By Tanya Buresh-Werby, Program Director
You may have heard Friendship Circle of Virginia (FCVA) is about creating an inclusive community, one friendship at a time.
Lasting friendship is what sets FCVA apart and makes this organization stand out. Friendships blossom when people are connected to one another through trust, caring, and consistency.
Friendship Circle pairs neurotypical teens (Teen Friends) in the community with a child or teen with a disability (Friend) in hopes they create a bond wherein a real connection develops.
One such friendship is between Friend Dylan and Teen Friend Emmi.
Emmi joined Friendship Circle over 5 years ago. She was paired with Dylan at an adaptive horseback riding event and they hit it off over their shared love of horses.
Emmi said, “I have been volunteering and part of the teen board with the Friendship Circle for over 5 years now. I continue to be inspired by what Friendship Circle does to advocate for children and how it embraces the differences in all of us.”
Like many of us, FCVA had to pivot when the pandemic hit in March 2020. Friendship Circle created its “Friends with Pens” pen pal program to build friendships during the pandemic through Friends receiving old fashioned letters.
Emmi was paired with Dylan as his pen pal. The pen pal program created a special bond for Dylan and Emmi. Emmi was so excited the first time she received a video of Dylan thanking her for a card, referring to her by name. She loves how he peels the puffy stickers off the cards and puts them on his fingers.
Emmi said, “I have been part of the pen pal program for over two years now. I try sending a note or card to Dylan a few times each month. It’s easy and doesn’t take a lot of time to bring a smile to someone.”
She added, “Who doesn’t like getting mail? Even though Dylan is unable to write back, I love getting pictures or videos that show his excitement when he is opening his mail.”
Dylan’s mom, India, said, “Dylan loves getting the hand-picked cards from Emmi. She always chooses stickers that he will enjoy. She knows he likes ones that he can peel off of the cards and have a texture which is important to him. It’s super sweet how she seeks them out.
Dylan has experienced some medical and school trauma, so some days he really could use those cards to give him relief. How wonderful it’s been having a surprise pop up in the mailbox for him. It’s such a welcome distraction when he needs a pick-me-up.
Even though Dylan does not write her back in letters due to his challenges, we do send photos, videos, and sometimes he even will send a video himself verbally thanking her or some other sentiment. When we go to events and the timing matches up, he loves to see her!”
Dylan and Emmi look for each other at the events they attend. Emmi has really grown to love Dylan. She has introduced several friends to Friendship Circle and talks about how fun the events are for everyone.
Visit friendshipcircleva.org to learn more about how our non-profit facilitates friendships and social opportunities for people with and without disabilities via our free programs such as Birthday Circle, Friends@Home, and Friends with Pens – enriching lives and building an inclusive community one friendship at a time.
