Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh Inc

We have been so grateful for the Friendship Circle community. Our son has participated in their programming for several years and he enjoys going so much. They take great care of his needs whether dietary or making sure he has an interpreter. The organization is incredibly supportive and we feel really lucky to know each and every person working here!

I was able to participate in the Friendship Circle's walk4friendship. It was a wonderful day and was a joy to participate in.

Volunteering at Walk4Friendship with Friendship Circle was an incredible experience that left me feeling both inspired and uplifted. Despite the rainy weather, the energy among participants, volunteers, and organizers was absolutely amazing. The enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved made the event truly special. Friendship Circle did a fantastic job with attention to detail, ensuring that every walker and volunteer felt included, valued, and loved.

The atmosphere was one of genuine community and support, and it was heartwarming to see people come together for such a meaningful cause. Every aspect, from the setup to the way people were welcomed, reflected the organization’s mission to build friendships and foster inclusion. The rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits; instead, it felt like it brought us all closer together. Walk4Friendship was an unforgettable day, and I can’t wait to be part of it again next year!

I am always so impressed with the work that FC does. The care and effort they take to make their events fun, inclusive, and memorable is outstanding. I find their mission inspiring, and I am always eager to
volunteer when an extra set of hands is needed. It is heartwarming to be able to assist in the work FC does. They have formed such a wonderful community, and the support they offer to their members is spectacular. Pittsburgh is lucky to have an organization like the Friendship Circle.

When we pull into the Friendship Circle parking lot, my son hardly lets me come to a stop before jumping out as he is always so eager to see his friends. Thanks for all the love.

I have enjoyed attending the Walk4Friendship as it is a large community event that supports inclusion for individuals with and without disabilities. It's amazing that Friendship Circle provides so many programs for free that build connections between children, teens, and adults with and without disabilities. Thanks for all that you do for the community to increase inclusion and accessibility.

The Friendship Circle is a wonderful community organization creating a space that welcomes and includes all! I am so grateful for my time at the Friendship Circle and know I will be involved for many years to come.

Friendship Circle has been apart of my life since 2014 and has always been my second home. An incredible organization with incredible members and staff. Such an amazing family with amazing programming and activities.

I have been involved with the Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh since 2007. I have fond memories of participating in Friends at Home, Friends on the Town, the Teen Leadership Board, and serving on FC's Alumni Council. FC's mission of creating a more inclusive community through engaging programs that connect people of all abilities is important to me and I look forward to being part of this mission for years to come!

I've volunteered with The Friendship Circle and the events are always a great time! You can tell the staff puts a lot of effort into making all participants feel welcome and engaged. What a great opportunity for our Pittsburgh youth and adults with disabilities!

Bunny Bakes is an amazing place for me to work!! I get great feedback from my co-workers and my manager. They help me become a better worker!!!!
Shay

Friendship Circle is one of the best organizations in the Pittsburgh area! As a local Special Education teacher, I admire all of Friendship Circle's work towards a world of inclusion for all people. Friendship Circle is constantly thinking about it's members and how to do more and better than for them. Friendship has truly made a profound impact on our community. Their mission to promote inclusion and empower people with disabilities is nothing short of remarkable.

Friendship Circle is a wonderful, inclusive organization that enriches the community. They provide so many wonderful events and I’m always amazed by the effort involved. They go out of their way to make all feel welcomed. Pittsburgh is lucky to have such an outstanding organization.

I’ve been to a few FC events and they have all been amazing! You can tell so much hard work and effort go into the events. They really do so much for the community and I’m thankful I get to witness it and be a small part of it!

I've volunteered here for a couple of years now and it is absolutely one of my favorite places EVER! The whole entire FC staff make this place so amazing! Just stepping into the building you can feel the warmth from staff and members. This is the most welcoming, inclusive, and special environment and community I've ever been part of. Love it here!

Working at the Friendship Circle as my field placement has been the biggest blessing in my grad school career. Between the people I've met, connections shared, and lessons learned - I have grown so much and have such an appreciation for what Friendship Circle does to promote inclusion and community. The community it has built is beautiful and I feel so lucky to be apart of it!

This is my second year working as a program staff at The Friendship Circle. This job has given me much experience working with people and opened me to a new community of support, mentors, and friendship. Seeing the members flourish and grow is something I will cherish forever. Working here at FC has been one of the highlights of my college experience and it is because the staff does such an incredible job of making sure not only the members but the program staff and volunteers are enjoying themselves. I will miss this place very much when I graduate and hope to visit as much as I can!

Growing up, I was always aware of The Friendship Circle, but it wasn’t until earlier this year that I finally got involved myself. Having attended several events now, I can confidently say that FC is one of the best organizations I’ve ever worked with. As a trained therapist and educator, I’m incredibly impressed with the FC team and the sense of community at all FC events. Whether you’re a newcomer to the organization or a veteran, it isn’t hard to make new friends and lasting memories. Being a part of the FC community has definitely been one of the unexpected highlights of my year, and I hope to be involved for a very long time.

I don't even know where to begin! The Friendship Circle is commmitted to growth more than any other organization I know of. They are constantly redefining what inclusion means, creating more opportunities for members, and fostering an empowering community for all. I am honored to be a part of it!

After moving to Pittsburgh and immediately connecting with The Friendship Circle, I knew I quickly found a community and people I wanted to spend more time around. What initially drew me into the organization was the mission statement explaining how FC believes every human has the same basic needs of wanting to feel included and like they belong. I whole heartedly agreed with this when I joined, as I was new to the city, and still think about this in my life every day. Social connection and friendship is one of the most important pillars to cultivating a happy life and the way that genuine and meaningful relationships are made here is unmatched. Not only does staff care deeply about their members, they also look to form connections with their families as well as learning about their lives outside of Friendship Circle. Staff emphasizes the importance of being yourself and is truly interested in getting to know who a whole person is through conversation, play, activities, art, and a number of different ways that allow us to learn from each other.

Friendship Circle aims to meet people where they are, and there are no expectations of anyone. You are welcome to participate in any capacity you would like, while knowing FC can bring out whatever supports that may be necessary in helping you participate your way. I think something that really sets Friendship Circle apart is the attention to an individual's self interests and the facilitation of friendships based on that. I am proud to be part of an organization that embraces mindfulness and companionship. Not only are there many fun social opportunities for all ages, but there are also leadership and development opportunities to take inclusion and kindness to new heights in our surrounding circles and communities. I especially love that members take the practices they see and learn about here and can apply that through advocacy and awareness in their own lives outside of the Friendship Circle space. Anyone can come to the Friendship Circle, regardless of age, ability, or anything else- and really find there can be a space for them here.

I started volunteering with The Friendship Circle last year and I absolutely love the community! The members and staff are so welcoming. I feel like I can be myself here. The Friendship Circle really delivers on its mission to include and connect people of all backgrounds and abilities!

The Friendship Circle Pittsburgh is truly exceptional! From day one, I was warmly welcomed into this incredible community. What sets this organization apart is the genuine love and warmth that radiates from everyone involved.

The level of care and support provided here is unparalleled. Their commitment to creating meaningful friendships and opportunities for individuals with special needs is profoundly heartwarming. Through their programs, events, and initiatives, The Friendship Circle Pittsburgh is making a significant difference in the lives of these remarkable individuals and their families.

The passion and dedication of the staff and volunteers are genuinely inspiring. They consistently go above and beyond to ensure that each participant feels valued and cherished. The positive impact on the community is undeniable, and I'm honored to be a part of it.

If you're searching for a place where kindness, inclusivity, and genuine friendship are at the heart of everything they do, look no further than The Friendship Circle Pittsburgh. It's a place where lives are transformed, and hearts are touched. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible organization and to witness the joy and connection it brings to all.

Thank you, Friendship Circle, for being a shining light in our community. You deserve all the stars in the sky!

The Friendship Circle provides such amazing services and is really a pillar of the community. I attended the Friends All Around event and had a wonderful time. Continue the great work!

The Friendship Circle is a wonderful organization, bringing together people in the Squirrel Hill and greater communities. Led by the most wonderful staff, they provide opportunities to engage youth and adults in fun and meaningful social and educational events.

They embrace individuals from all walks of life and varying abilities, making everyone feel special and included. I was at an event where one person was uncomfortable with microphones and was about to leave; the staff instead of continuing with the mics, spoke more loudly to allow the youth to stay, participate and enjoy the activity with her friends.

Everyone I've met in the organization (staff, volunteers, members) have been welcoming. Everyone always has smiles on their faces in this haven that supports the community and fosters lasting friendships. I very much look forward to attending or volunteering at future events.

I have been working with The Friendship Circle for almost a year now and still love the work I do! It's so great to see how an inclusive environment can create such meaningful friendships and empower all members of our community. I am so thankful that an organization like The Friendship Circle exists here!

The Friendship Circle is an amazing, organization that looks to improve the community and lives for everyone. The staff are very welcoming and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.

The culture of the FC is so different from anywhere else that I have ever been. They truly practice inclusion and welcome the individual--not just as they are, but they go beyond to support and see the best in every person. From knowing little details about you and celebrating it, to remembering your favorite birthday treat, it doesn't feel like "work" to be helping at a program, it feels like being part of a community where everyone is special. Friendship Circle is aptly named. It is a community treasure and I am blessed to be a part of it.

I just started working at FC a couple of months ago and it is hands-down the most special, warm & welcoming, and integrative environment I’ve ever been a part of. This truly is a community and I feel so lucky to be part of it. FC is an amazing organization and I can’t wait to see it continue to thrive in Pittsburgh!

I have been working with the Friendship Circle for a little over 6 months and I can proudly say there is no community like the one at Friendship Circle. The staff, members, and parents are all so welcoming & amazing. Truly a wonderful organization that I am so happy to be apart of.

After working at the Friendship Circle for almost 3 years now I have grown to know it as one of the most comfortable and welcoming environments you can be in. Not only do they create opportunities for members of the community to come together, but I have also found real friendship in many of my coworkers. There is constant positivity at all our programs and events with members AND in daily office experiences. Getting more involved over the years has really shown me how special of a place Friendship Circle is, the members being what keeps us so passionate in continuing to share the message of what FC is about. I am honored to be a part of this incredible organization!

My grandson has thrived with his "friends" from the Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh for the past 14+ years. His friends have embraced him, overlooking his handicaps, and make him feel included and wanted. The programs are relevant and creative, and the leadership continues to be outstanding.
Thank you Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh from a very grateful grandmother, SaftaCarol

I volunteered and then worked at friendship circle for four years. It was such an amazing, fulfilling experience. Everyone involved is so welcoming and team oriented. Friendship Circle’s mission is truly carried out through each event they host. Wonderful organization!!

A wonderful organization who helps create meaningful positive change in the most vulnerable. I’ve only had the chance to donate but I hope to volunteer after it gets safer COVID wise.

I have been involved with Friendship Circle for the past four years, and they have truly become my family and my friends. They go out of their way to provide an inclusive, equitable, and fun environment for all so that friendships can flourish. I am so grateful to be part of FC!

I have been a part of Friendship Circle for 3 years now and they are truly my family! They go above and beyond to make inclusive experiences possible and I couldn't be more grateful for their effort.

I was a member and participant at Friendship Circle throughout Highschool, and it had a tremendous impact on me. The organization stands for inclusion, belonging, community and connection- all things that people, teens especially, need on a day to day basis. I could not be more thankful to Friendship Circle for the things that I have been able to learn and accomplish through their work. Now, I am privileged to be a full time staff member, and I love every minute.
I would highly recommend joining and supporting Friendship Circle and their important mission!

The Friendship Circle is a wonderful place that offers everyone the place to be themselves while building life long friendships, being fully included all while in a fun and safe social environment. All individuals should have the opportunity to have a Friendship Circle in their lives.

The Friendship Circle has been so impactful to my life throughout my years volunteering there. I have discovered what it truly means to be a friend through the many connections and friendships I have experienced at this organization. Their mission really emphasizes the importance of inclusion and gives everyone who walks in their doors a chance to create long-lasting and meaningful friendships. I am so thankful to be part of such an amazing and impactful organization.

I volunteered at Friendship Circle and I was blown away by what this incredible organization does for both it's members and for the community. Their mission of inclusion and friendship is demonstrated in every program, service project, and relationship that emerges from within their walls. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a place where people of abilities can come together as friends to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Friendship Circle has taught me the true meaning of friendship, and I will forever cherish my memories with them.

The Friendship circle has been such an important part of my life for the almost last 10 years. Having gone from being a volunteer in high school to eventually becoming a staff member at the friendship circle, I’ve gotten to make memories that will last a life time and friends that quickly became my family. The friendship circle has always been my home away from. A place where I truly feel like I can be myself. Whether it was a picking apples at Simmons farm or sitting at my desk planning our next holiday party, the friendship circle has been such a positive light in my life. I am so thankful to apart of this amazing circle.

Where do i begin? This organization goes above and beyond on a daily basis. From the countless opportunities to contribute, to the programming- the friendship circle continues to think of everything to make our community a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone to belong!!

My time as a program staff member at The Friendship Circle has been such a great experience. The impact I see this organization make on every one of its members is so great. During my time here I have seen members grow, flourish, and really come out of their shells to make meaningful friendships. The Friendship Circle’s variety of clubs and opportunities for inclusion give every member something to be excited about. The Friendship Circle staff and volunteers work so hard to make everyone’s experience there the best it can be, and that’s why I will always hold this organization close to my heart.

There is so much to love about The Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh which makes it difficult to pinpoint just a few of the many positives. What makes The Friendship Circle such a special place to be is its mission and the values that The Friendship Circle elevates everyday. The Friendship Circle offers a welcoming, inclusive and engaging environment where friendships are made and all individuals are accepted. Through fun and meaningful activities, The Friendship Circle offers a connected community. Feeling socially connected, especially in an increasingly isolated world, is more important than ever! Often the benefits of friendship and social connectedness are often overlooked but The Friendship Circle always puts friendship, social connectedness and inclusion first, fostering a higher quality of life for all.

My experience volunteering and helping as program staff for The Friendship Circle has given me so many fun memories and opportunities to join a variety of amazing community events! Being at the Friendship Circle truly makes you feel like you are a part of the most caring and supportive group of people! Everyone who is a part of this community will go above and beyond to make sure every individual has a place where they feel like they belong. I have never left a Friendship Circle event without a smile on my face and a heart full of happiness :)

The values of inclusivity and camaraderie that the Friendship Circle excells in unequivocally enhance the quality of our community. The warm and embracing environment to its diverse base is unparalleled, and some of our closest friendships have been formed through the opportunity FC provides. My children love coming and participating with their spectacular array of events and programs.

My middle son has always struggled to be successful in most environments. He would go into a panic or have tantrums...we were working to figure out what was wrong but in the meantime, we ached to see how he struggled with social relationships. Friendship Circle became a safe space for him! The staff there enabled him to succeed at activities for the first time ever, and he was cooking and doing crafts, enjoying performances. He also began to interact with the other children there of all abilities, and feel like he had something valuable to contribute. Even after his OCD and dyslexia diagnosis, Friendship Circle has remained a vital part of his therapeutic approach. What a gift to have such a safe space to be fully himself and find acceptance and understanding and friendship!

I've loved volunteering here. The Friendship Circle is a great experience for everyone who visits, whether they are a client or a volunteer at the programs. Their work in the Squirrel Hill community has been amazing and the neighborhood wouldn't be the same without them.

Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh - Fun, friendly, caring, helpful, thoughtful, community and family. All words that come to mind when I think of all those involved with the Center. A great place to be whether you are an employee, volunteer or member.

