By Tanya Buresh-Werby, Assistant Director, FCVA
Celebrating Growth, Inclusion, and Community
As we step into a new year at Friendship Circle, we’re thrilled to build on our momentum with a dynamic calendar of events, incoming board members, and continued dedication to creating inclusive, joyful experiences for children, teens, and families of all abilities.
This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 5th Annual Walk n Roll, 5th Annual Loving Acres Birthday Circle, and 5th Disability Inclusion Day. We’re also proud to present the 3rd Annual Disability Expo, now expanding into the Dewey Gottwald Center to accommodate growing interest and need. And of course, our annual fundraiser on Feb. 17–18 will bring our community together to power another year of connection and inclusion.
Our Birthday Circle events remain at the heart of our mission offering monthly celebrations where friendships bloom and fun is always accessible. From action-packed outings like our kickoff at Surge Adventure Park and horseback riding to creative workshops and a glow party, we’re expanding the impact by introducing age-specific programming, offering separate tracks for kids and teens at select events.
On the teen front, we’re launching the year with a Teen & Parent Orientation on Sept. 11, and we’re thrilled to welcome Missy Bunce as our new Inclusive Teen Leadership Board Director.
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with deep ties to Richmond’s inclusion community, Missy brings compassion, experience, and vision to her role. Her years leading the Inclusion and Support department at the Weinstein JCC and current work with youth in inpatient care reflect a lifelong commitment to advocacy..
We are grateful to have the generous support of QTS Data Centers as our Annual Sponsor, enabling us to grow our reach and deepen our impact.
Behind the scenes, none of this would be possible without the dedicated members of our Board of Directors, whose guidance, insight, and generosity shape every step we take. See the photo at the Top.
Leadership:
Griffin, Helen - President - Giles, Karen - Treasurer
Board Members
Arton, Carla - Brandeis, Jennifer - Bunce, Missy - Collins, Edie - Doyle, Michelle - Enders, Mia
Gewanter, Harry - Heyman, Peter - Karp, Adele - Kranz, Yossel - Krauss, Ellen - Levy, Judith
McLaughlin, Jay - Myers, Susan - Porter, Sharon - Schwartz, Lynn - Shapiro, Matthew
Tollman, Meiky - Young, Michelle - Zasler, Nathan
We are energized for the year ahead and invite you to join us—as a participant, volunteer, donor, or advocate—as we continue to build a world where every person belongs.
Visit www.fcva.org for more information.
See our Calendar of programs below:
