Philly Friendship Circle Annual Report '23-'24

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Leading with

PHILLY FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE: 2023–2024 YEAR IN REVIEW

Leading with a commitment to

y t i v i s u l inc

A

s I look back on my first year as President, I feel privileged to help lead an organization, now in its 20th year, that is at the forefront of responding to evolving needs of inclusion. My connection with Philly Friendship Circle (PFC) began as Head of Barrack Hebrew Academy, where I was amazed by the impact of PFC’s leadership training on my students.

Over the past year, we’ve embraced shifts and adapted to meet these changes. Families now bring children with special needs as young as two, eager for all their children to participate. Teens join with a heightened awareness of inclusion, and young adults who grew up with PFC stay connected and involved. We’ve grown with them, adding depth and strengthening our community.

Our indefatigable Zev and Chani Baram have worked to change and expand with important PFC investments in infrastructure. I was committed to continue that by adding new Board members, including alumni, whose backgrounds align with PFC’s evolving needs. We’ve also integrated our Teen Board Liaison into Board meetings, ensuring our leadership reflects the community we serve.

As you can see from this report, we have accomplished much, and I look forward to working with many of you in the year ahead.

Sharon P. Levin Philly Friendship Circle Board President

293

55

212 children + 81 young adults with and without disabilities

of all ages joined our programming

90

97

gave back through direct involvement

of children with disabilities involved in programming

TOTAL FRIENDS

ALUMNI

NEW FRIENDS

PARENTS

75% of our friends attended THREE OR MORE programs, showing their commitment to inclusive community

Leading through Philly Friendship Circle is known for being a place of joy and friendship. But did you know we also cultivate future leaders?

Our educational programs start in the 6th grade, offering higher levels of engagement and exposure to leadership skills as participants move through high school and beyond.

education 1

MITZVAH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (MVP) This year, our educational opportunities impacted:

120

Our service learning program, designed for 6th and 7th graders, helps them take their first steps in becoming inclusion leaders.

Middle & High School Students enrolled in our Mitzvah Volunteer Program or gained insights from our Friendship 101 Workshops.

27

Teen Leaders assumed greater leadership responsibilities by participating on the Teen Leadership Board.

2 FRIENDSHIP 101 WORKSHOPS Inspired by best practices in teen engagement, our curated curriculum helps teens explore timely topics such as Friendship Tips & Skills, Personal Wellness, and Disability Education through the lens of Jewish values.

3 TEEN LEADERSHIP BOARD This opportunity is open to active high school aged participants who want to make a stronger commitment to our Circle. They gain increased responsibility and experience as they travel through high school General Board The first formal leadership group enhances our programs and learns fundamental maturity-building skills.

Executive Board These teens step up to co-chair general board committees, while receiving hands-on guidance in leading their peers.

Mentors Seniors in high school can take on the role of mentor to other leaders.

They chair one big fundraising event giving them exposure to the world of development.

Teen Board Liaison One senior is selected as the connection point between the organizational Board of Directors and the teen body.

ALUMMI LEADING THE WAY

W

e are so proud of the skills our teens have learned in our education programs. As they transition to alumni, we see them apply their leadership abilities in ways that profoundly uplift and support our mission.

This year has been our most successful yet for alumni involvement, featuring self-led programs and connections that truly showcase the leadership qualities that we have nurtured.

Alumni made a significant impact at the Philly Friendship Walk, registering members and raising over $12,000. It was a powerful way to kick off the year and a testament to the continued strength and growth of the alumni community.

Throughout the year, they carried on exciting traditions, such as an alumni Shabbat dinner, where they gathered for an evening filled with laughter and home-cooked food, and Thanksgiving brunch, which brought alumni together to reconnect over bagels and shmear.

The theme of L'dor V’dor (from generation to generation) was particularly meaningful this year as we welcomed the second generation, children of our alumni, who joined our circle.

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e is ip Circl h s d n e Fri N. "Philly LUSIO C N I T OU ne ALL AB g all alo n i t t i s re d that e e t If you a n a r be gua d you can ome an c l l i w ne someo ou up." cheer y

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"In light of recent events surrounding antisemitism that have circulated in my school, Philly Friendship Circle has proven to be A SAFE SPACE I can revert back to without fear of judgment or negativity."

"I have made so many meaningful connections with the staff and members throughout the years, and I couldn't imagine having a better SUPPORT SYSTEM."

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Leading as a

friend & mentor

"Leadership is about SUPPORTING OTHERS IN NEED. We teach this to the young people in our Circle and create meaningful ways to act—not just as friends—but as trusted and supportive guides."

- Chani & Zev There are 80+ Friendship Circles around the globe.

Each Circle is independent but we share the same vision of a more inclusive community and world. This is why Chani and Zev regularly share their insights, offer best practices, and provide support to the greater community of Friendship Circles.

