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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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The Friendship Circle's mission of inclusion for people of all abilities is what initially drew me to the organization, and I am so happy to be part of its mission as a volunteer! The programs that The Friendship Circle offers are fun and accessible for everyone and they foster a great community between the members. It's always so wonderful to see everyone leave each program with a smile on their face!
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 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!
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I started working at Friendship Circle in 2019 as program staff in hopes to find a way to get more involved in my community as well as find a job doing something that I feel passionate about. When I started, I was blown away by the amount of positivity and feeling of community instantly presented to me. After about two years, I still find myself excited to see the members and friends, and especially participating in all the exciting events that take place. Friendship circle has become such an important part of my life and one of my favorite experiences working somewhere thus far. I always feel supported, heard, and valued but I also am learning all the skills and techniques for providing the same support and respect for others in the community.
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!!
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.
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.
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 :)
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.
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!
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 .