By Tanya Buresh-Werby, Assistant Director, FCVA

Friendship Circle of Virginia (FCVA) marked a year of meaningful growth, connection, and inclusion powered by the strength of community partnerships and an expanding calendar of impactful programs.

With new initiatives, returning favorites, and deeper collaboration across the region, FCVA brought individuals of all abilities together to foster friendship, joy, and belonging.

Newest initiative

The program year began with FCVA’s newest initiative, the All Abilities Sports Day, held in partnership with Jacob’s Chance and Sportable. Participants were paired one-on-one with volunteers and enjoyed trying adaptive sports like basketball, pickleball, soccer, and boccia ball, offering a fun and inclusive introduction to accessible recreation.

In the fall, FCVA hosted its annual signature event: the 4th Annual Walk n Roll and Friendship Fair, bringing almost 400 families, friends, and supporters together to celebrate inclusion and raise awareness in the community.  With their expanded fair, there was something for everyone to enjoy!

December brought one of the most empowering events of the year: the Disability and Adaptive Fashion Show, in collaboration with VCUarts Fashion Design + Merchandising. The event featured models with disabilities walking and rolling on the runway in adaptive, stylish designs, celebrating confidence, identity, and the power of self-expression.

The momentum continued in January with the launch of Senior Circle, a new initiative designed to bring social connection, engagement, and friendship to seniors living in the community. This program fills a critical gap in services for older adults and exemplifies FCVA’s commitment to supporting individuals at every stage of life.

Soon after, FCVA hosted its 2nd Annual Disability Resource Expo, welcoming over 60 exhibitors offering vital resources across mobility, education, employment, healthcare, recreation, and more.

The overwhelming turnout made it clear: the need for inclusive information and services is growing. As a result, FCVA will move the Expo to a larger venue in January 2026. The organization thanks the Weinstein JCC for its invaluable partnership in hosting the first two years of this expanding event.

In June, FCVA returned to The Diamond for Disability Inclusion Day, welcoming more than 6,700 community members for a sensory-friendly, inclusive night of baseball, underscoring how inclusion can thrive and is needed in public spaces.

Throughout the year, FCVA continued its core work of celebrating individuals with disabilities through meaningful personal touches. The organization mailed over 220 birthday boxes and hosted vibrant Birthday Circle events including: bowling, horseback riding, rock climbing with Beyond Boundaries, soccer with Jacob’s Chance, Chanukah on Ice with Chabad of Virginia, tie-dye and slime at the Art Factory, outdoor fun at Park 365, and a springtime visit to Loving Acres Animal Sanctuary.

The year also included FCVA’s first family outing, a relaxing pontoon boat ride on the James River with Beyond Boundaries. Families shared an afternoon on the water, and children got the chance to captain the boat, creating unforgettable moments of joy and empowerment.

As the organization looks ahead to 2025–2026, plans are underway to expand programming, strengthen partnerships, and continue building a more inclusive Richmond. As part of this vision, FCVA has also created a strategic plan,601 which will guide the implementation of new goals and growth in the year ahead.

Friendship Circle of Virginia extends heartfelt thanks to all who participated, volunteered, donated, and championed inclusion this year. Together, we’re creating a community where everyone belongs.