This year was marked by an extraordinary need to help. When the conflict erupted in Israel, our sister Friendship Circle in Jerusalem reached out to ask for support. Chani and Zev came to their side.

Their impact was captured in this letter.

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2023–2024 HIGHLIGHTS WE AMPLIFIED OUR IMPACT

WE INVESTED IN TECHNOLOGY

This year, Mike Bouchier, a beloved Sunday Circle Friendship expert, has joined us full-time as our new Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. With extensive experience working with individuals with special needs and a strong background in both law and education, Mike is well-equipped to enhance our community engagement and further our mission of compassion and inclusivity.

We transitioned to a robust data system, revolutionizing how we track, strategize, and communicate with our community.

This game-changing infrastructure upgrade enhances our capacity to analyze our data, reach, and recruitment, allowing us to engage more effectively and efficiently than ever before.

WE HIRED A GRANT WRITER Bringing Heather Blakeslee on board to research, apply for, and secure foundation grants was a significant step in sustaining our future.

She will help us diversify our funding streams and ensure we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit to support our mission.

.

WE TURNED UP THE FUN We introduced Simcha the Circle, our mascot who made a grand debut at the Walk and Gala. Named by our teen leadership board, Simcha ("joy" in Hebrew), is already showing how this purple character is bringing even more happiness to our Circle.

WE BOOSTED OUR LEADERSHIP We welcomed four new members to our Board of Directors, enhancing our nonprofit with a diverse and strong governance team. The Board includes two alumni who, having benefited from our values and leadership during their teenage years, are now giving back in a major way.

Leading with your

E

veryday we are laser focused on creating joy-filled environments, ones that nurture friendships, celebrate inclusivity, value education, and stress the importance of being a mentor. And, each day we are even more motivated to continue innovating and broadening our Circle. Why? Because we see the impact and hear the positive feedback.

This year, participation and interest in our programs surged, especially for children under 10 years old. We have seen more siblings and families participating together than ever before — and we have expanded our Circle to welcome them.

We recognize that a whole new generation, including the children of our alumni, are entering our doors, and the critical need for a safe space where everyone can be seen, heard, and valued is just as important today as it was when we first opened our doors 20 years ago.

Philly Friendship Circle is able to successfully lead our community because of generous donors like you!

generosity

YOUR DOLLARS MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE!

$1,000 Provides three massage therapists, dinner, and a gift for a Mom's Pampering Night, offering relaxation and care for our dedicated mothers.

$1,800 Covers an afternoon of bowling and lunch for 25 young adults, creating a fun, social outing that fosters community and connection.

2023–2024

SUPPORT OUR CIRCLE!

Money raised helps offset these expenses:

2023–'24 was marked by a year of both leadership and growth.

We've made an incredible difference in the lives of so many families and we need your support to continue. We face a high demand for participation which can only be met with more staff, materials, and programming opportunities.

Programs ................................................ $800,948 Fundraising ............................................... $52,560 Administration ..........................................$163,809

We're committed to raising $1.5 million dollars to grow our circle.

Please join us in helping us reach our goal and make friendship available to everyone! phillyfriendship.org/donate

$3,600

$10,000

$18,000

Initiates five new tweens into our Circle through our comprehensive MVP experience, providing them with hands-on, impactful service learning.

Supports three weeks of creative arts activities at Sunday Circle, including movement, music, and dramatic play. Picture over 50 friends guided by activity facilitators and supported by professional special needs Friendship Experts.

Enables over 25 high school teens on the Teen Leadership Board to gain meaningful leadership skills in a safe, nurturing environment where they are celebrated and supported.

$5,400 Funds two pairs of Friends@Home, where teens visit children with special needs weekly, facilitating our signature friendship-building experience.

From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe:

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 Programs Manager

Leadership is not about commanding others; it's about inspiring them to reach their full

potential.

Laurie Sked Member Support Coordinator Mike Bouchier Outreach & Engagement Coordinator Rachel Wener Marketing Specialist

Our mission is inspired by the bedrock foundation of "love your fellow as yourself.”

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sharon P. Levin, President Seth Feldman, Secretary Howard Levin, Treasurer Julie Axelrod Eric Berger

Philly Friendship Circle provides organized physical and social structures to support inclusive friendships, connections, respite, and fulfillment for children and teens of all abilities and their respective families, young adults of all abilities, 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.

Jaime Gordon Sammi Levin

PO Box 25067, Philadelphia, PA 19147 / 215-574-1765

Deb Livingston

phillyfriendship.org / info@phillyfriendship.com

Deborah Siegel

@phillyfriendship

Ilana Illfelder, Teen Board Liasion Design: Masters Group Design

In partnership with

Founded by

Chabad-Lubavitch