About Us
Our Mission
Engage children, teens, and adults with disabilities through a full range of experiences.
Provide parents and families of children and teens with disabilities with much-needed respite and support.
Enrich, inspire and motivate teens to share themselves with others.
Create a sense of responsibility and connection to the Jewish community for teens through educational and social opportunities.
The Bigger Picture
Our Vision
Imagine a world where certain people are relegated to live apart from society, isolated from others, without friends – without that vital connection of laughter, shared moments, and comfort, just because they are “different.” Imagine the isolation those individual families feel watching their loved ones left out.
Now picture the reverse. Visualize a community transformed—a group that recognizes the common thread that runs through each of us, regardless of age, ethnicity, background, etc. By reaching past ourselves and into the lives of others, we find meaning, purpose, and love.
The Friendship Circle brings that vision alive. The Circle’s unique formula introduces teenage volunteers to children with disabilities, and through shared experiences, all the youth are enriched. The Friendship Circle nurtures a new generation of communal leaders. Going beyond the youth, families and adult volunteers join the Circle and together all enjoy meaningful social and Judaic activities in a truly inclusive community.
Who We Are
About Us
The Friendship Circle of Houston was established in 2004 and has grown to include at least 45 kids with disabilities and their families, 40 adults with disabilities and their families, 100 teen volunteers and 50+ adult volunteers.
The Circle grows each year. What started as an effort to realize the community’s responsibility for all its members, has grown to bring friendship to children and adults with disabilities; enhance the lives of their parents; foster the value of volunteerism among our youth; and enrich the lives of all involved.
The Friendship Circle (FC) works to build an inclusive community through a variety of volunteer, social, Jewish and educational programs. FC pairs teen volunteers with kids with disabilities for weekly play-dates, hosts regular inclusive Jewish and social programs including bowling parties and Shabbat dinners, leads educational workshops in schools and youth groups throughout the greater Houston area, hosts an annual community-wide Friendship Walk and more!
The full range of programs offered by Friendship Circle gives every individual involved the opportunity to recognize their potential and make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.
Youth Division
The Youth Division is where it all began. Teen volunteers are paired one-on-one with children and teens with disabilities for weekly play-dates, building real friendships rather than one-time interactions.
Beyond the play-dates, our youth come together for shared Jewish and social experiences that build community for everyone involved:
- Weekly one-on-one play-dates pairing teen volunteers with kids and teens with disabilities
- Inclusive social programs, including bowling parties and Shabbat dinners
- Educational workshops in schools and youth groups across greater Houston
- The annual community-wide Friendship Walk
Along the way, teen volunteers grow into a new generation of communal leaders, and every child gets the connection and friendship they deserve.
Adult Division
The Friendship Circle Adult Division is a program for adults with disabilities. Judaic and social programs are arranged every month, and participants are paired up with young adults from YJP (Young Jewish Professionals) Houston and other young adults from around Houston. The main goal is to help adults with disabilities to participate in mainstream activities in the Jewish community and form friendships that will last a lifetime.
The Adult division also services the Richmond and Brenham State Supported Living Centers as well as other facilities in the greater Houston area, with monthly visits and Holiday Programs.
The Adult Division was founded in 1999 with the help and guidance of Ms. Ileene Robinson Z"L.
Do you know any adults with disabilities who would like to join the Friendship Circle? Do you know a resident in any of the above mentioned Living Centers? Would you like to be involved and/or volunteer at any of the monthly or holiday events?
Contact Us