Where do I begin? The Friendship Circle has been changing my life for the better since 2006. The Friendship Circle provides a place where all are welcome and can be comfortable in their own skin. The Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh recognizes everyones human potential and is committed to creating a place where all individuals are valued and accepted. The friendships that evolve from Friendship Circle are one of a kind. I have been able to attend every single one of Friendship Circle's programs and witness firsthand how relationships flourish and individuals thrive. I will always love my time at Friendship Circle. It is truly an amazing organization!

The Friendship Circle is magical -- especially when filled with the energy and smiling faces of the clients it serves. Providing inclusive programs and activities allows people to make meaningful connections, both to the organization and -- more importantly -- to each other.

There are so many wonderful charities and non-profit organizations out there but rarely do you come across one that goes the extra mile and really cares for the community.
I first became aware of The Friendship Circle when my daughter volunteered there while in grade schools and then in high school. Their aim to include ALL children in their activities is amazing.
To involve special needs kids in outings around the city and even in at home visits create relationships among the kids and older children volunteers that can last a lifetime. I’ve never been around so many genuine, sincere and dedicated people determined to make a difference in these kids lives as the Friendship Circle staff.
In my line of work I often donate samples to organizations in a tri-state area and come across so many worthy and credible groups but none that show the love and support that Friendship Circle display on a daily basis.

Friendship Circle has been such an important part of, not only my daughter’s life, but my family’s. Sydney has attended FC for well over 10 years. You could say she has “grown up” there. Rabbi Mordy and Rivkee welcomed our family from the very beginning. We quickly felt included not isolated. I wish I could list all the Staff that have helped us throughout the years and continue to do so. No problem was or is too big for them to solve. It’s effortless for them. Everything handled with grace. Attending Mom’s Night Out events has allowed me to bond with other moms who know exactly what my story is. Everyone listens and advises. Lastly, Syd has met so many friends. She has participated in many events and outings. She has been able to practice her social skills and converse about anything and everything. For this, my husband and I have been and will continue to be extremely grateful. Life wouldn’t be the same without FC! FC has changed our lives!

Hello,
My son Michael has been participating in Friendship Circle activities since its inception. He loves all the activities they have, even those that with anyone else, he would not want to participate in. He is now on a leadership committee for Friends on the Town, a subgroup for older individuals.
One of the best, of all the wonderful things they have done, is create a lot of programming for individuals over 18. This group does not have many other groups catering to them. As a parent of a special needs adult, I am so grateful for this group; it has given my son a social life beyond my expectations. Barbara Wolvovitz

Friendship circle is such a welcoming place. I had a hard year in 7th grade and the staff were so welcoming. Hayli Firtell was so amazing and the staff were awesome. Rabbi Mordy Rudolph was accepting and Rivkee Rudolph was awesome .

The Friendship Circle has made such a difference in my daughter's life. We joined a year ago. Our first activity was apple picking. When we walked in to join the group, I noticed another child with autism having an EPIC meltdown, just the kind my daughter has anywhere from once to twenty times a day. I caught my breath....waiting for what I normally experience as a mom...the stares, the under the breath comments. None of that came. The child was accepted for who she was and where she was. Her mother was supported by the other parents. We have all been there. I knew that day that we found a place where Evelyn could find friends. In the past 2 years, Evelyn has been invited to ONE birthday party. She has been invited to zero sleepovers and zero playdates. Friendship circle gives her what so many other families take for granted.....playdates, birthday parties, social activities. Fun with her peers! It has made a huge difference for evelyn to feel accepted and be allowed to be herself. She is learning to be a friend.

I have seen children grow through their time at the Friendship Circle. I have watched their confidence build and relationships form through the amazing experiences they have there. It is a safe environment where the only thing the kids and young adults have to think about is having fun. It is a place where they know they will be accepted and welcomed with open arms and a smile.

I am an adult volunteer with this wonderful organization helping to integrate kids and special adults of all abilities. They make it a rewarding experience.

We absolutely love The FCPGH!!!
The Friendship Circle is so unique in how every participant is just a part of the circle. No one is more important than anyone else, we're all just one big happy family!