Circle of Friends Celebration 10 Journal

n frie

fr

i

en

ds

nd s

fri e

ds frien

Celebrating Ten Years of Friendship

rie sf frie nds friend

Sunndaayy, May Sunday, a 18, 2014 Lag La ag B’Omer,r,r 5774

reflflecting on the past re p

n ds

Circle of Friends

ds

friend s

nds friends frie fri e

s

fri

s nd

nd

e

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:23 PM Page 1

en envisioning visioning the futur futuree

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:23 PM Page 2

ÂgÉzxà{xÜ jx VtÇ cxÜyÉÜÅ `|ÜtvÄxáÊ Circle of Friends provides a wide array of innovative programming promoting a greater awareness and understanding of both the unique needs and the unique gifts of individuals with special needs while encouraging respect and empathy for those facing difficult challenges.

The children and families benefit from weekly home visits and recreational group programming. Children, teens and adults with special needs celebrate the holidays with exciting, interactive programs that bring to life the spirit and richness of our holidays and traditions.

For our teen volunteers, Circle of Friends aims to create an environment that will nurture and inspire their volunteer experience with meaning, purpose, self­value, and a sense of connection to and responsibility for the greater community.

OUR PROGRAMS Home With Friends Sunday Circle Teen Scene Young Adult Social Circle Adult Social Circle Life Skills Sibling Support Groups Winter/Summer Camp Hospital Visits ­ Care Packages “Be A Friend” Inclusion Initiative Volunteer Orientation Seminars Birthday Celebrations Bar/Bat Mitzvah Hebrew School Community Awareness & Outreach

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:23 PM Page 3

VxÄxuÜtà|ÉÇ DC cÜÉzÜtÅ V’ahavta L’rayacha K’amocha ­ “Love Your Fellow As Yourself” Leviticus 19:18

Cocktails ­ Auction Dinner & Awards Presentation Greetings

Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, Spiritual Leader Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk Presentation of Volunteer Awards On behalf of our volunteers Rachel Labarre High School Senior Fellowship Awardee COF President Staples High School Jordan Glick Co­President Circle of Friends Volunteer Alumni Presentation to our Guests of Honor Andrea & Bill Pecoriello, Visionary Award Laura Kassen, Young Leadership Award Guest Speaker Rabbi Y. Y. Jacobson “You Raise Me Up” Video Presentation Tiffani Lynch, Producer Reflecting on the Past, Envisioning the Future Freida Hecht, Director Circle of Friends Viennese Table Desserts Auction Winners Announced

B”H

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 4

In Dedication to our Spiritual Mentor and Teacher, The Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of saintly memory whose inspiration and personal example is our guiding light and moving force.

Just as it is impossible to escape our own life’s challenges, so too, we can never turn our backs on the challenges faced by our fellow. –THE REBBE

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 5

A Snowflake is Winter's Butterfly Yehoshua S. Hecht Rabbi Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk The above quote from an author unknown had me thinking about this winter season with its abundance of snow and cold and how beautiful our world is with all of its sea­ sons fluctuating between cold and heat and everything in between.

For Freida and I, this has been an especially beautiful winter with moments of “winters butterfly” coming our way in the form of human warmth and dignity embracing us all with the love of community and youthful enthusiasm.

These past few weeks despite snowstorms and cold weather our SHUL (Synagogue) was filled with warmth and beauty. I’m speaking of a special kind of warmth and beauty that when generated and shared uplifts the spirit by melting away all shades of grey. It’s the special brilliance that is born through the act of sharing and caring.

To see young teen volunteers embrace their friend with special needs at the Sunday Circle program led by Freida Hecht and Susan Robison, to witness the smile and joy ra­ diating from the face of a child with special needs sharing a social afternoon with so many other children and friends is akin to seeing a butterfly fluttering on a cool sum­ mer eve; majestically sharing its beauty for those attentive to its motion and state of being.

Seeing the children so engaged creating healthy and delicious foods with dietician Ilisa Nussbaum and her Cooking Corp as part of a Sunday afternoon including molding clay art, painting, sports, yoga, music and dance and the occasional birthday celebration of a child or young teen with special needs at the Circle of Friends Sunday Circle makes you want to shout out to a cold and indifferent world that there is the “Island of Warmth and Sharing” right here within our community that is all so special and sacred.

