Who We Are
FRIENDSHIP.
Friendship Circle is a vibrant Jewish community hub in NYC, bringing together people with special needs, their families and loving volunteers.
COMMUNITY.
Friendship Circle is built on the foundational belief that every soul has infinite value, and every person has a unique contribution to make to the world. 40+ tailor-made programs give kids, teens and adults of all abilities the opportunity to engage in social, recreational, educational, and Jewish life experiences together.
OPPORTUNITY.
At the heart of Friendship Circle is the vision that together we can create a community that celebrates all of its diverse members, and empowers every person to reach their ultimate divine potential.
Program Highlights
Afterschool Teen Club
Bar/Bat Mitzvah training and celebrations
Birthday in a Box
Chanukah Toy Drive
Challah Bakes
Drink For Friendship
Educational Webinars for Parents
FCYA Socials at NYU
FCYA Virtual Events
Friends @ Home
Friendship Foodies
Hanging with a Bud Kumzitz
Matzah Factory
Moms’ Night Out
Passover Seders
Presidents Camp
Pre-holiday Zooms for Parents
Purim, Sukkot & Chanukah Parties
Shabbat Dinners
Shabbat Weekend Getaways
Summer Camp
Sunday Circle
Teen Circle
Thanksgiving Camp
The Care Project
The Friendship Walk & Carnival
Volunteer Appreciation Evenings
Volunteer Training
Winter Camp
Young Adult Weekly Socials
Pictured: Beloved Friendship Circle Members, Ryan and his Super Mom, Wendy
MEET RYAN
A STORY OF FRIENDSHIP AND CONNECTION
Conversations with Ryan’s Mom, Wendy and High School Volunteers
Megan & Oren
Tell us about your son Ryan
WENDY: Ryan was born in 2013. At about 6 months old, we started noticing delays. When he was 2, he was diagnosed with Coffin-Lowry Syndrome, a super rare genetic syndrome. It’s a condition where there is not enough protein reaching the brain, which causes global delays, both physical and mental. They told us he would never walk or talk. Fast forward years later, through school, therapy, and Friendship Circle, where people treat him like an everyday person, he’s thriving, social, and involved in activities and groups. We’re very lucky. He has disabilities, but he’s thriving!
What is something you’ve learned from Ryan?
WENDY: The most challenging thing is seeing his physical and mental disabilities. Seeing that he can’t run or catch a ball or count to 20, and that he doesn’t know his ABCs—these are all things most of us take for granted. We’ve learned patience, acceptance, and making the best out of what life gives us.
What is something you are proud of?
WENDY: I’m proud of how much we incorporate Ryan into the real world. We try to make Ryan do all the things that other kids do. We push him to engage in everyday activities and not inhibit him. For example, with ice skating, we kept putting him in skates, and now he can walk across the ice. We try to include Ryan in everyday life and not limit him.
How has Friendship Circle added value to your life?
WENDY: I’ve made very good friends through Friendship Circle—friends who have gone through similar experiences, and we can support and guide each other. It brought me into a community that is very loving and cares deeply about Ryan. It opened up a whole new section of my life. All three of my kids go to the Sunday program and are all obsessed! Friendship Circle opened my eyes to this world where high school kids are so nice and generous with their hearts. Friendship Circle is an incredible organization that I’m honored and privileged to be a part of.
Tell us about how you first met Ryan
MEGAN & OREN: About 2 years ago, we started going to Ryan’s house to hang out with him once a week through the Friends @ Home Program. We were so nervous on that first visit, but Ryan greeted us with a huge smile and got right into it. It’s been so much fun. We love seeing the bond between Ryan and his siblings. Ryan’s older sister Riley is the most caring sister I’ve ever seen.
What do you enjoy most about your time together?
