B”H
Whether you’re: Passing goals, basketballs, or finish lines at Sunday Circle… Passing out bracelets, stickers, or cotton candy at our Annual Walk… Passing on your life lessons, smiles, or sheer JOY at Friends@Home… Every little thing that you share in our Circle...isn’t little! It all adds up and brings our mission to life. Together, we will keep reaching forward, forever moving toward a more inclusive and welcoming world. 18 years of friendship strong: Among friends, we all belong. In Gratitude & Friendship,
Chani & Zev Baram Co-Founders
Our friendly phone is off the hook! In 2022 alone, we welcomed over 75 new friends, with and without special needs.
Our alumni are passing the baton of inclusion from generation to generation at community events like our 2022 Philly Friendship Walk!
Over 400 friends
came out to rally at this year’s Walk to kick off our 18th year and to celebrate inclusive friendships.
We have learned what matters most… Lies beneath the surface...
To love your fellow as yourself... Gives your life more purpose.
Be yourself. Keep having fun.
You may remember this trio from our Gala last year!
Scan this QR code for videos about Aiden, Jayden, Ayelet, and more!
Their friendship continues to evolve with each Sunday Circle, at this year’s Walk, and beyond.
Reconnecting Old Friends Asher and Solomon first became friends as bunkmates at camp years ago. It wasn’t until our 2022 Philly Friendship Annual Gala that the two reconnected. Right then and there, Solomon and “Ash” decided that they’d love to do Friends@Home, our 1-to-1 friendship program, together! Solomon had been waiting for the right friend-match, and they re-entered each other’s lives at the perfect time. Ever since, this committed pair has hung out almost every week—sometimes even multiple times in a week! We’re so happy to witness and support the growth of this genuine, natural friendship.
Please welcome Philly Friendship Circle mom and, now, our Member Supports Coordinator… Laurie! In addition to welcoming new members & supporting individual needs, Laurie will focus on Friends@Home – expanding this 1-to-1 friendship program to reach more friends like Asher and Solomon!
Support Inclusive Friendships Inquire about: endowment, naming opportunities, event sponsorships, and legacy gifts. Donations of
Lifecycle Events
Stock or Security
In honor or memory of a loved one
More Ways to Donate: • •
Recurring
Matching
Monthly Donations
Gifts
Online shopping: Amazon Smile (Friendship Circle Philadelphia Region Inc.) United Way Donations: 4454
Staff: Chani Baram Chief Relationship Officer Zev Baram Chief Executive Officer Meryl Sussman Chief Operating Officer
Board of Directors: Julie Axelrod, Rebecca Cohen, Howard Levin, Sharon Levin, Jaime Gordon, Tracy Gordon, Kami Verne
Chava Tova Thum Communications & Engagement Lead
Laurie Sked Member Supports Coordinator
Samantha Holzer Program & Curriculum Coordinator
Rachel Wener Graphic Designer & Web Developer
Our Friendship Experts: Cait Gilmartin - Lead Behavior Specialist, Michael Bouchier, Zoe Davidson, Avriel Finder, Meghan Garrett, Elizabeth Gladstone, Sarah Inzone, Anja Kotsopoulos, Natalie Litz, Caitlin Oleski, Jacki Oluoch, Tiffany Riddle, Stephanie Solomon, Brittany Stothart
Philly Friendship Circle connects teens and young adults to youth with special 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. phillyfriendshipvirtual.com info@phillyfriendship.com 215-574-1765
Founded by Chabad-Lubavitch
With supprt from Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia