By Tanya Buresh-Werby
Assistant Director, FCVA
In 2024, Friendship Circle had a year filled with firsts, milestones, and meaningful connections. Reflecting on the accomplishments, the organization is filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication from the community.
Birthday Circles
Throughout the year, Friendship Circle continued to create joyous and inclusive celebrations with their monthly Birthday Circles:
- January: Science Museum exploration
- February: Adaptive soccer fun
- March: A delightful visit to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
- April: Annual event at Loving Acres, held in memory of Alexis Nicols
- Summer: Pontoon rides on the James with Beyond Boundaries
- September: Bowling kickoff that was right up everyone’s alley
- October: Creative slime and tie-dye party at the Art Factory
- November: Adaptive horseback riding, a highlight for many
Signature Events
2024 was a landmark year for Friendship Circle, marked by incredible events that brought the community together:
- Inaugural Disability Expo: The first-ever expo showcased programs, services, and equipment for the disability community, paving the way for future success.
- 3rd Annual Disability Inclusion Day at The Diamond: A day of baseball and inclusion that brought families together in May.
- Parent Panel Kickoff: An inspiring new initiative that brought parents together to share experiences, resources, and support, laying the groundwork for ongoing community discussions.
- An Evening with Jeff Katz: “The Quest for Cookies”: Radio Show Host, Jeff Katz, shared the inspiring journey of his daughter Julia growing up with disabilities and defying odds.
- Inaugural All Abilities Sports Day: Held in August, this event paired participants with teen volunteers to explore adaptive sports like pickleball, boccia ball, and basketball in partnership with Jacob’s Chance and Sportable.
- 4th Annual Walk n Roll and Friendship Fair: November’s walk was the largest yet, creating a space for families to enjoy the inclusive event together.
- Adaptive Fashion Show: December’s spectacular event showcased inclusive fashion in partnership with the VCUarts Department of Fashion Design + Merchandising.
- Chanukah on Ice: A joyous celebration of the fifth night of Chanukah, hosted in partnership with Chabad of Virginia.
Partnerships and Milestones
Friendship Circle partnered with over 100 non profit organizations throughout the year to provide adaptive and inclusive opportunities for the community.
In the 2nd year of their birthday box program, Friendship Circle mailed out 216 Birthday Boxes to Friends to ensure no one missed out on celebrating their special day.
As they look back on 2024, Friendship Circle celebrates a year of firsts and memorable moments that have strengthened the bonds within the community. Here’s to building on this success in 2025!
Starting 2025 Off Strong
Friendship Circle kicked off 2025 with their 2nd Annual Disability Expo, held in partnership with the Weinstein JCC and presented by QTS Data Centers, and sponsored by Markel and the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, featuring over 250 attendees and 60 exhibitors. The exhibitors offered a wide range of resources, including technology, travel services, senior care, and inclusive social programs for all ages.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect with providers, explore new resources, and engage in conversations about accessibility and community support. The Expo’s success emphasized the importance of inclusion and collaboration in the disability community.
One of the exhibitors, Sarah’s Acres, expressed the value of the event for their organization
“Thank you Friendship Circle of Virginia for organizing this amazing Disability Expo! We had a great day meeting so many incredible people! Inspiring children and their families, passionate providers, and endless supportive attitudes. Such a joy to attend. Looking forward to deepening connections with everyone we met!”
Participants equally appreciated the event, walking away with bags full of resource materials. “Great event, everyone! As a parent with a disabled little one, I always walk away from these events more hopeful for the future!”
Programs Friendship Circle is exploring in 2025!
- Senior Circle – matching seniors with adults in the community for friendship and connection
- Sibling Circle – a monthly group that provides a supportive environment for siblings of children with disabilities to connect, share, and learn.
- YAD- Young Adult Division – for our teens and young adults who want to hang out in a more mature setting
Mark your calendars and join us on Feb. 25-26 to support Friendship Circle of Virginia through their annual Charidy fundraising campaign. Together, we can continue to provide invaluable services, foster connections, and create lasting change.
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.
