This year, our Circle grew—and so did the fun! With new friends and siblings joining in, Sunday Circle is a true family a!air.
To celebrate, we started something new: communal endings. Because who doesn’t love a party? Families connected, parents bonded, and together we shared the joy of holiday traditions—side by side, as one big Circle.
Blowing the shofar, lighting the menorah, noshing on hamantashen —each moment brought us closer.
It’s clear: we’re not just building programs. We’re building a community—one Sunday, one smile, one shared moment at a time.
Dear Friends,
At the heart of Philly Friendship Circle (PFC) is a powerful truth: we are each unique, yet we share a piece of the same soul. That’s why we live the Jewish value: “Love your fellow as yourself.”
It’s the first lesson we teach in our introductory program for middle schoolers—and the learning only grows from there.
Through Friendship 101 at Sunday Circle, our teens engage in meaningful lessons about disability, identity, and belonging. A highlight this year was exploring their sensory profiles and adaptive living styles—gaining insight into themselves and how to better support others.
Our rich curriculum is about more than just learning. It’s building community.
Because when we better understand ourselves, we can connect more deeply with others—in joyful friendships.
In friendship, Chani & Zev Baram Co-Founders
From Shy to SHINE
Talia’s Path to Purpose & Belonging
So Talia, how did you get involved with Philly Friendship Circle?
Growing up in the city, I’d heard about it through my shul but didn’t join right away. I worried I was too old to start—until I saw people of all ages. That made me feel right at home.
What programs are you a part of?
I started with Sunday Circle, then Friends@Home— where you hang out one-on-one with a friend. I also joined the Teen Leadership Board, co-chaired the Walk, and now I’m doing my senior internship with PFC!
How was your Friends@Home experience?
At first, we were both shy. After our first visit, I wasn’t sure I could keep going. I thought: What if I can’t do this? Should I stop? But I went back the next week, and I’m so glad I did! Now we’re so close—his family feels like mine. Leaving for college will be hard, but I know we’ll keep our special bond.
Any advice for new teens?
Go for it! PFC is amazing! It gave me confidence, connection, and purpose. And it taught me that no matter our di!erences, everyone deserves the same love and care. It could just change your life—like it did for me.
Color, Creativity & Community
You had to be there! This year’s Art Show was one of our biggest yet—bustling with color, energy, and heart. Friends of all ages explored the gallery and got creative with hands-on fun like origami, heart art, and sensory dough.
Creativity bloomed—and so did connection. It’s always better when we create together!
Graduating Senior Talia Hurtig
Together We Bloom
A Night of Love, Growth & Giving
What a night! Friendship in Bloom was more than a Gala—it was a celebration of community, connection, and growing together. Thanks to you, we raised over $500,000 and reached our historic $50,000 match goal!
A highlight of the evening was the Ne! Family. Gala Co-Hosts Alicia and Sherrill, along with their sons, Yoni and Michael, each participated in their own way. Seeing them share the spotlight—as a family—was deeply moving and beautifully reflected a theme of this year: families growing together through PFC.
This spirit was felt throughout the year, as more families than ever joined PFC—parents, siblings, and friends participating side-by-side, building a more inclusive community together.
We also heard from Alumni Co-Hosts Jesse Bernstein & Sara Abramson, who hope to start a family of their own one day—a reminder that the seeds of inclusion we plant today will blossom for generations.
Want to relive the fun? Scan the code for stories of Friendship In Bloom.
Better Together
Making Friends Near & Far
We teamed up with our friends at Friendship Circle of Bucks County for some awesome parent fun—hosting Mom’s and Dad’s Nights Out together!
It was all about sharing laughs, support, and making new connections. And the fun keeps going all year long with movie nights, trips, and camps open to both Circles!
Walk, roll or stroll with the whole community for this family friendly, fun and unifying annual event that raises crucial funds and community awareness for Philly Friendship Circle - a nonprofit building inclusive friendships in our community.
Events In honor or memory of a loved one
Philly Friendship Circle connects teens and young adults to youth with special needs and their families through a full range of social o!erings. Inspired by the power of genuine friendships, our youth cultivate understanding, kindness and responsibility while ensuring a caring and inclusive community.
