Primary Division Programmatic Offerings

Friends at Home (Flagship Program)
The Friendship Circle sends teenage volunteers to the homes of children with special needs for an hour and a half visit each week. In the comfort of the children’s home they play sports, do arts & crafts, bake cookies, or just hang out together.  These 90 minutes give the parents a chance to relax while their child is engaged with his/her friend(s).

Sunday Circle
Children with special needs join together for a morning of fun, arts and crafts, games, Jewish music and story time. Parents simply drop off their children, and our on-site staff and volunteers ensure their child’s safety and happiness.

Holiday Programs
Children touch, taste, and discover their heritage in these specially tailored, two hour events. They join together with their special friend to do hands-on holiday programs including: baking matzah for Passover, frying latkes for Chanukah, and Filling hamantashen for Purim. Each of the workshops are complimented by holiday oriented games and crafts.

Birthday Club
Together with the child’s family, our teen volunteers brainstorm for the best way to mark the special day, bringing the joy and excitement of a birthday to the child’s home, complete with fun activities, a birthday gift, and of course...a birthday cake.

 Mini Chefs 

Designed exclusivily for girls with special needs and their friends, Mini Chefs meets monthly and gives girls the chance to roll up their sleeves and cook Kosher delights. Every month's meeting will include baking or cooking a traditional Kosher food from scratch. Games and fun are on the menu too! 

Volunteer Events
These are volunteer only events that are both educational and social. There are training sessions designed to provide guidance in understanding special needs, building mentorship skills, and making healthy life choices. Social events include a wheelchair basketball event, Comedy Sports show, and a Chinese dinner.

Frequent Friends Mileage Program
The Friendship Circle has launched a new state-of-the art system to help streamline reporting and encourage volunteers to document their activities. The Mileage Program is a web-based tool where volunteers log their friendship visits, communicate with staff and redeem their “miles/points” for a variety of promotional items.

Adult Division Programmatic Offerings

Cooking Club
The Friendship Circle Cooking Club gives adults who enjoy the kitchen an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and have fun with their special friends. Holiday meals, Shabbat dinners, and challah baking classes are offered on a monthly basis. Every month, a special meal is prepared and donated during a “mitzvah mission.”

Bowling League

Once a month members of the Adult Friendship Circle meet at Brunswick Zone Carolier for an evening of bowling and fun camaraderie. No charge to attend!

COMING SOON! Movie Night and Game Night!   

Click here to download our program guide.