MEGAN & OREN: Spending that hour away from our busy lives and not stressing about other things. I love how much he laughs; it’s very rewarding. Ryan will approach everyone easily. He’s always smiling, even amidst chaos. When we get there, he comes up with the craziest games, like the ‘eat snow’ game. Everyone always gets names like Daisy Duck or Mickey Mouse or Damien. One funny memory was the first time we played teacher and student and graded each other. We gave him an A+, and we got F’s!
How has the friendship impacted you?
MEGAN & OREN: So much! Our lives are so stressful, and then Thursday comes. That one hour out of our crazy week, we just laugh. It teaches us to always maintain a positive outlook. It’s amazing how Ryan can turn the simplest things into joyful moments and enjoy everything. We become a better version of ourselves—more patient, with better listening skills. We learn a lot from Ryan.
WENDY: He loves those two girls, and they have the patience of saints! They play with him, even though Ryan is very repetitive. The amount of time these girls have to get on and off the imaginary bus and into the restaurant is incredible. They really enjoy him and understand how much he looks forward to their visits. They’re true friends to him, bringing such joy to his life. They’re fun, nice, well-rounded kids. I hope my daughter grows up to be like them. They both take time out of their busy schedules. It means a lot to us, and we just adore them! They make a huge impact on Ryan’s life. Ryan is always asking about them. All of Ryan’s Friendship Circle buddies over the years have had a special connection with him. When his buddies come home from college, they come back to visit. They are 100% both friends and role models.
Would you recommend Friendship Circle to others?
WENDY: 10000%!!
MEGAN & OREN: It’s very rewarding for anyone who puts in the time. I was so nervous and intimidated at first, but the kids are just like other kids. They just want to have fun and make connections. There are so many unique strengths that kids at Friendship Circle have. Come with an open mind, and you will connect. There are so many programs, everyone can find something!
FC Teen Volunteers hail from 60 Schools!
75 Morton
Abraham Joshua Heschel School
The Anderson School
Baruch High School
Basis Independent Brooklyn
Beacon High School
Beekman High School
Birch Wathen Lenox School
Booker T. Washington - MS54/PS54
British International School
Bronx High School Of Science
Brooklyn Latin School
Brooklyn Technical High School
The Browning School
The Chapin School
Churchill School and Center
The Clinton School
Columbia Grammar and Preparatory
School
The Dalton School
The Dwight School
Dwight Englewood School
East Side Middle School
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and the Performing Arts
Frank McCourt High School
Friends Seminary
Frisch School
Grace High School
Great Neck North High School
The Hewitt School
