By Tanya Buresh-Werby
As Friendship Circle of Virginia begins another exciting program year, the organization is celebrating more than a new calendar of events. It is celebrating the continued growth of an inclusive community where friendships flourish, families find support, and everyone belongs.
Over the past year Friendship Circle has welcomed more participants, expanded its reach, and strengthened existing programs while introducing new opportunities for connection. This year the organization will continue growing its “Teen Scene” and “Young Adult Division" programs creating even more meaningful social experiences for teens and young adults with and without disabilities. Parent Nights will also expand, offering additional opportunities for caregivers to connect, recharge, and build community with one another.
Birthday Circle remains at the heart of Friendship Circle's mission, bringing families together each month for inclusive celebrations throughout the Richmond community. From active adventures and creative experiences to seasonal favorites, these events provide opportunities for connections to grow in welcoming, accessible environments.
Friends@Home continues to be Friendship Circle's core program, creating consistent friendships between teens and young adults with and without disabilities. As the program continues to grow, Friendship Circle is looking for more teen volunteers who are interested in building a meaningful friendship, making a difference, and being part of an inclusive community. Teens can volunteer their time, build connections, and experience firsthand the impact that friendship can have.
This October, the Friendship Cafe Pop-Up will return, providing vocational skills and social opportunities for individuals with disabilities while inviting the community to experience true inclusion.
The organization is grateful for the continued support of its annual sponsors, QTS and FasMart, whose partnership helps ensure that all Friendship Circle programs remain free for participating families.
Welcome FCVA’s New Board President, Adele Karp
Friendship Circle is also pleased to welcome Adele Karp as the new President of its Board of Directors. A licensed clinical social worker, Adele brings decades of experience serving children, adults, and families. During her 21 years at Jewish Family Services, she developed and led the Weinstein JCC's pioneering Inclusion Program, creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to participate fully in preschool, camp, religious school, after-school programs, social groups, and community life. Her extensive experience in disability inclusion and community leadership will help guide Friendship Circle as it continues to grow and expand its impact.
Invest in Inclusion
As the new program year begins, Friendship Circle invites the community to help ensure its programs remain free and accessible for every family. Joining the Monthly Giving Circle is an easy way to make a lasting impact, as even a modest monthly gift provides meaningful support throughout the year. Many employers offer matching gift programs. While making a donation, supporters can use the Double the Donation widget to quickly check whether their employer will match their gift, potentially doubling the impact of their contribution.
Community members can also sponsor a monthly Birthday Circle for $1,000. Birthday Circle sponsorships offer a meaningful way to honor or remember a loved one while creating memorable, inclusive celebrations where children, teens, and families build lasting friendships.
Whether participating, volunteering, sponsoring, or donating, every member of the community plays a role in helping Friendship Circle continue building an inclusive community, one friendship at a time.
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