It’s the community of the Circle of Friends and the one hundred and thirty teenagers from our community who are visiting with a child with special needs on a weekly basis and creating the friendship and nurture involving almost 100 hundred families with special needs children, that dispels cold and boredom and brings new life and excite­ ment to everyone involved in this Mitzvah of inclusion and community building. It’s the kind of activity that has the power to uplift and edify our human existence allowing us to soar and reach higher, borne upon the wings of the soul rising for the moment ma­ jestically and humbly bringing out the best from within by sharing with each other.

A sage once remarked. I’m not impressed by how much knowledge you may have. I’m impressed rather by how much you care. So, if these few words have warmed and in­ spired your heart, I hope that you will consider participating and supporting Circle of Friends Together, we can endeavor to be winters’ butterfly.

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 6

Zâxáàá Éy [ÉÇÉÜ

Andrea and Bill Pecoriello Visionary Award

Laura Kassen Young Leadership Award

TwâÄà iÉÄâÇàxxÜ [ÉÇÉÜxxá Susan Robison, Volunteer Coordinator Lisa Cohn, Art Therapist Jessica Jablon Ilisa Nussbaum, Cooking Corps Afik Harel, Israeli Emissary Lital Rasovsky, Israeli Emissary

[|z{ fv{ÉÉÄ fxÇ|ÉÜá YxÄÄÉãá{|Ñ TãtÜwxxá Rachel Labarre, President COF Staples High School Emma Stein, President COF Jewish High School of CT Addye Susnick, President COF Ridgefield High School Brian Saunders, SLOBS Marla Friedson Jessica Haroun Boruch Sholom Hecht Connor Mitnick Aly Rackson Henri Rizack Griffin Shoglow­Rubenstein

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 7

Wxw|vtàxw gxxÇ iÉÄâÇàxxÜá lÉâÜ |wxtÄ|áÅ xÇxÜz|éxá âáA lÉâÜ wxäÉà|ÉÇ |ÇáÑ|Üxá âáA jx tÜx ÑÜÉâw àÉ {ÉÇÉÜ çÉâA Rachael Baker, President COF Norwalk High School Rachel Davison, President COF Wilton High School Co-Presidents COF Weston High School Lily Saul - Jolie Stern - Julia Weisman Hillary Acuna Colin Baker Joshua Bender Eric Benninghoff Brandon Berger Ilana Berger Lily Berkin Greta Bjornson Leah Blitstein Nicki Blitzer Jennie Blumenfeld Amanda Book Joshua Buckman Jackson Catalano Caroline Cohen Julia Cohen Alex Conner Jordan Cutler Ilissa Davison Madeline Davison Melanie DelAngelo Kimberly Denis Khushwant Dhaliwal Kaitlin Eckert Amanda Emanuel Cameron Felton Daniel Felton Chelsea Finkel Rachel Finkel Kimberly Folli Adam Frank Jonathan Friedman Jamie Friedman Connor Fulbright David Gelfand Rachel Gelfand Nathan Goldenberg Ben Goldschlager Hannah Goodman Sarah Greisman Maggie Gross

Aliza Gross Jayna Gumins Annie Haroun Shoshana Hecht Yaacov Hecht Talia Hendel Alyssa Hyman Evelyn Ingraham Taylor Jacobs Rose Jarvis Sam Kantor Max Kantor Julie Kaplan Sydney Kaplan Amanda Katz Alex Katz David Katz Lara Katz Sophie Katz Jillian Kleiner Elizabeth Knoll Julianna Koller Colby Kranz Kanav Kumar Sophie Lang Chloe Leeds Sarah Lepisto Jenna Levantin Claire Lewin Ethan Lindenbaum Jacob Lubell Danielle Mailhot Hannah Malowitz Rebecca Marks Benjamin Matteson Daniel Maya Abigail Merlis Sarah Metchick Miles Metviner Lily Minkowitz Jacob Nadel