High School For Health Professions & Human Services
Horace Mann School
Hunter College High School
The Leffell School
Lycée Français de New York
Manhattan Day School
Manhattan High School for Girls
Millennium High School
New Explorations in Science Technology and Math (Nest+m)
NYC Museum School
Park East Day School
Poly Prep Country Day School
The Ramaz School
Richard R Green High School of Teaching
Riverdale Country School
Salk School of Science
SAR High School
School of the Future
The Shefa School
The Spence School
Stuyvesant High School
Temple Israel
The Town School
Trevor Day School
Trinity School
Wagner Middle School
West End Secondary School
Windward NYC
Winston Preparatory School
York Prepatory School
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS TO OUR
Isaac Abady
Gaby Abascal
Alexandra Abel
Alison Adams
David Adler
Hailey Adler
Ronen Agadi
Joshua Ahdoot
Sharon Ahdout
Gila Akselrad
Jesica Allmi
Eric Alperin
Hayley Alperin
Alexa Alter
Evan Altman
Mya Altman
Zachary Altman
Nathaniel Amirian
Gabriel Ammar
Joseph Ammar
Lauren Ammar
Karen Amouyal
Daniella Amsel
Ali Anderman
Daphne Ansel
Zoe Aronoff
James Aronstein
Andrew Aryeh
David Ash
Dylan Ashley
Ezra Assa
Ilana Attadgie
Nathan Attias
Ava August
Mor Avgi
Daniel Avitan
Raquel Avitan
Daniel Axler
Tiam AzabDaftari
Ezra Azizo
Allison Bachner
Jacob Bandler
Olivia Barnett
Joshua Baronoff
Natasha Baronoff
William Barry
Amy Batagower
Max Bayroff
Hannah Becker
Shosh Bedrosian
Aerin Behar
Ashley Behm
Ruby Behm
Olivia Belin
Leora Belitz
Perry Bell
Yoni Benichou
Jacob Benoliel
Nurit Benrey
Anna Bentolila
David Berezow
Sadie Berger
Jacob Berland
EJ Berman
Andie Bernstein
Noya Berrebi
Hayley Berson
Daniella Bessler
Stella Binkevich
Kevin Birnbaum
Malkie Blisko
Shana Blisko
Sam Blitz
Jamie Bloom
Brooke Bloomberg
Grace Bober
Emma Boruchov
Joshua Boyman
Abby Brecher
Chloe Brendlinger
Dani Brooks
Alex Broome
Carmel Brunswick
Benjamin Buller
Elyashiv Burak
Yael Candel
Gabrielle Casper
Luca Cavallaro
Adam Cazaz
Rebecca Chachkes
Vanessa Chalem
Nicky Chalme
Rachel Chance
Cole Charney
Isabella Cheney
Grant Chereskin
Michael Chetrit
Nicole Chussid
Piper Clurman
Adam Cohen
Ava Cohen
Charlotte Cohen
Dylan Cohen
Gail Cohen
Georgia Cohen
Grace Cohen
Hannah Cohen
Julia Cohen
Layla Cohen
Mina Cohen
Mira Cohen
Miriam Cohen
Samantha Cohen
Scarlett Cohen
Noa Colman
Adam Cooper
Grace Corathers
Jed Cosgrove
Joshua Cowen
Raquel Dahan
Sophie Dahan
Sabrina Daitz
Jack Dalven Swidler
Amit Daniell
Ryan Dashefsky
Ari Dayan
Elliot Decter
Lauren Desatnick
Henri DeToledo
Daisy Deutsch
Jemma Deutsch
Noah Deutsch
Claudia Dicker
Jasmine Dilmanian
Lucy Distenfeld
Alyssa Domash
Lauren Donath
Josh Donoho
Abigail Doran
Elad Dror
Luke Dubinsky
Malka Dubroff
Sarah Eagle
Isabel Eckstein
Caroline Efron
Aliza Ehrlich
Chana Eichen
Max Eichner
Francesca Eisenstadt
Shira Eisenstein
Danielle Elias
Dora Elias
Allan Elson
Craig Epstein
Lauren Epstein
Ariella Etaat
Alyssa Ezon
Davina Farahi
Alexis Farber
