Seneca Friendship Club gives youth new way to gather

A new group to encourage positive relationships among young adults who struggle with social connections has started in Seneca County. Seneca Friendship Club is a new initiative through Seneca County Family and Children First Council. Seneca Friendship Club promotes and provides a safe, encouraging and fun place where young adults, ages 18-25 who struggle with social connections, sometimes due to high-functioning autism, can develop meaningful and lasting friendships. Members can attend weekly meetings facilitated by qualified staff and supported by volunteers. The program will be developed and driven by attendees' interests. "We are thrilled to be a partner with FCFC to create new opportunities for youth in our community. The Friendship Club is a new, exciting, creative opportunity for youth to enrich their lives and experience new things," said Kathy Oliver, director of Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services and president of Seneca County Family and Children First Council. Weekly gatherings are set for 6-9 p.m. Thursdays in the basement of A Little Faith Ministries, 201 S. Washington St., Tiffin, and are to begin Sept. 9. Organizers anticipate fun and games, weekly activities, social skill building, social outings and opportunities to volunteer and participate in community activities. Anne Lange DeVine, who brought the idea of Seneca Friendship Club to Seneca County, said she is excited about starting a friendship club in the county for young adults. "Research shows that individuals with social skills challenges (sometimes due to high functioning autism spectrum) are much less likely to develop meaningful friendships, and are much more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression," she said. DeVine explained the club will provide an opportunity for members to learn skills for making and keeping friends, all while having fun. "Members will have a place where they can hang-out and interact with other Club members. They will also be able to participate in planning the Club activities and outings. Long-term, the vision may expand to include job, business and living opportunities," she said. DeVine — who expressed appreciation for those who have volunteered their time and talents to bring a vision to reality — said the possibilities are endless. "I know that all who contribute to the success of this new Club are truly making a difference in the lives of these young adults," she said. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart." Anyone interested in joining Seneca Friendship Club may contact Matt Coleman, Seneca Mentoring Youth Links' mentor coordinator, at mcoleman@ncoesc.org or (419) 447-2927, ext. 544. Those interested also may stop by one of the weekly gatherings and will be asked to fill out a membership application. The weekly schedule of events is to be posted on the group's social media page.