Your friendly neighbourhood partners in building belonging in faith communities across Canada!
Since the 1980’s, Friendship Ministries has been a recognized leader in developing resources that equip and support faith formation for people with disabilities. While many people may recognize Friendship Ministries as an organization that spanned North America, it has always been two organizations working together: Friendship Ministries US and Friendship Ministries Canada.
In 2020, Friendship Ministries US became a subsidiary of All Belong Centre for Inclusive Education and has now merged with their Church Division to form With Ministries.
At that time, Friendship Ministries Canada (FMC) made the decision to operate independently in Canada. FMC is governed by a Canadian Board of Directors and has a renewed commitment to supporting the needs of Friendship Group leaders, volunteers, Friends, and supporters within Canada.
Our mission is to provide resources that support faith formation and congregational inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
We envision a Canada where every person is welcomed, known, loved, and has a place to belong in the body of Christ.
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We look up to Jesus, who warmly welcomed everyone, and we do the same by making hospitality a key part of who we are. In our Friendship Groups, we aim to create a place where everyone feels not just accepted, but truly appreciated and loved.
We believe that all people have been created in God's image, and this foundational belief shapes our approach to inclusion, respect, and love for every individual. As a result, we affirm that every person is valuable, worthy, and deserving of respect.
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We believe that recognizing and nurturing these unique gifts and talents not only enriches the individual but also strengthens the fabric of our communities, fostering collaboration, diversity, and collective progress towards a better world.
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We acknowledge that we need one another in our journey of faith and life and that God has created us for community! Being part of a community fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion, which is essential for mental and emotional well-being.
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Friendship Groups are inclusive communities where everyone is celebrated and valued, regardless of ability. They provide spaces for spiritual growth through Bible studies, prayer, and worship, allowing individuals to deepen their faith and connect with God. Groups are hosted by volunteers in local churches across Canada and promote personal development, enhance social skills, and offer opportunities for leadership and service within the faith community.
Friendship Ministries Canada has 138 Friendship Groups operating in churches across Canada. Groups are supported by 1,684 dedicated volunteers who selflessly give their time and effort. These volunteers build friendships and supportive communities alongside 3,337 participants (Friends) providing emotional support, social inclusion, personal growth, improved mental health, support networks, and supportive environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.
Thank you for asking! Friendship Ministries Canada relies on support from individuals and churches across Canada. Your donations provide essential resources and support to volunteers who lead Friendship Groups, enabling us to:
Click here to give!
Other ways to support include:
Every contribution and act of support makes a significant difference. Thank you for considering supporting Friendship Ministries Canada!
Staying connected with Friendship Ministries Canada is easy! Here are a few ways to receive updates:
By staying connected, you'll be informed about all the ways you can support and be a part of our mission. Thank you for your interest in staying in touch!
We have Friendship Groups all over Canada! Check the map to see if there’s one in your community. If you need further assistance, you can also contact us directly, and we’ll be happy to help you locate a group.
Starting a Friendship Group in your community is a rewarding way to make a positive impact. Reach out to schedule a chat for guidance and support. We can provide the resources and information you need to begin building “faith, friends, and belonging” in your neighbourhood.
We're excited to offer a variety of free resources here. We'll be adding even more valuable materials, available by subscription in the near future. Stay tuned for details.
Reach out via our Contact Form and we’ll do our best to get you answers!