Rebecca Farkas
Ariana Feder
Benjamin Feig
Blake Feinman
Dylan Feinstein
Lindsey Feit
Celia Feldman
Matthew Feldman
Aliza Fergang
Lilly Fergang
Olivia Fertig
Alexa Fessler
Scott Fessler
Jenna Feuerman
Joseph Feuerstein
Jonah Figdor
David Fischbarg
Melissa Fishler
Isaac Fishman
Rami Fishman
Sami Rose Fishman
Sydney Forman
Jonah Fraiman
Ariella Frankel
Hannah Frankel
Abigail Freeman
Gittie Freeman
Adam Freiberg
Josh Fridman
Elle Fried
Judah Fried
Hope Friedlander
Delilah Friedman
Gabi Friedman
Josh Friedman
Kelly Friedman
Rachel Friedman
Etty Friesel
Jessica Froelich
Chloe Gad
Deborah Gad
Noa Gad
Elad Gafin
Orly Gallo
Jordanna Gallucci
Tyler Gallucci
Nicole Ganitsky
Dean Gans
Carly Gartenberg
Mia Gavrielov
Kate Gegati
Elyashiv Gemara
Isabel Gemara
Maia Gerson
Nina Gerson
Amanda Gittelman
Maizy Glassman
Jade Glatter
Maya Gleser
Cynthia Gold
Gabriella Goldberg
Joshua Goldberg
Lindsey Goldfein
Aryeh Goldstein
Elijah Goldstein
Jordan Goldstein
Benjamin Goldwyn
Liam Gomberg
Tobias Gomberg
Daryl Goodman
Juliette Goodstein
Aryeh Goralnick
Stuart Gordon
Zoe Gorman
Freya Gothelf
Naomi Gottlieb
Jessica Gould
Samantha Grad
Caleb Grant
Max Grant
Annika Green
Harry Green
Lindsay Greenblatt
Alex Greenholtz
Michal Greenspan
David Greenstein
Caralyn Gross
Lauren Gross
Seth Gross
Judah Guber
Jonathan Haber
Stephanie Haber
Lauren Haberman
Caroline Hadjibay
Gershon Haft
Leenor Hakakian
Sheena Hakimian
Noa Halff
Penelope Halpern
Elisheva Halpert
Adina Halvey
Eve Handfus
Olivia Harel
Gavriel Harmetz
Sophie Harris
Sadie Hart
Sarette Hassid
Adi Havivo
Drew Hein
Hayley Held
Talia Helfstein
Luke Heller
Joseph Hershkowitz
Kayla Herskowitz
Margot Hess
Molly Hiltzik
Noah Hiltzik
Stella Hiltzik
Nadav Hirsch
Shira Hirsch
Ariella Hochberg
Carly Hoffman
Klara Horowitz
Larkin Horowitz
Nicole Hourican
Ari Hyman
Stephanie Idjadi
Jordana Ingber
Alexandra Jackman
Adam Jacobowitz
Sarah Jacobowitz
Maya Jacobs
Matthew Jacobson
Matt Jacoby
Celia Jajati
Jessica Jakoby
William Jemal
Jagger Joseph
Ariel Kadoe
Ilana Kahn
Mikaela Kahn
Nathalie Kahn
Rachel Kahn
Daniel Kalimi
Sophia Kalimian
Hannah Kanbar
Amanda Kanefsky
Alexandra Kaplan
Daniella Kaplan
Jordie Kaplan
Nathan Kaplan
Anna Kaplun
Alex Karen
Izzy Karten
Juliet Kashanian
Jessie Katz
Marisol Katz
Sami Katz
Sammy Katz
Sadie Katzenstein
Theo Katzenstein
Alex Kaufman
Adam Kay
Lily Keinan
Annabelle Keller
Ruby Keller
Emerson Kellman
Teddy Kellman
Ashley Keltz
Nooria Kerendian
Payten Kesselman
Annie Khaimova
Emanuel Khodorkovsky
Ethan Khosh
Evan Khosh
Maxwell Kirschenbaum
Georgia Kirshenbaum
Atara Kleiman
Moshe Klein
James Knepper
Natalie Knepper
Zach Kochin
Audrey Kolber
Jordan Kolsky
Hallie Kopel
Romi Kopel
Rose Korff
Erica Korn
Perel Kornecki
Elisheva Kossover
Chloe Kotulski
Shoshanna Kowlowitz
Shmuel Kramer
Carly Krasner
Kira Kraus
Keira Krisburg
Rachel Krisburg
Charles Kroft
Emma Kudelka
Fanni Kulik
Aaron Kuper
Julia Kurtzberg
Emanuel Kushner
Milan Kushner
Ellenie Kuszer
Benjamin Kutner
Ori Laby
Joshua Lahijani
