Meet Our Kids
Friendship is an important part of a child’s social‐emotional development. From our friends we learn to share, to listen, and to express our feelings. But most importantly, our friends give us a sense of belonging. Read about some amazing friendships that have been developed through The Friendship Foundation and by the support of the SKECHERS Friendship Walk.
PHOTO CREDITS: Lauren Pressey Photography
Isabelle & Ali
I first became involved with Friendship Foundation during Freshman year through NCL, the National Charity League. It started off with a movie night where I was paired up with a nonverbal five year old boy. I was amazed, and frankly surprised, with how happy and fulfilled I felt after getting to know my new friend. This renewed sense of purpose encouraged me to go out and try out the summer activities. Pretending to be fireman at Pretend City with Ryder, going on the ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier with Jacob, and getting into water balloon fights with Aneissa at Camp Got Friends are just a few of the many, amazing friendships and memorable experiences I have had with this organization. I am eternally grateful to this wonderful organization for all of the memories, friendships, and life lessons I have had the opportunity to learn and grow from. When I met Ali I knew she was a special girl. Her sweet laughter or seeing the bright orange— or blue, or pink, or yellow— hair walking into room 115, I know my day is about to get a little happier and a little brighter. Ali’s compassion and thoughtfulness always shine as we catch up on our past weekends or talk about the next track meet. I also cherish our time spent together during the Disneyland field trip, taking goofy selfies on the bus ride over, as well as our conversations at track practice and running our warm up laps. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to become friends with Ali; she has helped me grow into a better person, as well as laugh a little more every day. - Isabelle
