For parents of teens and young adults who want friends but struggle to make them.

We carefully match students into small, supportive Friendship Confidence™ groups where they build real friendships, social confidence, and connection that carries into everyday life.

How the program works

Teens building social confidence through Friendship Confidence Program in Staten Island

You may be here because…

Your child wants friends, but struggles to make or keep them

They’re independent in many ways, but still need support socially

You’ve tried other things, but nothing has really clicked

You want more than a drop-in activity—you want real growth and real connection

And you’re hoping to find a place where they truly fit.

How it works

1. Start with the interest form

Tell us about your child, their age, personality, and what kind of support they need socially.

2. We carefully match them

We don’t do one-size-fits-all groups. We look closely at fit, comfort level, and group chemistry so students are placed where they’re most likely to connect and succeed.

3. They build confidence through real interaction

Each week, students grow their social confidence through meaningful conversation, guided support, and real opportunities to form friendships that can carry outside of group.

Why VES is different

Because this isn’t just a random group your child attends.
It’s a place where we intentionally create the conditions for friendship, confidence, and connection to grow.

What makes us different:

  • Carefully matched groups
    We don’t place students randomly. We thoughtfully consider age, personality, independence, and social fit.

  • Guided by trained teachers
    Our group leaders are trained in the VES Friendship Confidence™ approach, so support happens in real moments as connection is unfolding.

  • Weekly parent recaps
    You’re not left wondering how things went. We keep you in the loop so you can see growth over time.

  • Focused on real friendships
    The goal is not just participation. The goal is meaningful connection, growing confidence, and friendships that are real.

Why we call it Friendship Confidence™

At first, we used the term social groups because it was the closest fit to describe what we did. But the truth is, that name never felt quite right. From the beginning, these groups were designed to be more intentional, more supportive, and more meaningful than simply gathering students together. The goal was always to help them build real friendships, grow in confidence, and feel truly connected to their peers. Friendship Confidence™ is the name that finally reflects that deeper purpose.

What families are seeing

"My son is making real friends who he actually talks to outside of the group."

-Chris, Father of Preteen Friendship Confidence™ Group Student

Parent testimonial from father of 12-year-old praising the Friendship Confidence™ Program for helping his son make friends and build social confidence in Staten Island.

"Our son is very shy and now is always texting his friends from the group, something he would never do before he started this class."

-Dave, Father of Adult Friendship Confidence™ Group Student

Parent review from father of adult participant describing how the Friendship Confidence™ Program improved his son’s social skills, independence, and friendships.

Our core program: Friendship Confidence™

Teens smiling and giving thumbs up during the Friendship Confidence™ Program social skills group in Staten Island.

Our most popular program helps teens, and young adults build confidence and friendships in carefully matched groups designed to support real connection.

Also available at VES

Dating Confidence™

Workshops for young adults building confidence in dating and relationships.

Additional Classes

Other opportunities to help your child grow socially and academically.

Real stories from families like yours

Your child doesn’t need another place to simply show up.

They need the right place to connect.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, supportive group where your child can build real friendships and social confidence, the first step is seeing whether we have the right fit.

Stay Connected With VES

Be the first to hear about new group openings, waitlists, and upcoming workshops, plus tips to help your child build confidence.

Helping teens and young adults build confidence, friendships, and belonging.

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