Groups
About Our Groups
Welcome to We’ve Got Friends (WGF)!
At WGF, we believe that friendship is for everyone. Our community brings together teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to make meaningful connections, have fun, and thrive together in a space where everyone belongs.
We offer Hangouts and Special Events that are all about inclusion and fun. Whether it’s connecting with new friends or celebrating unique talents, everyone is valued here. Best of all, our programming is completely free for participants and their families. Getting involved is easy – simply create an account, fill out the forms, and sign up for hangouts through our website calendar. It’s that simple to join the fun!
What to Expect
At each Hangout and Special Event, you’ll be greeted by our caring Site Hosts. They’re here to ensure everyone has a fantastic experience, creating a safe and welcoming space for all. Whether you’re meeting new people or reconnecting with old friends, our Site Hosts are there to make sure every participant feels supported and included.
We are also fortunate to have amazing volunteers (ages 12 and up) who help support our Site Hosts and ensure everything runs smoothly. Our volunteers undergo training and background checks to create a safe and comfortable environment. Together with our Site Hosts, they help bring our community to life. Learn more about volunteering here.
Meals and Community
At each Hangout, we serve a light meal, from pizza to finger food and more. It’s a chance for everyone to share a meal, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s also a great opportunity for families to meet each other, share resources, and build a support network. We want every hangout to be a time of connection, where participants, parents, and caregivers can come together and feel the joy of being part of a community.
Why Join Us?
WGF Swag!
Every participant also gets a free WGF t-shirt! It’s a small way of saying thank you for being part of our family. Wearing your WGF shirt shows your pride in the community we’re building together. So make sure to rock your WGF pride at our hangouts!
At WGF, our goal is simple: friendship is for everyone. Our mission involves creating spaces where teens with I/DD can build connections, gain confidence, and feel like they belong. We provide inclusive, fun opportunities for socializing and growing together. Whether you’re new to WGF or have been with us for a while, you’re always welcome to join us in building a more connected world.
Where We Hangout
Virtual on Zoom: The Friend Squad
WGF: Ages 13-22 / Mondays, Wednesdays, & Saturdays
Mon. & Wed. (5pm – 6:15pm EST), Sat. (1pm – 2pm EST)
Montclair, NJ
Ages: WGF (13-22) & WGF Jr. (7-12) / Elected Saturdays
St. Luke's Church, 73 S. Fullerton Street, Montclair, NJ 07042
WGF (1pm – 2:30pm) & WGF Jr. (2:30pm – 4pm)
Orange, NJ
Ages: WGF (13-22) / Elected Fridays
The Huub, 35 Cleveland Street, City of Orange, NJ 07050
6pm – 7:30pm
Paterson, NJ
Ages: WGF (13-22) / Elected Saturdays
Paterson Police Substation, 930 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07503
2pm – 3:30pm
Newark, NJ
Ages: WGF (13-22)
The John F. Kennedy School, 311 S 10th Street, Newark, NJ 07103
This site is a private after-school program exclusively for students of The JFK School. For more details, please contact us at info@wgfnj.org.
Our Special Events are unique, one-time experiences that go beyond our regular hangouts. From exciting activities and community connections, fun outings and entertainment, these events offer something extra special for our participants.
Special Events
Frequentley Asked Questions
What types of activities does WGF offer?
We offer a variety of social opportunities, including weekly hangouts, community outings, skill-building workshops, and special events. Our programs are designed to be fun, engaging, and supportive of social development.
How do I sign up for WGF events?
To register for our programming, complete the participant registration form here. If you need assistance, please contact our team for support.
Do I have to sign up?
All participants must sign up to hang out. In the event any hangout is canceled, all registered friends will get an email notification of the change. We also collect attendance in compliance with grants and funding we receive.