Ann Marie McMenamin, LCSW  Mrs Kathie Murtha      Mrs. Sandy Keough SPECIAL FRIEND PROGRAM The Special Friend Program is an enrichment experience designed to supplement the educational and personal  development of elementary school children. When a family is in crisis (death, divorce, relocation, terminal illness, etc.), the child's availability to learn may be affected.  Left unchecked, such situations can lead to serious learning difficulties or social  problems in later grades. Our Counselor Assistants provide a warm, nurturing relationship which encourages the expression of feelings and the development of trust.  Done under  the close supervision of a Clinical Social Worker, we find that this sharing experience enables the student to benefit from their educational program.  This is not counseling or psychotherapy, but it is a prevention program which helps students become aware of  themselves and  their abililties. Special Friend Program is funded by a grant from the Connecticut State Department of Education.  New Fairfield is one of approximately 20 districts in the state which  provides this special opportunity for its students. BACK