Philly Friendship Circle Annual Report '22-'23

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STAFF/BOARD Chani Baram Chief Relationship Officer Zev Baram Chief Executive Officer Meryl Sussman Chief Operating Officer Cait Gilmartin and team of Friendship Experts Lead Behavior Specialist Emily Coplon Office Administrator & Executive Support Samantha Holzer Program & Curriculum Coordinator Laurie Sked Member Support Coordinator Chava Tova Thum Communications & Engagement Lead Rachel Wener Graphic Design & Web Developer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Julie Axelrod Howard Levin Sharon Levin Jaime Gordon Tracy Gordon Kami Verne

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Dear Friends, Celebrating over 18 years of friendship is a milestone accomplishment that we graciously share with you—our supporters and friends.

Together, we have shaped this community where each person is vital, where we all share, and where genuine, inclusive friendships thrive.

Through your investment, our circle has grown, our reach expanded; and the joy of friendship experienced by hundreds of youth in our community. The ripple effect of the connections and friendships are infinite.

We are deeply rooted and here to stay!

Your continued partnership ensures another vibrant 18 years, and beyond.

We could not be more grateful and proud!

Thank you,

Chani and Zev Chani and Zev Baram Co-Founders

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EARLY YEARS Trip to Israel Led first national Friendship Circle Birthright trip for an inclusive group of young adults to experience Israel.

Program Expansion Increased number of programs to include more variety and increase from monthly to more frequent offerings.

2005 Born Chani and Zev Baram launched Philly Friendship Circle after the 2004 Pilot Phase: Exploring the need in the community.

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2008

2010 NEW

Locations Expanded to multiple locations with new passionate hosts, fostering friendship and inclusion in a wide community making our offerings more accessible.

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OVER THE PA

Staff Growth Professional team expanded to a dedicated team of full-time professionals and Friendship Experts.

NEW NEW

Mitzvah Volunteer Program (MVP) Introduced the inclusive MVP for tweens and teens, fostering understanding, acceptance, and special needs advocacy through parental involvement and guided support.

2011

2014

Art Studio Program Led by an art director and mentor artists, launched to foster creativity and selfexpression, transcending obstacles and encouraging each other’s growth through meaningful art collaborations.

2016

NEW

Teen Leadership Program Piloted multi-tiered leadership programs for teens, providing diverse opportunities for deeper commitment, skill development, and community engagement at various levels within the organization.

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HE PAST DECADE NEW

Young Adult Division Expanded our offerings to include age-appropriate opportunities for those 18 years and older ensuring that friends can continue to socialize, laugh, and enjoy the authentic Philly Friendship Circle experience for years to come.

2020

2021

Beach Trip Inaugural event, sponsored by a generous donor. It has become a memorable annual tradition, now inclusive of all ages, providing an enjoyable experience with bus transportation.

2022

Power in a Pandemic Adapted creatively during difficult pandemic times, fostering friendship through virtual programs and Activity@Home packages, emphasizing the significance of deep-rooted connections.

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TODAY 258

128

FRIENDS

EVENTS

with and without disabilities

90 PARENTS

90+ NEW FRIENDS

welcomed to our circle

engaged in parent programs • mom’s night out • dad’s night out • speaker sessions

gram l for this pro fu te ra g y r with “ I am ve n en ga ge a c n o s y I love w h er e m e himself. b d n a s id de a n d other k itive attitu s o p ’s e n ave him e ver yo at I can le th d n a s U s kindne THANK YO . s e ri r o w no there with eart!” om of my h tt o b e th from

MOM

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SUNDAY CIRCLE ATTENDANCE

50%

23%

FAMILIES

TEENS

increase in

“I feel so wa rm inside ev ery time I leave a Philly Friendship C Ircle event.

It makes me happy that I’m making others happ y, but what others don’t realize is tha t they’re ma king my whole day b y just being themselves.”

YOUTH ME M

BER

increase in

m

m U

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Expanding Operations Philly Friendship Circle enters a new era focused on building operational strength and our expertise.

NEW STAFF POSITION

Our Members Support Coordinator, Lauire Sked, has brought more dynamism to the organization, especially for our families with children with special needs and our Friends@Home program.

