By Tanya Buresh-Werby, Assistant Director, FCVA
Friendship Circle of Virginia has been growing at a rapid rate and the number of families that have joined has doubled since 2021!
The growth is a clear indication of the positive impact and importance of this work in the community.
Given the increased demand and expanded programming, the annual FCVA matching fundraising campaign on February 27-28, 2024, will play a crucial role in sustaining and enhancing the services provided by Friendship Circle to over 245 local families and over 8000 community members annually.
We need your help to share the light!
At Friendship Circle, we believe that every person is valuable, important, and has a unique light to share with the world and people around them.
Enriched the Community
With this concept at its core, Friendship Circle has enriched the community, providing children and teens with disabilities in Richmond with friendship and belonging by pairing them with community Teen Friends where the two can share fun and love, building a friendship that equally enriches both their lives.
There is nothing in this world that is more meaningful than helping another to access their inner light, talent, and beauty, enabling them to shine.
Studies show that volunteering helps teens by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, while bolstering their self-esteem and giving them a sense of purpose. In addition, our teen friends learn important social and leadership skills, which provide them with unparalleled perspective as they mature into understanding and empathetic adults.
Sam, a Teen Friend, has been experiencing increased excitement with every event he attends.
“I can’t wait to tell Mom and Dad about this. That was probably one of the greatest things I’ve ever done,” Sam said.
Sam’s mother added that “With every new activity he’s tried with Friendship Circle he does more than he thought he could and he conquers more fear. I’m so grateful for Friendship Circle and I’m so proud of Sam.”
For individuals with disabilities, experiencing community events with friends in a supportive environment is not always an option.
Children with disabilities and their families often have to prioritize where and how they spend their money and time based on medical and therapeutic interventions. Having fun and participating in a monthly, exciting new activity is often not at the top of the list. As one dad who attends almost every event recently mentioned, “If we had to pay, we probably wouldn’t be able to come.”
While some deem these activities ‘non-essential,’ we have learned that friendship and social experiences for kids with disabilities, their family members, and our teens may be the most essential thing of all.
With inclusion at the heart of everything we do, both our teens and friends with disabilities engage in the very same activities together. Activities and programs are always free because we understand that friendship is priceless.
Fifteen-year old Jaxx has been a Friendship Circle participant for over 5 years.
His mom says, “Jaxx loves Friendship Circles monthly birthday celebrations, and hanging out with his friends is a joy to him. As a child with special needs, he doesn’t really get to be a part of much. Thanks for giving us this happiness in his life.”
FCVA is always looking for new ways to reach our families. This past year, with the help of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, FCVA launched a new program, the very well received “Birthday Boxes.”
Birthday Boxes are sent to both children and teens with disabilities and Teen Friends to celebrate how much each person is valued and contributes to the world around them, and to let them know someone is thinking of them on their special day. They are filled with toys, treats, and gifts with a handwritten birthday card.
With your help, we can continue to ensure that none of our youth, with or without disabilities – or their parents – ever feel alone or without a friend to lean on. Your generous financial support will allow us to provide expanded services to our growing community.
We are looking for matchers for the campaign for $1,800 and up.
Help us Share the light of friendship to illuminate lives today!
Donate at Charidy.com/FCVA
Visit FCVA.org to learn more about how Friendship Circle facilitates friendships and social opportunities for people with and without disabilities via their free programs enriching lives and building an inclusive community one friendship at a time.
