DearFriends,
This year reminded us of something powerful: when we dig deep, anything is possible! Every week, we are inspired by our youth stepping out of their comfort zones and growing in connection and confidence
Philly Friendship Circle (PFC) continues to grow too in both numbers and depth. Demand is high as new friends dive in and longtime friends stay connected Thoughtful matchups, rich programming, and expert staff ensure we continue to deliver the high-quality experiences we are known for.
As we make new community connections to meet our growing needs, we ’ re equally grateful for longtime partnerships that have grown with us Looking ahead, we dream of a home of our own a place where friendship, inclusion, and joy can thrive without limits.
InFriendship, Chani & Zev Baram,Co-founders
DEEP BONDS DEEP BONDS
Friendship to last a lifetime
Chaya Baum and Rebecca Lobman’s friendship runs deep. Through Friends@Home, they’ve hung out almost every week for more than two years showing up for each other and building a connection layered in trust, joy, and fun!
We asked them to share more about their bond:
WhatdoesPFCmeantoyou?
Chaya:“PhillyFriendshipCirclemeanshappyandexcited andfunwhenRebeccacomes.”
Rebecca:“Itmeansgoodfriends,agreattime,and areminderofwhatfriendshipreallylookslike.”
Rebeccaisn’tthefirstinherfamilytoexperiencethis lastingconnection.Herolderbrotheralsoparticipated inFriends@Home.
Rebecca:“Iwasinspiredbyhisdedicationtohisfriend.I wantedtohavealastingimpactonsomeone,justlikemy brother.”
Whatwouldyoutellsomeonethinkingaboutjoining PFC?
Chaya:“It’sagreatorganizationthathelpspeoplelikeme haverealfriendships-thekindeveryoneshouldbeableto have.”
Rebecca:“YoushouldjoinPFCbecauseit’sfun,meaningful, andyougettocreatefriendshipsthatwilllastalifetime.”
ROLLING DEEP ROLLING DEEP
Friends who play together, stay together
We shook things up this fall and launched Game Night! Led by PFC alum Benjamin Coplon, this new young adult program brought longtime friends and new faces together around the same table.
There’s something special about watching friends who grew up in PFC stay connected while welcoming others in.Whether your bond runs decades deep or you ’ re just diving in, there’s a seat for you in our Circle.
Making every experience feel like home
Our Circle grew this year through new partnerships with community leaders dedicated to inclusion.
Hill Top Preparatory School hosted us for Teen Leadership Orientation, Sunday Circle, and YA Dinner.Thanks to our shared values, it was easy to create accessible, inclusive, and meaningful programs in this new location.
Guided by deep-rooted values and thoughtful planning, we ensure that with every new experience, PFC still feels like home.
Did you know? Creating inclusive spaces starts with thoughtful tools: orientation activities, picture schedules, and social stories to help friends anticipate what the program will look and feel like
A FULL CIRCLE A FULL CIRCLE
Community runs deep at the Walk
ionandfreshactivities,thisyear’sPhillyFriendship irsts!
entLeadership,Family&YouthCo-Chairs,and mittee,hundredsoffriends oldandnew joined tedleadersmannedtheWelcomeTable,helping eesfeelpartoftheCirclefromtheverystart.
sOutreachCommitteemembersLauraandPeterSlutskyshared: Wehadthemostamazingtime!Wewalkedawayfeeling plifted,connectedtothemission,andbetteraboutthe tateoftheworld.”
With
“ThankyouforatrulylovelyPhillyFriendshipCircle Mom’sNightOut!
Thecompanionship,understanding,andsupportwe shareremindushowstrongwearetogether holdingeachotherup,onelaughandonestoryata time.
Aspecialthankyoutoourwhimsicalandwonderful hostess,Sharon,foropeningherheartandhometo us.LookingforwardtomorePhillyFriendshipCircle gatheringsthatbrightenourlives”
-NatalieHoyerZighelboim,PFCMom
LIGHT THE WAY FOR US! LIGHT THE WAY FOR US!
Please consider us in your end-of-year giving.
2025maybeending,butwestillhave 6moremonthsofinclusive programstorunthisschoolyear. Here’showyoucangiveyoursupport:
Philly Friendship Circle connects teens and young adults to youth with specia needs and their families through a full range of social offerings. Inspired by the power of genuine friendships, our youth cultivate understanding, kindness and responsibility while ensuring a caring and inclusive community
support from Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia | Founded by Chabad Lubavitch
