By Tanya Buresh-Werby
With a full year of in-person programming, and the launch of two new programs, Friendship Circle of Virginia (FCVA) continues to grow at a rapid pace.
FCVA had a record number of families looking for friendship for their children and attending monthly Birthday Circles this past program year.
As we plan for the year ahead, FCVA will be working on ways to improve what they do for our community.
To help keep up with the demand, Friendship Circle is hiring a part-time Director of Engagement. Responsibilities for this position include: recruiting families with children with disabilities as well as Teen Friends throughout the community, and creating friendships and social opportunities for current members.
You can find out more about this position on their website at
friendshipcircleva.org/our-staff.
As they plan for the upcoming program year, Friendship Circle is in need of teens to join the circle as “Teen Friends” and volunteer their time getting to know a friend with a disability, attend events, and join the Inclusive Teen Leadership Board (TLB).
The TLB was created to connect teens with the disability community. As a participant, teens will develop leadership and interpersonal skills, build self-esteem, and develop lifelong friendships.
Teens in grades 8 – 12 are welcome to “join the circle.” Friendship Circle offers the power of meaningful friendship without judgment that builds self confidence, feeling valued and needed, and giving to others. Not surprisingly, Teen Friends often think they are joining Friendship Circle to help someone else, while all the while, they benefit equally and often, even more so.
Friendship Circle of Virginia is also seeking volunteer members for its Board of Directors with backgrounds in business, marketing, law, social disability advocacy, lived experience, and a passion for inclusion of people with disabilities and mental health conditions in the community. The board meets one Thursday evening per month.
Self advocates are encouraged to apply. To apply or for more details, please email info@friendshipcircleva.org.
To learn more about Friendship Circle of Virginia, please visit www.friendshipcircleva.org.
