Leading with
inclusivity Leading with a commitment to
As 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
TOTAL FRIENDS
212 children + 81 young adults with and without disabilities
NEW FRIENDS
of all ages joined our programming
PARENTS of children with disabilities involved in programming 90 ALUMNI gave back through direct involvement
75% of our friends attended THREE OR MORE programs, showing their commitment to inclusive community 97
Leading through
d ucation
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.
This year, our educational opportunities impacted:
120
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.
1
MITZVAH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (MVP)
Our service learning program, designed for 6th and 7th graders, helps them take their first steps in becoming inclusion leaders.
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
We 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.
"Philly Friendship Circle is ALL ABOUT INCLUSION. If you are sitting all alone you can be guaranteed that someone will come and cheer you up."
"...an environment where I CAN SIMPLY ENJOY MYSELF AND BE HAPPY. Life is so stressful with school and work, but Philly Friendship Circle allows me to have fun and forget about all that is causing me chaos."
"I GET TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE other than myself."
Leading
"In light of recent events surrounding antisemitism that have circulated in my school, Philly Friendship Circle has proven to be 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
."
with"As parents, we know every Sunday is safe, meaningful, successful and FEELS LIKE AN ONGOING HOLIDAY FAMILY DINNER!
"ThisorganizationisA FAMILY TO US. " you"I’velearnedthattogrow, there.havetoputyourselfout FriendshipIdidthatwithPhillyCircle,whichgavemeAREALLYGOODFRIEND."
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.
FROM
CHANA
Director of the Friendship Circle Central Jerusalem
CANTERMAN
When October 7th hit, our world was turned upside down. At this critical moment, Chani and Zev stepped up in an extraordinary way. They traveled to Israel, assisted with fundraising, developed systems for managing food and clothing donations, and orchestrated a massive donation drive for winter clothing, crucial for Israeli evacuees. Their impact extended beyond logistical support— they provided emotional comfort and stability during a severe crisis. Their contributions not only helped us in Jerusalem but also rippled through the global Friendship Circle network, inspiring support from other chapters. The dedication, friendship, and expertise that Chani and Zev offer are unparalleled. Their influence reaches far beyond our local community, benefiting Friendship Circles globally. Their legacy of compassion and leadership enriches countless lives.
2023–2024 HIGHLIGHTS
WE AMPLIFIED OUR IMPACT
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 INVESTED IN TECHNOLOGY
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 generosity
Everyday 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!
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
Money raised helps offset these expenses:
SUPPORT OUR CIRCLE!
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.
$3,600
Initiates five new tweens into our Circle through our comprehensive MVP experience, providing them with hands-on, impactful service learning.
$5,400
Funds two pairs of Friends@Home, where teens visit children with special needs weekly, facilitating our signature friendship-building experience.
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
$10,000
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.
$18,000
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.
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
Laurie Sked
Member Support Coordinator
Mike Bouchier
Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
Rachel Wener
Marketing Specialist
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sharon P. Levin, President
Seth Feldman, Secretary
Howard Levin, Treasurer
Julie Axelrod
Eric Berger
Jaime Gordon
Sammi Levin
Deb Livingston
Deborah Siegel
Ilana Illfelder, Teen Board Liasion
Leadership is not about commanding others; it's about inspiring them to reach their full potential
Our mission is inspired by the bedrock foundation of "love your fellow as yourself.”
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.
PO Box 25067, Philadelphia, PA 19147 / 215-574-1765 phillyfriendship.org / info@phillyfriendship.com
@phillyfriendship