Rebi Narins Sarah Melissa Neckritz Derek Nussbaum Jane Paknia Scott Pecoriello Caroline Peyton Kelsey Proceller Shilpa Narpat Raj Joshua Ranai Kayla Ratner Sydney Resnick Alexa Resnick Emet Rizack Reid Rizack Naomi Roberts Sydney Robison Samara Robison Julianne Rogan Amanda Ruggiero Erkina Sartbaeva Andrew Saunders Reece Schachne Austin Schweitzer Justin Sherman Faizaan Siddiqui Quincy Stein Ruby Steinberg Jackie Sussman Noah Tanen Sarah Tessler Rachel Treisman Sandy Tzul Yari Usherov Colette Vynerib Ben Waller Anna West Leora Wong Melissa Wyman SLOBS of Staples High School

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 8

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller (1880­1968) Author, Lecturer, Activist Having been a part of the Circle of Friends since its inception 10 years ago, I have had the privilege of experiencing the beauty that Circle evokes in all of us. It kindles kindness, compassion, friendship, caring, empathy, generosity, sharing, appreciation of differences and similarities, joy, trust, loyalty, commitment, creativity and understanding.

This is what makes Circle a uniquely heartfelt, meaningful program.

With the incomparable Freida at the helm, it has been an honor and a pleasure to be a part of Circle of Friends. Thank you to the families who enthusiastically participate and share their delightful children with us. Congratulations to our wonderful teen and adult volunteers. Your dedication and devotion makes Circle of Friends the dynamic, extraordi­ nary, beautiful organization it is.

My dear friends, Bill and Andrea, we appreciate your generosity which epitomizes what Circle of Friends inspires…caring, sharing and kindness.

Looking forward to another 10 years!!!

With love, Susan Robison Volunteer Coordinator

g{tÇ~ lÉâ àÉ ÉâÜ VxÄxuÜtà|ÉÇ DC W|ÇÇxÜ VÉÅÅ|ààxx Danit Almog Penny Almog Debra & Andrew Barer Lorin & Marc Blitzer Freda & Lawrence Boguchwal Ellen & Owen Bregman Fran & Mitch Cohen Beth & Raphael Davison Mushka & Meir Deitsch Jane & Alex Donder Lori & Anthony Elkins Laura & Mitch Felton Marjorie Freeman Jordan Glick Andrea & Dr. Sheldon Greenberg Deby & Dr. Mark Goldenberg Julie & Robert Haroun Brachie & Menachem M. Hecht Dina & Shmulie Hecht Freida & Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht Jessica Jablon Rivka & David Kasle Laura Kassen Shelly & Michael Kassen Adrienne & Jeff Klein Katherine Koller

Hillary & Ira Koyner Margie & Dr. Robert Labarre Fern & Len Leader Amy & Don Levantin Clarisse & Steve Levine Doree & Robert Levy Sharon & Howard Lipper Susan & Joseph Maya Isabel & Dr. Stephen Moskowitz Robin & John Moubayed Ilisa & Jason Nussbaum Jill & Edouard Paknia Andrea & Bill Pecoriello Fran & Alan Rackson Susan Robison Cindy & Dr. Zane Saul Michelle & Dr. Steven Saunders Fran & Steve Sonkin Chanie & Rabbi Levi Stone Gayle & Seth Weinstein Amy & Dr. Tedd Weisman Diane & Ken Yormark Arlene Rosenthal, Party Ideas

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 9

B”H May 18, 2014 ­ Lag B’Omer, 5774 Dear Friends, One of the fundamental principles of Circle of Friends is “V’ahavta L’rayacha Ka’mocha ­ Love Your Fellow as Yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). The slogan on our Circle of Friends t­shirts reads, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson) It is this belief that none of us is complete, unless all of us are included, that is the very core and essence of what the Torah teaches us and it is this singular concept that motivates the Circle of Friends.

Tonight at “Celebration 10”, celebrating a decade of friendship, we honor our dedicated volunteers. We also recognize and thank the families who participate in Circle of Friends, and open the doors of their homes and their hearts and allow us to share their majestic lives.

The Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, notes that the geometric shape of the Circle is representative of infinity. A Circle has no beginning and no end. Every part of the circle is connected.

Circle of Friends is truly making a difference in the lives of many and serves as a foundation for making our community and world a place filled with the sunshine of hope and dignity for all. Every embrace, word of encouragement, each smile and friendship shared, is a moment that transforms our world. This transformation is achieved through the power of love and acceptance.

As water mirrors a face, a heart responds to another. Proverbs 27:1 We are proud that over 120 families from all over Fairfield County, Connecticut; Westport, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan, Darien, and Ridgefield have joined our Circle of Friends for social experiences, camaraderie and friendship.

Our work has just begun. Many children are waiting for friends and we must reach out to each and every one of them. With G­D’s help and through your partnership and financial support we will!

This evening let us celebrate!

We celebrate YOU, our volunteers, our special friends and their families.

We celebrate your compassion, kindness and friendship.

We celebrate your dedication, love and goodness.

We celebrate the uniqueness and purpose of every single soul on earth.

May the Almighty bless each and every one of you with infinite blessings of joy, spiritual fulfillment, peace and friendship , L’Chaim!

Sincerely, Freida Hecht Director

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 10

g{tÇ~ lÉâ àÉ ÉâÜ WÉÇÉÜá Circle Pillars Carrie & Dr. Stanley Cooper Andrea & Bill Pecoriello Circle Supporters Fran & Mitch Cohen Shelley and Michael Kassen Newman’s Own Westport Young Woman’s League Morgan Stanley Foundation UJA Federation of Westport, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk, Fairfield Wells Fargo Westport, Weston, Wilton, Moffly Media

Tâvà|ÉÇ cÜ|éx WÉÇtà|ÉÇá 1 Sale A Day Age of Reason Aitoro Bed Bath & Beyond Bob’s Furniture Bonnie Marcus Collection Boots Cosmetics-Rachel Boger Braachs Flowers Bregman & Company Choice Pet Supply Fran & Mitch Cohen Costco Crane Song Photography Crossroads Hardware Darien Sports Shop Delamar Down Under Kayaking Steve Ehrens Everything But the Baby Fairway Jenny Falik Style & Beauty Fresh Market Geigers Greg & Tony Salon

Jessica Jablon JIB Productions Ann Katz Yoga Kirsh Jewelers Long Shore Sailing Maya Murphy, PC Melissa & Doug Mitchells Natural Pet Outlet Nickelodeon Nu Skin, Laura Kall Felton Vincent Palumbo Patron Tequila Andrea & Bill Pecoriello Pet Care Pia Personal Image Artist Renato Jewelers Ridgefield Playhouse Saks Fifth Ave. Sam Sloat Collectibles Seaboard Properties Specs Michelle Saunders Silver of Westport

Silvermine Art School Soleil Toile Splash Car Wash Splash of Pink Starbucks Teddy’s Transportation Thomas Hooker Brewery Tiffany’s Tito Vodka Tzfasman Jewelers Universal Archives Valerie Wilson Travel Alison Wachstein Walgreens Walt Disney Westport Playhouse Whimsey, Lorin Blitzer Whole Foods Diane Yormark

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 11

Circle of Friends is supported by Newman’s Own Foundation.

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 12

V|ÜvÄx Éy YÜ|xÇwá VxÄxuÜtà|ÉÇ DC Recipients of Circle of Friends Visionary Award

TÇwÜxt 9 U|ÄÄ cxvÉÜ|xÄÄÉ “Who is wise?

One who sees the future.”

(Talmud, Tractate Tamid: 32a)

Thank you for your vision & inspiration!

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 13

In appreciation to a pillar of the Circle of Friends

VtÜÜ|x 9 WÜA fàtÇÄxç VÉÉÑxÜ "A person who runs to do good, just and kind deeds attains life, success, and honor.”

(Proverbs 21:21)

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 14

In Honor of

YÜtÇ 9 `|àv{ VÉ{xÇ benefactors of Circle of Friends Shimon, the son of Rabban Gamliel says, “It is not what one says, but rather what one does, that makes all the difference in the world.”

