2026-08-23T15:17:57-07:00 2025-12-31 Karen A Wilson CPA 7226 Laurel Lane Parkland FL 33067 990EZ 2025-01-01 900719846 THE FRIENDSHIP INITIATIVE INC FRIE 9546839216 6574 N STATE ROAD 7 PMB 236 COCONUT CREEK FL 330733625 SAMANTHA NOVICK PRESIDENT 9546839216 2026-08-18 true Karen A Wilson P01063616 9546839216 2026-08-23 X 2025 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z X www.thefriendshipjourney.org X X 83395 X 78320 5075 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 83395 1000 27600 13948 347 35481 78376 5019 71695 76714 X 68812 74449 3331 4365 72143 78814 448 2100 71695 76714 X The organizations mission is to unite individuals of all cognitive and developmental abilities through equitable opportunities and lasting friendships. We provide free inclusive enrichment programs, family respite and community education in our effort to enrich lives and create inclusive communities. The organization provided a combination of free programs for over 400 families including individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. (Contd Sched O) 1000 63481 The organization advanced its mission through education viacommunity relations, live events and the internet.(Contd Sched O) 0 5170 68651 Samantha Novick President/Director 20.00 0 0 0 Paola Blanco VP/Director 2.00 0 0 0 Karen Wilson Treasurer/Director 5.00 0 0 0 Heather Weissman VP/Director 2.00 0 0 0 Jason Novcik Director 10.00 0 0 0 Gustavo Padrino Director 5.00 0 0 0 Carole Zangari Director 5.00 0 0 0 Silvia Gil Director 5.00 0 0 0 false false false false false false false 0 0 false false FL Karen Wilson 7226 Laurel Lane Parkland FL 33067 9546839216 false false false false false false false false false false false NONE NONE true X 0 46239 122997 87604 78513 78320 413673 0 2400 2400 4800 46239 122997 87604 80913 80720 418473 106181 312292 0 0 0 418473 68187 0.74630 0.83610 X 0 0 0 RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED Other Part III, Line 28: Encouraging family participation in our enrichment and support activities brings our program reach to over 1000 individuals. The programs are designed to encourage creativity, improve wellness, and foster inclusion. In addition to the cash expenditures reported on line 28, the organization made use of volunteered services and donated facilities with an estimated value in excess of $100,000. These donations of time and space have been essential in providing free services with minimal overhead costs. Donated facilities provided by our municipal, non-profit, and community business partners continue to allow us to host in-person activities at a painting studio, recreation center and rescued animal farm as well as at the Broward Center for Performing Arts and the Florida Panthers Ice Den. Community partners also donated time and space to provide interactive virtual field trips, entertainment, cooking and art lessons via Zoom. Additionally, the organization relies on approximately 20 youth and adult volunteers alongside its Board to provide services. Qualified professionals serving as board members or program directors continue to provide professional services free of charge including special education support services, certified Speech Language Pathologist consultation and program development services, IT, accounting and administrative services. Programs now offered include in-person activities for participants and families including art, fitness, dance, farm experiences, sensory friendly live theatre productions, all abilities performing arts classes, and hockey in partnership with the Florida Panthers and the American Special Hockey Association. Life skills classes such as financial literacy and resume building are offered periodically in partnership with Chase Bank and local High School DECA. Our virtual summer Camp Wings of Friendship serving over 400 individuals with disabilities, family members and volunteers nationwide, is continuing to expand its reach. Virtual access has removed the transportation barrier for participants with limited mobility and has brought meaningful social connections to young people that were previously isolated or experienced limited social interactions. With support from an infrastructure grant, the organization has invested in the development of systems, training programs and policies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization into the future. Other Part III, Line 29: Its social media presence and web site reached more than 3,000 individuals nationwide. Locally, board members and volunteers participated in community events and collaborated with other non-profits and local government agencies that support our mission. In 2025, the organization held a scholarship celebration attended by approximately 100 community leaders, families, volunteers and program participants. The event showcased the extraordinary benefits of social acceptance for individuals with disabilities and celebrated the accomplishments of our participants and volunteers. In addition to raising the visibility of our mission and the need for our services, the event provided a meaningful way for families to commune together in a joyful atmosphere. Although this event required an admission fee to offset costs, many attendees benefited from free and reduced-price admissions made possible by a targeted fund-raising drive and the generosity of donors. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 10 SCHOLARSHIP FOR POST SECONDARY EDUCATION AWARDED TO YOUTHS WITH EXCEPTIONAL COMMITEMENT TO INCLUSION; SCHOLARSHIP; HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR: , , , ; NONE, 1000. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 ADVERTISING 648. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 AUTO EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS 10. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 INSURANCE 2018. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 MERCHANT FEES 348. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 PROGRAM SUPPLIES 4072. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 REGULATORY FILINGS 137. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 STORAGE 1500. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 WEB BASED SOFTWARE AND SERVICES 3892. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 WEBSITE DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE 3000. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 YOUTH ACTIVITIES 11719. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 Depreciation 1182. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 DUES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS 349. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 PROGRAM APPAREL-YOUTH AND VOLUNTEERS 750. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 COMMUNITY EVENTS 5775. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 MEETINGS AND EDUCATION 67. Form 990EZ, Part I, Line 16 BANK CHARGES 14. Form 990EZ, Part II, Line 24 COMPUTER AND ACCESSABLITY EQUIP. NET OF DEPRECIATION 1831. 1915. Form 990EZ, Part II, Line 24 VOLUNTEER AND PARTICIPANT T-SHIRTS ON HAND 1500. 750. Form 990EZ, Part II, Line 24 SECURITY DEPOSITS 0. 1700. Form 990EZ, Part II, Line 26 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 448. 0. Form 990EZ, Part II, Line 26 DEFERRED EVENT REVENUE 2100.