mixed media curriculum. We use the same matching process as in Sunday Circle. Matches engage in activities side-by-side, building lasting friendship that comes with time spent learning and growing together. Here again, our unique matching model has many benefits: exposing youth with special needs to pivotal relationships that they are too often excluded from; building social-emotional skills that are critical to participants’ successful integration into the wider world; and developing leadership skills in typically developing teen volunteers. 4 / Sydney Tam (left) and Ashley Kwon (right) from Bellevue HS with their buddy, Emmy. 5 / Kiera, Bellevue resident and her buddies, Sadie Howard (left) and Gabby Kleiman (right). 4 connections. One-on-one talk therapy can be incredibly effective for many people and U-Matter is an ideal complementary service that aids youth in integrating what they’re going through into everyday conversation with peers, thereby normalizing their experience. According to Mental 5 Washington State ranks in the lowest quintile for inclusive practices in schools (WA OSPI, 2021), meaning that for the vast majority of children with special needs’ days, they are segregated from their peers. According to The Case for Inclusion 2019, Washington State is ranked 30th among all 50 states in its support for the special needs’ population. And for the teen volunteers in Bellevue and greater King County, Friendship Circle makes mental wellbeing a huge priority with our U-Matter program. U-Matter addresses the critical need for a range of mental health programs and services for teens, equipping them with the internal tools and external support networks to successfully navigate mental health challenges and prevent future crises. While a vast array of traditional therapies exist, our team recognized a gap in these approaches – a lack of critical community Health America’s 2023 youth mental health data, Washington State ranks 40th among all 50 states regarding the prevalence of mental health challenges and access to behavioral health services. Data from this same study show that 19.57% of youth in Washington State experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year. For children, teens, and young adults with special needs, and their families, the connections created in Friendship Circle touch the depths of their souls. For many, they feel, for the first time, how deeply they matter to someone else. Whether you are a family with children who have special needs or neurotypical teens, Friendship Circle can touch your soul too. Find out more at: Web: friendshipcirclewa.org Text Sari Weiss at 206-491-3450. building relationships one house at a time Your home deserves the best, and with Julius Remodeling Group, that is exactly what you’ll get. As a family-owned business in Bellevue, WA, we take pride in transforming homes according to the principles of trust, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. FREE SINK AND FAUCET for Kitchen Re-paint and Countertop Replacement expires 4/30/24 KITCHEN AND BATH REMODEL | DRYWALL FLOORING | PAINTING | DECKS & PATIO 425.474.7612 | LICENSE: #JULIURG780NJ juliusremodelinggroup.com Greet Newcastle & Newport Hills 25 Our family is committed to take care of your renovations! Transform your kitchen with our expert refinishing & countertop replacement services! For a limited time, enjoy a **free sink and faucet** with your kitchen renovation.
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