(Ethics of our Fathers 1:17)

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 15

Mazel Tov To the Pecoriellos, Laura Kassen, Rabbi Yehoshua and Freida Hecht, volunteers and friends, for helping Circle of Friends reach their 10 year milestone.

Here is to the next 10 years!

Carrie and Stanley Cooper

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 16

The Westport Young Woman’s League is proud to support

The Circle of Friends www.wywl.com

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 17

Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk Salutes Circle of Friends on their “Celebration 10” Mazel Tov! We are proud to serve Fairfield County and the Communities of Westport, Weston, Wilton & Norwalk •Daily Minyonim •Mikvah Chana – Mei Leiba (in building stage) •Beth Israel Hebrew School •Youth Club •Circle of Friends •Community Wide Holiday Programs •Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group •Adult Education Center •Chaplaincy •Cemetery & Chevra kadisha Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk 40 King Street, Norwalk, CT 06851 203.866.0534 bethisraelct@gmail.com www.bethisraelct.org “A shul for every person” We welcome you to come and experience our vibrant heritage and tradition. You and your family will be happy to have found a warm and welcoming spiritual home!

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 18

Mazel Tov

to the Circle of Friends New 2014 Honda

ODYSSEY

New 2014 Buick

ENCLAVE

HONDA OF WESTPORT

WHITE PLAINS BUICK GMC

1372 POST ROAD EAST WESTPORT, CT

358 CENTRAL AVENUE WHITE PLAINS, NY

203-254-1111

914-761-5000

WWW.HONDAOFWESTPORT.COM

WWW.WHITEPLAINSBUICKGMC.COM

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 19

el Tov

le of Friends New 2014 Buick

ENCLAVE

from the Dan Perkins Family of Dealerships New 2014 Subaru

OUTBACK

WHITE PLAINS BUICK GMC

DAN PERKINS SUBARU

358 CENTRAL AVENUE WHITE PLAINS, NY

1 BOSTON POST ROAD MILFORD, CT

914-761-5000

203-882-5686

WWW.WHITEPLAINSBUICKGMC.COM

WWW.DANPERKINSSUBARU.COM

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 20

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 21

We are pleased to support

THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Congratulations to all of the

10

th

Anniversary Evening of Recognition honorees

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:24 PM Page 22

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:25 PM Page 23

Party Ideas!

2 Greenbrier Road, Westport

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Special Occasions 203-226-3672 203-984-0610 Email: Arlene@partyideasct.com

AR Arlene Rosenthal

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:25 PM Page 24

®

Proudly Supports

Circle of Friends 10th Anniversary Evening of Recognition

Corporate Travel | Leisure Travel | Meetings & Incentives

475 Park Avenue South New York, New York 10016-1116 212-532-3400 ext. 1228 • 800-776-1116 www.ValerieWilsonTravel.com

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:25 PM Page 25

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:25 PM Page 26

Aishes Chayil WOMEN OF VALOR Jessica and Annie Haroun LOVE, Grandma and Grandpa

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:25 PM Page 27

For Your Family, Your Business, Your Future (OHJDQW VROXWLRQV WR KHOS \RX UHDFK \RXU ÀQDQFLDO JRDOV Q ESTATE

PLANNING Q RETIREMENT STRATEGIES Q EMPLOYEE & EXECUTIVE BENEFITS

CEDAR POINT financial services llc ®

Todd N. Robison, CLU

Cedar Point Financial Services LLC 10 Wright St. 2nd Fl. Westport CT 2IÀFH 3KRQH ZZZ FHGDUSRLQWÀQDQFLDO FRP 6HFXULWLHV RIIHUHG WKURXJK 1)3 6HFXULWLHV ,QF 1)36, PHPEHU ),15$ 6,3& &HGDU 3RLQW )LQDQFLDO 6HUYLFHV //& LV D PHPEHU RI 3DUWQHUV)LQDQFLDO DQ DIÀOLDWH RI 1)36, &HGDU 3RLQW )LQDQFLDO 6HUYLFHV //& DQG 1)36, DUH QRW DIÀOLDWHG

In loving memory of Dr. Marvin Reznikoff whose generosity and kindness set an example for our entire family With all our love, The Reznikoff Family

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:25 PM Page 28

Mazal Tov to Andrea and Bill!

