Philly Friendship Circle Annual Report '22-'23

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

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

EARLY YEARS

2005

Born

Chani and Zev Baram launched Philly Friendship Circle a er the 2004 Pilot Phase: Exploring the need in the community.

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.

2010 2008

NEW Locations

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

Staff Growth

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

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

OVER THE

NEW 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

TODAY

258 FRIENDS with and without disabilities

128 EVENTS

90+

90 PARENTS engaged in parent programs

• mom’s night out

• dad’s night out

• speaker sessions

NEW FRIENDS welcomed to our circle

“ I am very grateful for this program where my son can engage with other kids and be himself. I love everyone’s positive attitude and kindness and that I can leave him there with no worries. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!”

SUNDAY CIRCLE ATTENDANCE

“I feel so warm inside every time I leave a Philly Friendship CIrcle event. It makes me happy that I’m making others happy, but what others don’t realize is that they’re making my whole day by just being themselves.”

23% increase in 50% increase in

Expanding O perations

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.

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

NEW OFFICE

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.

Thriving Programs

A er the challenging times of the pandemic, we triumphantly returned to our regular programming.

YOUTH MEMBER

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

BACK FOR MORE

er years of providing two-hour Sunday Circle sessions, we had to scale back during the pandemic. In 2021–’22, we only ered 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.

“Philly Friendship Circle has changed my life, as well as the lives of my entire family. Social communication is something I struggle with, so I am really happy that there are people who can help me with it.”

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.

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.

“Thank you for an amazing trip to Israel. From the parental perspective we knew Sarah was having a great time AND was safe and well cared for. When she got home, she got teary and said it was the best experience of her life. Seems like the 3 year wait was more than worth it!.”

MOM

SUPPORTING INCLUSIVE FRIENDSHIPS

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

INCREASED GIVING COMPARED TO 2021-’22

30% Annual Income

133% Endurance Events

42% Gala Contributions

BECOME A DONOR TODAY!

MONEY RAISED HELPS OFFSET THESE EXPENSES

77% Year-end Giving Programs ........................ $699,393

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

Inquire about endowment and naming opportunities, event sponsorships, and legacy gi s.

Lifecycle Events: In honor or memory of a loved one

Recurring monthly donations

Matching gi s

Donations of Stock or Security

Donations through United Way

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

In partnership with Founded by Chabad-Lubavitch

info@phillyfriendship.com @phillyfriendship