All Programs - Friendship Circle of Brooklyn
Friendship Circle is a nonprofit organization that pairs teen volunteers with an individual with special need. Together, they form a lasting friendship and participate in one of our many weekly and seasonal programs.
Mothers’ Support Groups
In partnership with Hamaspik, Friendship Circle of Brooklyn hosts Support Groups for FC moms. The mothers join support groups based on their child’s diagnosis.
For more information, please reach out to chani@fcbrooklyn.com
After School Clubs
A unique experience that offers a range of After School Clubs to children of ALL abilities in an environment that fosters inclusion and fun. Clubs include, MMA, Cooking, Baking, Dance, Aerobics and Arts N Crafts.
Torah Learning – YAD Girls
Fun, interactive, Chavrusa-style learning sessions
C.A.R.E 4U
Your child deserves many services provided by the city, state and federal government. Allow us to assist, advocate and educate you.
Setup an appointment with our family service coordinator today!
Zumba
Throughout the winter months, every Saturday night our young ladies get together for an exciting ZUMBA Fitness class. Led by volunteers, awesome dance moves are taught while new friends are made, offering a great time together.
YAD Sunday Socials
During YAD Sunday Socials, participants and their volunteers come together to celebrate coming up holidays, participate in meaningful projects and social opportunities. These get-togethers give everyone the opportunity to socialize with their peers, practice social interactions, learn life skills and have fun!
Community Outreach Program
Our young ladies have the amazing opportunity to be on the “giving end”. The girls travel to different Hospitals and Senior Living Centers, where they sing and dance for the residence, and hand out cuddly teddy bears to all. After which they get the chance to march through the entire center, to stop in each room and put a smile on the faces of all. It is a great way for our girls in Friendship Circle to give back and keep the Circle going.
Torah Learning – YAD Boys
Boys Torah Learning meets weekly in the Oholei Torah Study Hall. This program was developed to provide a Hebrew and Judaic education for children with special needs. Teachers focus on engaging the child’s sense of Jewish identity through exciting, hands-on learning.
Each student is paired with a one-on-one volunteer who enables students to learn at their own pace with individualized curriculums. Teachers design curricula to meet each student’s current level and learning style.
The Shul at Friendship Circle
Older boys and young adults with special needs now have a Shul of their own. Building on this concept, the boys meet bi-weekly for services. Allowing THEM to lead the prayers, or read from the Torah in a comfortable setting. This allows The Friendship Circle participants to display their talents and abilities along with volunteers who join at each service. Family members are invited to participate, creating a mainstream setting yet paying attention to the needs of The Friendship Circle members.
Karate Class
Our young men now have a MMA class of their own. Taking place in the Friendship Circle’s Sensory Room, the boys learn from Shahin Raanan Zarko some basic MMA skills, boxing, kicking, blocking and self-defense. This is a four part session over the long winter nights.
Jewish Holiday Programs
Experience the magic of the Jewish calendar with refreshments, crafts, games and unique entertainment. Jewish Holiday Programs at the Friendship Circle are full of excitement and hands-on fun.
Mom’s Night Out
What’s better than a night out with “just us girls”! But for moms’ of a child with special needs it’s a real challenge. The Friendship Circle comes to the rescue with “Moms’ Night Out” programming throughout the year. Craft making, specialty decorative baking, and informative speakers or just connecting with other moms with comforting foods like chocolate and desserts, allow moms to decompress and relax.
Time and Dates: four or five times during the year
Locations: To be announced
Mother’s Circle
Hosted in a local home, many young mothers of children with special needs get together on a monthly basis, to discuss different situations that arise, or hear a therapist lecture on different topics, encourage one another, and enjoy the company of fellow mothers who can truly understand the daily struggles of raising a child with special needs.
Dad’s Basketball
- Time and Dates: Wednesdays 8:15 pm
- Locations: Oholei Torah Gym
Parents Night Out
This is an evening dedicated to the amazing parents of children with special needs. The event is a parent’s version of a “time out”, offering an opportunity to enjoy the company of fellow parents, whilst savoring fine foods, drinks and a good laugh. Passed entertainers have included stand Up comedian and ventriloquist John Pizzi and Joel Chasnoff , putting the finishing touches on an already perfect evening.
Friends@Home
Every week, teenage volunteers visit participating children in their Crown Heights homes, engaging in activities and developing close friendships. Together, they play games; create arts ‘n crafts, read books and anything fun! These teens are socially prepared for their valuable role as friends and mentor while parents enjoy some respite.
* 1 hour weekly at a time that suits you and the volunteer.
* A parent or guardian must be home the entire time a F@H volunteer is present.
* Parents must apply for the F@H program via the FC Portal
Sunday Circle
This program offers a unique opportunity for children to gain from group activities while still receiving one-on-one attention from their volunteers.
Program includes crafts, sensory play, edible art and music therapy. Each child has their own friend who helps them throughout the program, nurturing them and creating a special bond that they share forever. Sunday Circle allows parents to entrust their children in the caring hands of The Friendship Circle staff gaining a morning’s respite.
We have recently formed a partnership with the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, where The Friendship Circle children and volunteers have time to explore the museum at large, followed by a private workshop in the BCM’s newly renovated Sensory Room.
Dates: First Sunday of the Month 10:00am-12:30pm
Sibling Circle- Boys -Sibling Circle- Girls
Children who have a sibling with special needs have needs of their own. At Sib Nights, these brothers and sisters get together for their very own special time.
Sibs have group discussions giving them an opportunity to express their feelings about having a member in their family with special needs. Each session has a fun, social component where sibs get to play facilitator led games, create art projects and connect with other siblings.
Mushkie’s Gift – Birthday Club
“Mushkie’s Gift” Birthday Club is a brand new initiative that brings added birthday joy to the siblings of children with special needs. The Friendship Circle sends every brother and sister a gift in time for their birthday. The faces of children light up with excitement at the sight of a package delivered to their home with their name on it! It includes an exclusive birthday gift, personalized birthday certificate, awesome treat and a limited edition magnet. Mushkie’s Gift has been established through a special fund in memory of חי’ מושקא ע”ה בת יבלחט”א מנחם מענדל שי’
Public Holiday Initiative
On legal holidays or public school closings many children in The Friendship Circle are left without any structure in their day. The Friendship Circle offers a variety of programs on these days including crafts and music. Teaming up with the folks at PacPlex , Brooklyn’s largest sports and recreational center, and a number of other local facilities, we created a curriculum and fun filled schedule to make their day off of school, a most enjoyable one.
Dates: Selected Public Holidays, 10.00am – 2.00pm
Fee: $25 a day – Scholarships available.