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The Friendship Circle
212.717.4613 x 4
419 East 77th Street New York, NY 10075
Our Mission
The Friendship Circle’s mission is…
1) to provide Jewish children, teens and young adults who have special needs with a full range of social, recreational, educational and Judaic experiences.
2) to provide the families who have children with special needs with respite and support.
3) to empower, enrich, inspire, and motivate Jewish teenagers and young professionals to make a difference through volunteering and sharing of themselves with others.
At the heart of all the Friendship Circle’s programming is the belief that each and every individual can be a productive member of the community and benefit from the social support offered by one’s peers. Friendship, acceptance, and a chance to participate in socially accepted bonding opportunities are critical to achieving this type of inclusive society.
We envision a world in which people with special needs and their families experience acceptance, inclusion and friendship as contributing members of society.
The Friendship Circle is a non-profit organization that provides social recreational programs for Jewish children, teens, and young adults with special needs. Being different or misunderstood deprives hundreds of special children in our community of the most basic necessities of childhood: friendship, play-dates, and outlets for youthful recreation and expression. The Friendship Circle addresses these challenges in a way that celebrates the uniqueness and individuality of children with special needs.
FRIENDS AT HOME
For children and teens ages 4 – 15
Children with special needs often have many adults in their lives –parents, teachers, therapists and doctors. The Friends at Home program offers the one thing these children are missing out on: friendship. This weekly program has teen volunteers spending quality time with children with special needs in the environment the kids are most comfortable in and familiar with: their own homes. The teens are guided and trained for their valuable role as friend and mentor. A unique bond is established between the volunteers and their friends.
Each week, a pair of specially trained teen volunteers visits their special friend in his or her home, offering companionship, laughter, and fun. In exchange, the teen volunteers learn the value of giving back and gain respect and empathy for those facing difficult challenges.
For children ages 4 – 15
The Friendship Circle Day Camp is an inclusion program that allows children with special needs the opportunity to taste a full action packed Jewish camp experience with their peers. With one-on-one attention from teen volunteers, the children enjoy field trips, arts & crafts, special performances, music, and other stimulating, therapeutic activities.
Location: 419 East 77th Street
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Volunteers start at 9:30 am)
Fee: $100/day (Scholarship is available)
Winter Break Camp
December 23, 24, 26 & 27
President’s Week Camp
February 17, 18 & 19
Summer Camp
August 18, 19, 20, 21 & 22
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