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What We Do

Enrich the community by creating opportunities for every person, with or without developmental or intellectual disabilities, by building enduring lifelong friendships. We strongly believe that this enhances the lives of everyone involved:  members, families and volunteers!

Empower participants to strengthen important life skills and create greater social independence while enhancing community connections.

Embrace the power of love and friendship in everyday life. We are about expanding horizons through activities and events that appeal to children, teens, and young adults through art, music, community service, and much more. We are not a “day program” or a “training service”, but we are an opportunity to have fun, rewarding and new experiences in an environment that embraces innovation, independence, and the freedom to “just be yourself”.

Start up funding for Valley Friendship Club has been provided in part by the CCP Foundation of Stillwater.  Valley Friendship Club Hub is located at 5620 Memorial Ave No., Suite C, Stillwater MN 55082

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Sign Up

“Membership

To become a member of Valley Friendship Club, you can fill out the online form or download it and bring it to an event or to the VFC Hub. It costs nothing to become a member, it just means that you are interested in being a part of the fun and that you want to be notified of upcoming events.  Valley Friendship Club Hub is located at 5620 Memorial Ave No., Suite C, Stillwater MN 55082

Ages and Groups

Valley Friendship Club is for everyone!

The “Kids-Connect” (formerly the “Grader Gang”) events listed on the calendar are for kids Birth-6th Grade (age12).

The “TeenUp” are events for teens (age 13) on up to young adult.

“All Member/Family ” events are for all Valley Friendship Members, Family and Friends!  These events have higher attendance, therefore require more supervision/leadership, so you (parent/caregiver/pca) need to consider staying with the member attending. Considerations on age, independence, maturity, behaviors and number of volunteers in attendance. Please check with VFC staff with concerns. 

Note:We will leave it up to Mom or  Dad if you think your 6th -7th  Grader would rather be in the Teen Group or Kids~Connect Group or both…your call.

Valley Friendship Club Hub Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 2:30-5:30 ~ Friday 6:30-8:30  ~ Saturday noon-3pm.  Please always double check the website calendar as hours may vary due to special events.

Safety Policy

Valley Friendship Club is committed to providing an environment that is safe, welcoming, respectful, caring and fun for all members, participants & volunteers.    Download the Safety Policy

Weather Policy

If Stillwater School District has closed schools our events will also be canceled. ALSO if the National Weather Service or/and MNDot has issued a Weather Warning/Travel Advisory we will cancel the event. We want everyone to have fun and stay safe!

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Volunteer

Many of our volunteers are parents of the kids we serve.

Do you like to dance, cook, yoga, watch football, or play video games? Perhaps you love art or music? While volunteering for Valley Friendship Club (VFC) you can put your passions to work while helping with event planning, fundraising, and more.  Valley Friendship Club Hub conveniently is located at 5620 Memorial Ave No., Suite C, Stillwater MN 55082.   Just off Highway 36 and Stillwater Blvd.

Learn more by visiting our Volunteers page.

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Rave Reviews

  • Valley Friendship Club has proven to be an outstanding program for my son. They provide a safe, social setting for children and young adults with disabilities who are in need of a social outlet. The variety of events at VFC, provide my son with an opportunity to explore, learn, and be creative with kids that share his interests. The staff is very welcoming and is sensitive to the varying needs of its members. My son has gained friends and, in turn, has gained much needed confidence. It has provided him with a sense of belonging which is so important to any child’s development. I am very thankful to have this program available to us. Thank you VFC!


    David Smisek & Robin Beadleson

  • Valley Friendship Club is an awesome place where children with disabilities can socialize with each other and their typical siblings side by side. It is an inclusive environment and a much needed one. Kids with special needs are no different than typical kids. They want to have FRIENDS! VFC sets up an environment where that can happen. They provide varied and well organized activities where it does happen. VFC deserve the support so that they can carry on and expand their mission to reach more people in the community. There is nothing else like it in the east metro.


    Anonymous

  • Three years of FUN, thanks Valley Friendship Club.  Now looking forward to the summer and the Theater Residency with Upstream Arts.  Way to go getting the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council Grant to make it all happen. Thanks to VFC, Upstream and MRAC!


    Anonymous

  • I cannot say enough about how the Valley Friendship Club of Stillwater, MN has made such a difference in our community and in the lives of those children, teens and young adults with disabilites. They are a well run organization with amazing resources. They allow our children to have an enviorment that is supportive and fosters life long friendships. This club is truly an inspiration to all!


    Bruce Binder

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