MU recognizes students in the Circle of Friends program

MU recognized two students in the Circle of Friends program by presenting them each with participation certificates at the annual Circle of Friends dinner in the Banks Student Life Center’s Kennedy Lounge.

Amanda Singer of Turnersville, N.J., received a certificate for completing two-and-a-half years in the program. Selena Waters of Clarks Summit, P.A., was awarded a certificate for being enrolled in the program for two years. Since the inception of Circle of Friends, four students have graduated after successfully completing four years in the program.

The program’s success is attributed to the program’s participants and the interaction they have with students, faculty and staff. “The students in the program work hard, participate in various activities and learn skills that prepare them for a job in the community,’’ said Linda Ross, director of the seven-year-old program. “The relationship is also advantageous for MU students who receive clinical opportunities and tutor and mentor the students. The training and knowledge they have gained through their experiences in the program can be utilized in multiple professional disciplines.’’

The Circle of Friends is an innovative transitional program for women ages 19 to 26 who have intellectual disabilities. It provides integrated living, non-credit learning and social experiences on a college campus. Misericordia, the students and their families develop an individualized plan for each woman enrolled in the program. Each plan is used to design the appropriate curriculum, employment- and activity-based schedule for each semester.

The structured program offers non-credit classes that meet the women’s educational needs and interests, like speech, money management, practical math applications, computer skills, science, creative writing, social studies, fitness and theater in addition to speech, physical and occupational therapies.

The program’s participants live in a townhouse on campus with student mentors, who provide tutoring, leadership and personal support. Living on campus under a mentor’s careful supervision allows the women to develop daily living skills, such as cooking, cleaning and entertaining that will prepare them for the future.

For more information about Circle of Friends, please contact program director, Linda Ross, at (570) 674-6322 or

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