By Tanya Buresh-Werby, Assistant Director, FCVA
At Friendship Circle of Virginia (FCVA), every family that walks through their doors adds something unique to their community.
The Luntzer family, who travel over an hour each way from New Kent to attend events, exemplifies the heart of FCVA’s mission, building friendship, inclusivity, and joy for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Their story is one of dedication, resilience, and deep appreciation for the impact of belonging. The Luntzers have two daughters who are actively involved in FCVA programming, and both in very different ways.
Their middle daughter, Alyiah, was born with a significant heart defect along with other genetic and neurological challenges.
For the Luntzers, finding welcoming community spaces that are both accessible and affirming hasn’t always been easy.
But at FCVA, they’ve found a haven.
As her mother shared, “Knowing that everything is free, fair (equitable for all attendees), and fun at FCVA motivates our family to commit to attending, even when it’s hard.”
Alyiah especially loves the sensory-friendly quiet room, where fidgets and crafts offer a calming space to recharge. She also enjoys the excitement of activities like skating, tie-dyeing, and bowling.
For a family balancing financial pressures and medical needs, the simple fact that they leave every FCVA event feeling energized, rather than depleted, means the world.
But the impact doesn’t stop there.
The Luntzers’ oldest daughter, Alyssa, age 15, was drawn to FCVA as a Teen Friend (volunteer).
Alyssa instantly connected with the mission and quickly rose to join the Inclusive Teen Leadership Board. Her involvement has inspired conversations in her school’s Jr. and Sr. Beta Clubs, in church groups, and in her broader community.
After a year of participation, Alyssa was matched with her “forever friend,” and the bond they’ve built through in-person events, virtual visits, and even writing “Friends with Pens” letters has become a meaningful part of her life.
From a mother’s point of view, FCVA has become something truly sacred: a place to exhale.
“Being able to release your child in a bowling alley knowing she will have fun and be safe is priceless. Sitting and relaxing with another mother over a delicious cup of coffee, that’s icing on the cake.”
She fondly recalls a simple yet powerful gesture from her very first FCVA event, a soft bath towel gifted at a bowling night.
“To this day, over a year and a half later, when I use this towel, it still brings me peace and happiness. It truly was a gift that kept on giving.”
Even their youngest daughter, though not officially enrolled, is welcomed into the fold at events helping the whole family feel included in the conversations and the memories being made.
Friendship Circle invites entire families to attend events and programs together, ensuring no one has to choose between activities or be separated from their loved ones.
“There is something truly special about the FCVA community,” the Luntzer’s share. “We are a better family because we are a valued part of it.”
For the Luntzers, there’s no price that could ever measure what Friendship Circle has given them: friendship, support, joy, and a place to belong. And for those of us at FCVA, the experience of connection and belonging that the Luntzer family has built, is why we do what we do.
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. Please consider joining our monthly giving circle to help support this nonprofit and the important work they are doing in our community. friendshipcircleva.org/donate
