The Friendship Circle's unique approach brings together teenage volunteers and children with special needs for hours of fun and friendship. These shared experiences empower children with special needs, while enriching the lives of everyone involved.

Mission

The Friendship Circle is based on the Biblical commandment of V’Ahavta L’Reacha Kamocha, “to love your fellow as yourself.”,

The Friendship Circle carries out that concept in life-changing ways by:

  • Engaging children and teens with special needs through a full range of experiences.
  • Supporting parents and members with much needed respite and support.
  • Enriching, inspiring and motivating teens to share their time and talents with others.
  • Connecting teen volunteers, children with special needs, and their families to the Jewish community through educational and social opportunities.

By fulfilling its mission, the Friendship Circle is helping to build a better world for children with special needs, one good deed at a time.

Vision

We envision a world in which children with special needs and their families experience acceptance, inclusion and friendship.

We envision a time when children with special needs with be seen and accepted as contributing members of society.

We envision stimulating programs and activities in which teen volunteers, children with special needs, and their families find meaning, purpose, and self-value.

We envision a Jewish community that embraces children with special needs and their families, and allows each person to contribute in his/her own way.

We envision teen volunteers developing into leaders of tomorrow’s Jewish community; leaders who are sensitive to others and their needs.

We envision a world filled with love and respect for everyone, regardless of age, race, religious affiliation, or personal differences.

Inspiration

The Lubavitcher Rebbe: The Inspiration for the Friendship Circle.

The Rebbe's unconditional love of people knew no bounds. To the Rebbe they all belonged. He made them feel at home.

The Rebbe's warm smile would heal every aching heart. The Rebbe was always there, offering counsel and blessings, comfort and hope, and often - material help as well.

To the Rebbe there were no divisions among the Jewish People. He considered every Jew his own flesh and blood. For him Jewish unity was not a slogan, a wish or a promise - it was a reality.

It is his belief in Jewish unity, "the notion that no one of us is complete unless all of us are included", that goes to the very core and essence of what the Rebbe teaches.
It is this concept that motivates and is the core of the Friendship Circle.

How can you help complete the circle?

  • Do you know a teenager who would like to be a volunteer?
  • Do you know a family that can use extra help in their home with children who have special needs?
  • Would you like to support our programs and help us continue the work of the Friendship Circle?

The Friendship Circle is made up of five parts: volunteers, children, parents, staff, and supporters. The true beauty of the Circle is how we all link together to form a seamless circle of friendship. Together, we can perform miracles.