Bay Area Friendship Circle

Established in 2003, the Bay Area Friendship Circle is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive community for children and teens with special needs, together with their families.

We match teen volunteers to children with special needs and provide programs and activities designed to include, involve and motivate. Participants develop relationships with peers together with their teen volunteer, in a fully inclusive and welcoming environment. In addition, we create opportunities for families to meet, make friends and gain support from one another.

Our teen volunteers provide friendship, support and mentoring to our participants as the join together in programs and activities. The collaboration gives our volunteers a deep appreciation for the inherent values in individuals of all abilities. In addition, our volunteers learn about the importance of community involvement and strengthen the sensitivity and social skills needed to become caring and committed Jewish leaders.

The Bay Area Friendship Circle creates inclusion and friendship for children and teens with special needs. We empower our teen volunteers to become engaged and caring community leaders.

We strive to create a more compassionate community in which individuals with special needs are fully embraced as contributing members. Our teen volunteers gain a deeper and more meaningful perspective on life, which shapes how they will impact the world for the better