NEW OFFICE

As both the mother of a child with special needs and a staff member, Laurie’s role shows the impact of our organization.

As a parent she feels “the absence of judgment and abundance of support.” She emphasizes that “the community receives unwavering support,” allowing members to feel like lifelong family, regardless of their age or stage in life.

We moved into a brand-new accessible office space that offers room to grow and create lasting connections, bringing more magic to our mission of lifelong friendships.

NEW EXPERTISE

Our Chief Operating Officer, Meryl, was warmly welcomed in September.

She is leveraging her professional expertise to enhance operational efficiency and strategic direction, further advancing our mission to foster inclusive friendships within the community.

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Thriving Programs After the challenging times of the pandemic, we triumphantly returned to our regular programming.

“Philly Frien dship Circle has changed my life, as well a s the lives of my e ntire family.

Social communica tion is some thing I struggle w ith, so I am really happy that there are p eople who c an he lp me with it .”

YOUTH ME M

BER

BETTER THAN EVER

The Art Studio Program has been revived. It was led for the first time by our resident art therapist, Maria, who brought in mentor artists to expose kids to diverse mediums, culminating in an inspiring art show.

Creativity becomes a powerful expression of friendship, transcending obstacles, as our youth’s unique works of art showcase the deeply rooted essence of our studio, with a uniquely creative process that prompts deeper introspection in each artist.

BACK FOR MORE After years of providing two-hour Sunday Circle sessions, we had to scale back during the pandemic. In 2021–’22, we only offered six sessions for one hour each. Now we are back to two hours—providing more time for connection and fun. With increased enthusiasm, we offered 18 Sunday Circles. Additionally, we introduced a remarkable improvement—a warm Welcome Time designed to acclimate participants to the program in a meaningful and multisensory way.

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Young Adults in Focus WE’VE EXPANDED Our 18th-year accomplishments include an expanded Young Adult Division, providing age-appropriate opportunities like the Young Adult Happy Hour, ensuring enduring friendships and authentic experiences beyond our traditional age range.

el. rip to Isra t g in z a am w ou for an e we kne iv t c e p s “Thank y r l pe was parenta ime AND t t a e r From the g ga ot as havin en she g h W r.

Sarah w o f d the well care id it was a s d n safe and a s like the got teary m e e h e s S , . e e f m ho her li !.” rience of e p x e n worth it t a s h t be e r o ait was m 3 year w

MOM

We joyfully organized our first Birthright Israel trip in three years, uniting eager participants, including waitlisted individuals and first-timers, for an incredible journey of discovery and connection.

Our alumni network advances its development with three new pillars:

1 EDUCATION empowers alumni with neurodiversity knowledge

2 NETWORKING fosters a supportive community

3 FUNDRAISING actively raises funds through key events for our initiatives.

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SUPPORTING INCLUSIVE FRIENDSHIPS Thanks to our community of donors, our fundraising efforts this year exceeded our expectations!

INCREASED GIVING COMPARED TO 2021-’22

30%

133%

42%

77%

Annual Income

Gala Contributions

Endurance Events

Year-end Giving

MONEY RAISED HELPS OFFSET THESE EXPENSES

Programs ........................ $699,393 Fundraising ....................... $36,623 Administration ................ $166,809 TOTAL ............................. $902,825

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BECOME A DONOR TODAY! Inquire about endowment and naming opportunities, event sponsorships, and legacy gifts.

Lifecycle Events: In honor or memory of a loved one Recurring monthly donations Matching gifts Donations of Stock or Security Donations through United Way

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Teach and you will learn.

Give and you will receive.

Love and you will be loved.

In this world, there must not be any person, place or thing that only gives or only gets. If there is, it is for us to heal.

FROM THE WISDOM OF:

THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE

Philly Friendship Circle provides organized physical and social structures to support inclusive friendships, connections, respite, and fulfillment for youth with special needs, young adult volunteers, their respective families and the Jewish community at large. Through fun and interactive experiences, these relationships bring a sense of joy and meaning to the Philly Friendship Circle community and beyond.

PO Box 25067, Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-574-1765 phillyfriendship.org

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info@phillyfriendship.com

In partnership with

Founded by Chabad-Lubavitch

@phillyfriendship

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