Highland Park?
No. The Highland Friendship Club is located in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul but everyone is welcome. Our members come from all over the Twin Cities to participate in Highland Friendship Club events that interests them. The Highland Friendship Club is open to teens and young adults - with and without disabilities - who are looking for ways to make new friends and get out on the weekends. If you're interested, join us!

What if I don't want to participate in an activity?
No problem. You decide the activities you want to be a part of - no one is forced to participate. Even if you've signed up for an activity but change your mind when you get there, that's OK. You can watch for a while and join in when you're comfortable. It's your choice. Some members participate in every event; some pick and choose just one or two. It's up to you.

What if I forgot to sign up for an activity? Can I just show up?
One of the nice things about the Highland Friendship Club is its flexibility. If you want to join in, great! If you just want to hang out with your friends, that's OK too. Most activities are flexible enough so you can join at the last minute. However, some events and activities require reservations. For those activities, we may need to know who's coming in advance. We'll let you know when reservations are required. But, it never hurts to ask if there's room! Call 651-698-4096 for the latest information!

What kind of classes do you offer?
The classes we offer change all the time, depending on the interests of our members and the resources we can identify. Check the current Highland Friendship Club schedule and our member newsletters for the latest offerings. If you have an idea, let us know! Send your suggestions to mary@highlandfriendshipclub.org.

How can I support the Highland Friendship Club?
There are a lot of ways you can help support the Highland Friendship Club. You can:

• Tell your friends - the more the merrier!
• Take part in activities.
• Help other members feel comfortable participating in events and activities. Sometimes it's hard to get involved in something new.
• Share ideas for events, activities, classes, etc. that might lead to new, exciting opportunities.
• Volunteer to help out at events.
• Welcome everyone!