Kayla Lahijani
Oryah Lahijani
Emilee Laike
Jonathan Landau
Dylan Landay
Elisabeth Langford
Kaden Lapidus
Jordana Lasko
Jaclyn Lavy
Julia Lebowitz
Jonathan Lefkovits
Frankie Lehman
Aaron Leitner
Sari Leitner
Andrew Lent
Justin Lesnoy
Jack Levin
Shayna Levin
August Levine
Sivan Levine
Kelsey Levinson
Olivia Levkowitz
Adina Levy
Hayden Lewis
Harrison Licht
Jonathan Licht
Graham Lindsay
Olivia Linsenbaum
Brooke Lippman
Yoni Lipski
Landon Lipton
Gregory Liss
Maxim Litvinko
Hannah Lowe
Zoe Lowenthal
Elisha Lucks
Melanie Lucks
Eli Lunzer
Isabelle Lusk
Chloe Mahfar
Melissa Mahgerefteh
Jessica Major
Danielle Malul
Dan Mandelbaum
Eitan Mandelbaum
Ilai Mandelbaum
Maya Mandelbaum
Daniel Manocherian
Jesse Margolis
Cooper Marks
Zoey Marks
Elana Marlowe
Michael Massel
Sienna May
Sloane Mayman
Yvette Mazloumi
Olivia Medina
Philip-David Medows
Samuel-Michael Medows
Israela Mekonen
Isabella Mendelson
Sebastian Merkatz
Blossom Merkin
Sarah Mero
Gloria Meshberg
Matt Meshberg
Alessandra Messer
Samantha Messer
Daniel Messing
Clara Meyer
Dovi Meyer
Martha Millar
Alex Miller
Chana Miller
Kasey Millin
George Minikes
Aryeh Minsky
Noa Mintz
Yael Mintz
Eileen Missry
Aaron Mitchell
Julien Mitchell
Gabriel Mittler
Talia Moche
Victor Moche
Alexander Mollozzi
Hillary Moritz
Kira Moses
Avishye Moskowitz
Nikki Motto
Rhoannon Muller
Jake Najjar
Danielle Nakash
Jessica Nanasi
Benjamin Nassimi
Noah Nassimi
Alexa Nathanson
Dini Neidich
Amanda Nessel
Josh Nierenberg
Juliette Nili
Gabriella Nissan
Chloe Noghreh
Phischer Nosanchuk
Zoe Nussbaum
Max Obstfeld
Sophie Obstfeld
Gabriel Ohayon
Daniel Ohebshalom
Sapir Ohebshalom
Jamie Olensky
Leah Oliff
Nathan Orbach
Madeline Orchin
Ilana Orlansky
Orli Osiel
Benjamin Ostow
Aaron Owadeyah
Skylar Owadeyah
Orly Ozery
Megan Paletz
Ellie Paradis
Gregory Parnes
Eva Paul
Lucas Paul
Jolyon Pease
Daniel Peldman
Adam Peled
Emily Peled
Aliza Penn
Rebecca Penson
Haley Perez
Menajem Perez
Sarah Perez
Spencer Perl
Numi Perla
Raquel Philipson
Natany Pick
Elizabeth Pinkhasov
Wendy Podber
Emily Podolsky
Rebecca Podolsky
Andrew Polkowitz
Jamie Port
Tali Portal
Laila Posner
Alex Potter
Rebecca Poznanski
Scarlett Preis
Sofia Priven
Daniel Propp
Jeremy Propp
Samantha Prusin
Henry Rabin
Brooke Rabinowitz
Sasha Rafiy
Ben Rappaport
Sela Ratner
Gabriella Raviv
Jessica Raviv
Micaela Raviv
LaEl Raz
Ellie Razak
Eve Rechtschaffen
Serena Reichman
Kate Reifowitz
Michelle Rich
Lily Rimm
Natalie Ringler
Asher Ripp
Zane Rivietz
Aly Robinson
Yakira Robinson
Ryan Rodman
Sam Rodman
Charlotte Rose
Chloe Rosen
Mirina Rosen
Sammy Rosen
Ilana Rosenbaum
Danny Rosenberg
Mindy Rosenfeld
Sloane Rossen
Erica Roth
Justin Roth
Alyssa Rothfeld
Brad Rothschild
Pierce Rovine
David Rowe
Ella Rowe
David Rozenberg
Jonathan Rubin
Rachel Rubin
Deborah Rubinstein
Kayla Rudess
Danielle Ruiz
Debi Ruiz
Olivia Saar
Nate Saed
Philip Safdiah
Ruth Safdie
Blake Saferstein
Aaron Sakhai
Leila Sakhai
Liza Sakhaie
Ethan Salama-Caro
Maya Salama-Caro
Joyce Salame
