Coming Full Circle:
The Friendship Circle Unites Jewish Teens with Special Needs Children
I
n September of 2006, Rabbi Mordy and Rivkee Rudolph began the Friendship Circle in Pittsburgh. Since 1994, Friendship Circles have been established in more than 60 cities around the world to help children and young adults with special needs integrate more fully into their respective communities. “Our goal,”said Rivkee, “was to get Pittsburgh’s Jewish teens involved in the community and bring them together with special needs children.” The Rudolphs have done this quite successfully through a variety of programs that really benefit all those who participate, the teens by learning to help others and the special needs children by being provided with community activities. Through these activities--that include bowling, cooking, crafts, and holiday celebrations--they have all learned to break down social barriers and build loving friendships. Most recently, the Friendship Circle has formed a Teen Leadership Board, led by two Jewish seniors at Shadyside Academy and Allderdice. The rest of the board is comprised of Jewish teens from seven other area high schools, and together, they plan events, recruit other volunteers, and provide valuable feedback to the Friendship Circle staff.
By enriching the lives of all its participants, the Friendship Circle is helping to build a stronger Jewish community in Pittsburgh. For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Rivkee Rudolph or Shaina Teitelbaum at 412-224-4440. The Friendship Circle 5872 Northumberland Street Squirrel Hill, 15217-1243
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