Little Friends is set to celebrate our 60th anniversary in 2025 as a leading service provider for children, adults, and families challenged by autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. As we reflect on our journey over the past sixty years, we are inspired by our agency’s history and the positive impact our services have had on the lives of those we serve.
In 1965, Dottee Krejci met with a group of parents whose children faced challenges that the public school system could not adequately address. Recognizing the need for a supportive environment, Dottee initiated a program to assist these children, inspired by a mother’s endearing nickname for her son, “little friend,” which later became the agency’s name. Over the years, Little Friends has transformed into a comprehensive human services agency, providing a range of programs, including educational programming, community day services, employment services, community-based residential opportunities, and the Little Friends Center for Autism.
To commemorate this significant anniversary, Little Friends will host various activities throughout the year, beginning with the 48th Annual Benefit Auction in March. We will focus on sharing the organization’s history, highlighting the stories of those we serve, and showcasing the dedicated work of our staff. Looking ahead, we hope you share our enthusiasm for the direction of our organization as we invest in our existing resources and expand into new programs to better serve the families who rely on our Little Friends community.