Ginger Sands
Lily Sands
Nikki Satin
Maverick Satnick
Lily Sausen
Jadyn Schattner
Emily Schechter
Daniel Schoenwald
Alec Schonfeld
Alex Schonfeld
Bryan Schonfeld
Talia Schonfeld
Maxwell Schorr
Matthew Schulman
Annalise Schuster
Julia Schwalb
Yardena Schwarcz
Alexis Schwartz
Benjamin Schwartz
Emily Schwartz
Lily Schwartz
Ma’ayan Schwartz
Madison Schwartz
Rebecca Schwartz
Risa Schwartz
Ryan Schwartz
Shelly Schwartz
Sophie Schwartz
Raquel Schwartzman
Ellie Selevan
Cayla Selt
Sam Senderowicz
Renee Serure
Becky Shams
Michelle Shamsian
Hudson Shapiro
Gabriel Shaw
Sophie Sherinsky
Eric Sherman
Franklin Sherman
Yair Shinhar
Moshe Shoenfeld
Rachel Shohet
Daniel Shoshan
Emily Shoyer
Benjamin Shuster
Sarah Sichel
Bobby Sigoura
Aron Silverman
Dana Silverman
Michelle Silverman
Ladan Simani
Julie Singer
Thomas Skoler
Andrew Skydell
Emmie Skydell
Hannah Slager
Sara Slager
Sophie Slonim
Jesse Small
Leila Small
Harrison Smigel
Julian Snyder
Marci Soifer
Scott Soifer
Stephanie Soifer
Jordan Sokoloff
Olivia Sokoloff
Emma Sokolow
Maleia Solomon
Bennett Soodek
Michelle Soufian
Yasmin Soufian
Annie Spalter
Elana Spector
Andrew Spielfogel
Jillian Stahl
Hannah Stamer
Bailee Stein
Ethan Stein
Gabby Stein
Gabriella Stein
Aviv Steinberg
Shaina Sternhell
Samuel Stevens
Cole Stopnik
Jesse Storch
Samantha Strasser
Michelle Strohl
Eva Suissa
Shayla Suky
Yonatan Suky
Elizabeth Sultan
Jamie Sunkin
Ella Sunshine
Lauren Suss
Max Tahl
Benjamin Tal
Natalie Tal
Arielle Talasazan
Caleb Tambor
Hannah Tambor
Aiden Tamchin
Sydney Tamchin
Eyal Tanel
Max Tanz
Emily Tarlowe
Maya Tarlowe
Francine Tawil
Rachel Taxman
Aliza Teller
Lily Tessler
Ana Theil
Arielle Tigel
Sarah Tindel
Tamar Toledano
Gabby Torkan
Danielle Truglio
Brocha Turen
Ari Twersky
Elie Twersky
Ma’ayan Tzur
Alex Udis
Hunter Udis
Samantha Underberg
Alex Vebman
Dean Verona
Quinn Verona
Melanie Vesely
Gavriela Vilchis
Heather Vogel
Sophia Wainstein
Jake Wasserman
Zack Wasserman
Mia Waters
Ariela Weber
Juliana Wechsler
Maya Wechsler
Emily Weinberg
Gabi Weinberg
Jonathan Weinberg
Lindsay Weinberg
Aubrey Weiner
Dylan Weiner
Jake Weiner
Morgan Weiner
Erin Weinreich
Ginger Weinstein
Oren Weinstein
Shiloh Weinstein
Judith Weintraub
Anna Weiser
David Weisleder
Andy Weiss
Jesse Weiss
Jonah Weiss
Sari Weiss
Matthew Weissman
Liran Weizman
Shira Welman
Genna Werthenschlag
Ava Westreich
Ellis Whiteson
Jonah Wiesel
Noah Wishengrad
Daniela Woldenberg
Shira Wolf
Rebekah WolfsonKilayko
Joseph Wolkin
Dylan Woods
Chloe Yaffe
Noah Yaffe
Liran Yechiel
Yhonatan Yehudai
Max Zack Yoffee
Alyssa Yudell
Daniela Yudell
Alexander Zafran
Asal Zaghi
Rebecca Zahn
Nathan Zaino
Riley Zaino
Rachyl Zak
Ariella Zalta
Claire Zarif
Dylan Zaslow
Ithan Zaslow
Aviva Zinn
Freddie Zises
Ayla Zwillinger
Suri Zwillinger
2023Budget
2023Revenue
$903,500
PEER TO PEER FUNDRAISING
$47,955
Team Friendship Athletic Events: $26,450
Mitzvah Volunteer Projects: $20,550
Other: $955
MONTHLY GIVING CLUBS
$120,600
MISC. DONATIONS
$239,790
PROGRAM AND EVENT FEES
