By Tanya Buresh-Werby, Assistant Director of Friendship Circle of Virginia

When Joey and his Nana first joined Friendship Circle of Virginia, they didn’t know just how much it would change their lives. What started as an opportunity to attend inclusive events quickly grew into something much deeper — a lasting friendship built on kindness, understanding, and shared joy.

Joey’s Nana shared, "Joey and I have been truly blessed by Friendship Circle of Virginia. Their staff is amazing — always welcoming, caring, and helpful. Being able to bring Joey to events in a safe environment and free of charge is a gift. He looks forward to attending the different activities and always has a great time. For me, it’s also an opportunity to connect with other families who share our journey with these amazing children."

Joey was matched with Nathan during the Friendship Circle's October 2024 Birthday Circle, and they immediately hit it off. Joey had been hoping for a friend to connect with at home, and they both agreed to start the Friends@Home program in November 2024. From that moment on, they became forever friends. Joey and Nathan look forward to their weekly phone conversations and spending time with each other at programs. (See photos above and below)

 

Joey said his favorite things about Friendship Circle are: "Hanging out with people who are nice to me and having fun."  When asked what it’s like to have Nate as a friend, he said "Being friends with Nate is having a good friend to talk to. Nate is very kind, fun, and calm."

Nathan shared, "Friends@Home has been a wonderful opportunity to make a new friend that I probably never would have met otherwise. Joey and I have been friends since November 2024, and every time we meet, we have so much fun, whether we’re watching movies, singing karaoke, or just talking about random things. We even hang out together at Birthday Circles! It’s been an amazing experience getting to know him."

Through the Friends@Home program, Joey and Nathan’s connection has grown far beyond a weekly visit. Their story is a beautiful example of how Friendship Circle creates connections where both friends benefit equally, building mutual understanding, joy, and companionship for everyone involved.

Come see the magic of friendship in action at Friendship Circle of Virginia’s 5th Annual Walk N Roll and Friendship Fair on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m., and experience the joy of Friendship Circle for yourself!  Walk, run, roll, bike, scooter, or skate around Fountain Lake at Byrd Park and celebrate friendship and inclusion with the whole family.

The event is FREE and features fun activities, a kosher food truck, inflatables, face painting, and more . Register at FCVAWalkNRoll.com.

Visit FCVA.org to learn more about how Friendship Circle facilitates friendships and social opportunities for people with and without disabilities via their free programs, enriching lives and building an inclusive community one friendship at a time. Please consider joining our monthly giving circle to help support this nonprofit and the important work they are doing in our community.  friendshipcircleva.org/donate.