AFN & Live-LINK: A Social Network for People with Disabilities
In the early days of the pandemic, back in 2020, people from all walks of life were thrust into a similar predicament: isolation away from other people. Isolation can be extremely dangerous, especially to those who are vulnerable to issues and conditions that can make its impact even more significant. For those with developmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy and autism, friendships outside of family members, school, and other scheduled events can be the catalyst to more independent living. Working from home, learning from home, and concerns about what COVID-19 might do to those who have existing health risks, kept everyone inside their own houses and prevented them from seeing friends. Weeks stretched into months and months into years, with no real end in sight.
All Friends Network
Created by Trevor Kelliher, who has cerebral palsy, All Friends Network was born during the pandemic, offering a free app and social network for those with developmental disabilities who want to make friends. The goal was to create a way to meet new friends, develop existing friendships, and, once the pandemic restrictions lifted, a chance to go to real life events and opportunities to meet these new friends in person. A specific cerebral palsy and autistic social network is necessary to create a safe space for individuals who have shared experiences and backgrounds meet up in a safe space to explore making new friends. At All Friends Network, our mission is to help people of all ages with developmental disabilities focus on meeting new friends and building lifelong friendships.
Our social support network has a free app for our members to interact and communicate via mobile devices. The Live-LINK app is fully-functional and active but is only open to members of All Friends Network. This helps to keep out individuals who do not have an understanding of the challenges and obstacles faced by those with developmental disabilities. Many who have tried to make friends online in more general or public networks have experienced bullying and other negative behaviors. The point of All Friends Network is to help others who have cerebral palsy, autism, and other developmental disabilities find friendship. A true network for people with disabilities, membership can only be gained by calling our team directly.
Donations & Support Welcomed
All Friends Network is a 501- (C)(3) Non-Profit Corporation registered in the State of Florida. Our team includes Trevor Kelliher, our founder and the Chief Operating Officer of AFN. The CEO is Gregory J. Kelliher, and the CFO is Paul D. Amato. All Friends Network is Trevor’s vision and dream of helping others with developmental disabilities to find friendship and companionship. In his story, Trevor says, “Having friends is a critical part of your life’s enjoyment and fulfillment.” This is the primary focus of the AFN social support network, and we hope that we will be able to help our members get the tools they need to cultivate lifelong relationships through our unique Live-LINK app.
Your donations, support, and contributions are welcomed. As a Non-Profit, our work that we do is supported financially through contributions from the public. You can donate via our website on the main page by clicking the “Donate Now” link and pay with a PayPal, debit, or credit card at any time. We would like to thank our sponsors, which include Autism Speaks, MD Pro Solutions, SouthCoast Internet, Sterling Strategic Advisors, Dairy Queen, RCN Networks, Baycross Foundation, Face Autism, Inc., Victoria Finley, CFRE, and others in the Florida area and all across the country.
Everyone Deserves to Have a Friend
At All Friends Network, we have many resources and planned group activities for our members. As part of our plan to help people of all ages with developmental disabilities, we are currently expanding our work with the Live-LINK application. Connecting all of our members and providing a fun and interactive experience for all in a safe and friendly environment, the focus will remain on meeting new friends, cultivating genuine relationships, enhancing life skills, and preparing for a more meaningful, independent, and productive life. If you would like to learn more about our organization or would like to join All Friends Network, simply contact our team directly by calling 941-587-7172, or you can use our online contact form to reach out to a team member at any time.