$34,255
Sunday Program Fees: $16,415
Camp Fees: $9,340
Special Events: $4,450
FCYA Membership: $4,050
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
$460,900
For Friendship: $50,000
The Friendship Walk: $410,900 Drink
Fundraising Period: 1/1/2023 - 12/31/2023
$1000+
Joseph Ammar
Dylan Ashley
Jacob Bandler
Olivia Belin
Jill Blyn
Lauren Chabbott
Nicky Chalme
Georgia Cohen
Jemma Deutsch
Chana Eichen
Joshua Feldman
Elisa Gage
Celeste Garson
Sheena Hakimian
Sophie Harris
Sadie Hart
Stella Hiltzik
Stacey Kanbar
Izzy Karten
Rose Korff
Esther Kramer
Achinoam Levin
Michael Massel
Natalie Ringler
Jadyn Schattner
Dana Silverman
Sara Slager
Stephanie Soifer
Maleia Solomon
DONORS
THANK YOU TO OUR
FUNDRAISERS
Heather Strohl
Sophia Wainstein
Gabi Weinberg
Ginger Weinstein
$1800+
Ronen Agadi
Dylan Feinstein
Etty Friesel
Mendel Gutnick
Ethan Khosh
Emilee Laike
Sabrina Landau
Juliette Nili
Jamie Port Hudson Shapiro
Ethan Stein
Gabriella Stein
Samantha Strasser
Michelle Strohl
Mashi Taurog
Ariela Weber
Morgan Weiner
$2500+
David Adler
Hayley Alperin
Stella Binkevich
Isabella Cheney
Jed Cosgrove
Joseph Feuerstein
Hope Friedlander
Judah Guber
David Hakimian
Luke Heller
Larkin Horowitz
Jordana Ingber
Payten Kesselman
Shmuel Kramer
Shaina Krinsky
Aryeh Minsky
Rhoannon Muller
Daniel Propp
Rachel Rubin
Lily Schwartz
Gabriel Shaw
Jesse Storch
Elizabeth Sultan
Max Tahl
Dean Verona
Erin Weinreich
Alexander Zafran
$5000+
Daniel Avitan
Grace Cohen
Scarlett Cohen
Noa Gad
Gershon Haft
Talia Helfstein
Patti Kanner
Fanni Kulik
Justin Lesnoy
Brooke Lippman
George Minikes
Daniel Ohebshalom
Ella Rowe
Ryan Schwartz
Ella Sunshine
Zack Wasserman
Ava Westreich
$10,000+
Barry Frohlinger
Stephanie & Jonathan
Haber
Natalie & James Knepper
Chanie Krasnianski
Landon Lipton
Samantha Underberg
Freddie Zises
Donation Period: 1/1/2023 - 12/31/2023
$20,000 - 99,000
The Aronow Foundation
Fraida & Asher Greenberg
Faigy & Mendel Gutnick
Keren & Mark Kalimian
Shirley & Jack Silver
$5,000 - 19,999
Chaya & Gabriel Ammar
David E. Ash
Joseph Cohen
Suri & Kenny Cohen
Shelley & Steven Einhorn
Sandi Feinberg & Tara Lipton Family Foundation
Lexi & Scott Fessler
Jonathan Hanus
Mara & Dean Landis
Justin Lesnoy
Nancy Heller & Roger Lob
Victoria & Steven Mendal
Sara & Shlomo Nasser
$1,000 - 4,999
Jeffrey Aaron
Lauren & Joseph Ammar
Andrew Aryeh
Susan & Jonathan Ashley
Raneet & Joseph Barr
Deborah & Barry Berg
Allison Brady
Bernardine Brandis & Jeff Alperin
Adam Cazaz
Vanessa & Raymond Chalme
Dr. Stuart Chassen
Shelly & Allan Cheney
Maria Cullimore
Chana Eichen
Ariana Feder & Parker Mantell
Stacey & Andrew Feller
Michele & Drew Figdor
Karen & Jeffrey Fine
Tzivia & Avremal Friedman
Vanessa & Joseph Gad
Elisa & Allen Gage
Steven Galapo
Wendy & Darren Goldberg
Jay Goldman
Yonina & Eric Gomberg
Shalom Goodman
Yael & Ethan Gross
Lainie & Scott Gutterman
Alex & Samantha Hajibay
Sheena Hakimian
Monica Halem
Jennifer Harris
Avi Hassin
Stacy & Jason Helfstein
Sandy Heller