Congratulations on this most deserved honor.

Thank you for inspiring our family and community.

The Swotes Family

Dear Andrea and Bill, Mazal Tov on such a wonderful and well deserved honor.

We are so proud and fortunate to have you as our friends.

Love, Julie, Rob, Dan, Jessica, Annie and Rosie Haroun

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:25 PM Page 29

Willows Pediatric Group, PC 1563 Post Road East Westport, CT 203-319-3939

Isis A. Bartels, M.D. Peter S. Czuczka, M.D. Laura M. Marks, M.D. Jeffrey A. Owens, M.D.

06880

Jonathan E. Sollinger, M.D. Janet C. Woodward, M.D. Susan M. Amster, PA-C Heather A. Buccigross, PA-C Sue Marie Demelis, PA-C

Where we make a child路s medical needs bearable!

Please visit our website at www.willowspediatrics.com for more information.

Congratulations from your friends at www.diplomatframe.com!

Building frames and jobs here in Connecticut.

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:25 PM Page 30

Congratulations on another wonderful year, from your friends at The SEED CENTER. SEEDAUTISMCENTER.COM 203 674 8200

Colonial Druggists is pleased to support the

Circle of Friends 611 Post Road East Westport, CT 06880 Tel: 203-227-9538 Russell B. Levine, B.S. Reg. Pharm. Mgr.

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:25 PM Page 31

ZÜxxà|Çzá In honor of the 10th anniversary gala fundraiser benefiting Circle of Friends and honoring volunteers.

Our best, Rich and Maria Molinsky



Andrea and Bill, We are so happy and proud to be here to honor you both for your support of Circle of Friends!

Love from your Parents, Iris, Lou and Susan



Congratulations to Andrea and Bill Pecoriello for all their wonderful efforts in support of the Jewish community.

Rabbi Mark and Alice Lipson



Diane Yormark inspires! Circle of Friends transforms!

Devon Delaney



I am honored to know and humbled by all that Freida and Rabbi Hecht do for our community!

Anonymous Friend



The Teddi Feldman Sunshine Fund established in loving memory of Teddi Feldman Day of Passing Feb. 24, 2014 Adar 24, 5774 You are missed by all of your friends.

Circle of Friends

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:25 PM Page 32

The SLOBS (Service League of Boys) of Staples High School is pleased to support the

Circle of Friends one of our most beloved organizations!

Mark Dulsky, President

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:25 PM Page 33

The Schneerson Center for Jewish Life, CT “Dedicated to the Love and Inspiration of the Chabad Lubavitch Rebbe”

Congratulates all the Circle of Friends Volunteers Serving our community with: •Young Jewish Professionals Network, CT •Mommy and Me •Jewish Town Herald Holiday Magazine •Aleph Bet Early Childhood Daycare •Mezuzah Check­ups and Placement •Holiday Awareness Programs •Adult Education and Lectures •Chaplaincy and Counseling •“Flying Challah” Project •Teffillin Club •One on One Torah/Hebrew Study

191 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06880 203­635­4118 www.schneersoncenter.org Rabbi Levi and Chanie Stone “Where Every Jew Deserves a positive Jewish Experience”

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:25 PM Page 34

T wÜxtÅAAA 10 years ago there were 2 volunteers 1 child with special needs and a dream…. to create a place where every child is loved and accepted and every teenager valued and respected and so it began… a Circle of Friends.

10 years later. 300 volunteers from 16 schools. 120 children, teens, young adults and adults with special needs . 14 different programs. 225 events. 70 home with friends visits each week.

8,000 volunteer friendship hours per year.

T wÜxtÅ vÉÅxá àÜâx‹ T ä|á|ÉÇ yÉÜ à{x yâàâÜx‹ Jewish Group Home Residence Circle of Friends Center Circle Café, to employ adults with disabilities

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:25 PM Page 35

%´+

2010

2010

.

Journal 2014 Final_Journal 5/13/2014 1:26 PM Page 36