Articles from Friendship Foundation

The Friendship Foundation (FF), dedicated to elevating the lives of those with varying abilities for almost 20 years, announced the launch of its Vocational Pathways Program to help neurodiverse individuals find meaningful employment. The program was created in partnership with Els for Autism, founded in 2009 by professional golfer Ernie Els to transform the lives of people with autism and those who care for them. The comprehensive program pairs employment partners with students for paid internships and ongoing training, career development and support. Vocational Pathways, as part of the Bhatia College for Professional Development, is launching this month after a successful pilot program and year of development.

The Friendship Foundation (FF), dedicated to elevating the lives of those with varying abilities for 18+ years, announced a $500,000 grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation for its innovative Friendship Campus: The Greenberg Family/Skechers Center. The new inclusive Campus, for intellectually, developmentally, and physically diverse students will open in early 2026 in Redondo Beach, Calif. It will provide vocational training and job placement, giving students with special needs the tools to transform the workforce and realize their lifelong passion and purpose. The grant will help create the “W.M. Keck Foundation Creative Arts Studio” with training in digital media, visual arts, sound, craftwork, and music.

The Friendship Foundation (FF), dedicated to elevating the lives of those with varying abilities for 17+ years, announced a $30 million Friendship Campus Endowment Fund with a $20 million commitment from Mike & Rose Kaplan and Charlie & Joanne Kaplan. Their donations include a $10 million gift from Mike & Rose with an additional $10 million-matching grant from Charlie & Joanne for every dollar donated to the Endowment Fund moving forward to reach the $30 million target. The new Fund was announced at the “Topping Off” Ceremony celebrating the structural completion of the Friendship Campus: The Greenberg Family/Skechers Center for intellectually and physically diverse students on Wednesday, May 8. City, education and business leaders came together to sign the final beam supporting the Campus and celebrate this important milestone. An anonymous donor inspired all in attendance with a surprise $3 million contribution toward the matching Endowment Fund grant, bringing the committed total to $23 million with $7 million to be raised.