THANK YOU TO OUR
DONORS
Michelle & Matthew Ingber
Larisa & Aleksandr Kapustin
Randy Ketive
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Message from the directors
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we come to the close of another impactful year at Friendship Circle of the Upper East Side, our hearts are full with gratitude and pride for the incredible community that we have built together. Your unwavering support has not only fueled our growth but has also enabled us to be a beacon of light, strength, and unity in these challenging times.
This year has been marked by extraordinary trials, especially for our brothers and sisters in Israel and Jewish communities around the world. The weight of these difficulties has been profound, but amid the darkness, our community has shone brightly. We have stood together, united by our shared values and unwavering commitment to each other.
Thanks to your generosity, the Friendship Circle has been able to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Our programs have flourished, providing vital support and joyous experiences for children, teens and adults with special needs, as well as their families. From inclusive social events to meaningful Jewish holiday celebrations and moms nights out, every activity has been a testament to the power of friendship and community.
One of the most touching highlights of this year has been witnessing the incredible growth of our members. Children and adults who once struggled with social interactions are now forming meaningful friendships. Parents who felt isolated have found a network of support and understanding. These stories of personal connection are the heartbeats of our organization, and they are made possible by you.
Your support has ensured that the Friendship Circle remains a sanctuary of hope and joy. We have provided a space where everyone is celebrated for their unique abilities and where friendships blossom in the most beautiful ways. Together, we have created a community that is resilient, compassionate, and steadfast in its mission.
As we look ahead, we are filled with hope and determination to continue our vital work. With you by our side, we are confident that we can navigate any challenges that come our way. Your dedication inspires us every day to strive for greater unity, support, and love within our community.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being an essential part of the Friendship Circle family. Your kindness and generosity are the pillars upon which we build a brighter future. Together, we will continue to be a source of light and strength for all those who need it.
With deepest gratitude and warmest wishes,
Rabbi Shlomo & Sara Gutnick
MEET OUR TEAM
VIRTUAL CLUB LEADERS
TEEN LEADERSHIP BOARD
929-207-4370
office@friendshipcirclenyc.org
www.friendshipcirclenyc.org
Friendship Circle
UPPER EAST SIDE
A PROUD AFFILIATE OF CHABAD-LUBAVITCH OF THE UPPER EAST SIDE