5:00-6:00 pm on most Thursdays from September-June (and 4 Thursdays during the summer)
Are you a young adult connected to Philly Friendship Circle?
A current member or alumnus?
Come join our virtual Young Adult Happy Hour where we hang out, do fun activities together, and play some games!
This is a great way to stay connected to Philly Friendship Circle even if you have graduated, live away from home, or find it easier to connect with friends virtually! To join virtual Young Adult Happy Hour, please check our weekly emails for the Zoom link OR contact outreach@phillyfriendship.com.
Join the friendliest group of young adults for socializing, laughter, and yummy food!
Some of these events feature our Art Studio which empowers young adults to work with “Mentor Artists”, and culminates in our annual Art Show! (Art made in the Studio will be displayed and available for purchase at the Art Show.)
Our full-time staff and team of Friendship Experts (professionals in the special needs field) are always on-site at events.
Come hang out and get to know fellow young adults in the community.
This program is made possible with the support of the Jewish Federation’s Community Fund.
Join us for group adventures like exciting sporting events, fun-filled bowling outings, captivating zoo visits, sunny summer beach days, and refreshing nature walks. Enjoy great times with friends, laughter, and camaraderie every step of the way!
Birthright Israel provides a free trip to Israel for all eligible young Jews. Over 10 years ago, through Birthright Israel trip providers, we began leading accessible trips for young adults with disabilities. (Please note that this trip is initiated and run by Birthright Israel, and Philly Friendship Circle works with Birthright Israel to make it as accessible as possible.) Our goal is to provide an authentic Birthright Israel experience with a mindfulness to accommodate everyone and ensure memorable connections with the land and with each other.
This 10-day trip offers an immersive experience for participants. On our must-see list, we visit the Kotel, Masada, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Safed, and more. We infuse these stops with Israeli food, music, shopping, and activities. We discuss how we each practice Judaism, what it means to be an American Jew and our shared heritage. The trip is an incredible experience for participants–returning rejuvenated, confident, independent, and ready to take on challenges while forming new friendships. Check out our whole highlight of the 2023 trip on our Instagram, right here!
UNFORTUNATELY, WE WILL NOT BE HAVING A 2024 TRIP. STAY TUNED FOR 2025 TRIP.
Eligibility
Each applicant is treated as an individual when determining their eligibility for the trip. While Philly Friendship Circle staff is open to a vast array of circumstances and encourages anyone interested in an inclusive, accessible trip to inquire further, ultimately Birthright Israel is responsible for the application and decision process. If you know anyone who may be interested in the trip, forward them this information. Please keep in mind the following Birthright guidelines. Participants must:
* Please contact us if you have any questions about eligibility criteria.
* If the applicant is between 27-32 years old, please contact us if the system does not accept your application.
Typically, registration opens in January or February and closes within 2-4 weeks.
Limited Spots Available
Connect with your Philly Friendship Circle community by helping to distribute holiday packages and other service opportunities throughout the year! You’ll enjoy doing hands-on activities that are also very memorable mitzvahs.
Email us for more information.
Schmoozing, learning about resources, fun nights out, and beyond… with parents who “get” you — and us, your community who’s here to support you.
Catch a breather or join fellow parents to connect, learn, and support one another while we get to spend time with your awesome child(ren)!
Learn from and connect with a large network of Philly Friendship Circle parents! Join workshops that are connective and practical on topics like care providers, changes in laws and how they affect individuals with disabilities, and planning for your child’s future.
Thoughtfully curated, relaxing, and bonding events for parents of children with special needs (of all ages). We offer moms’ and dads’ nights out over welcoming meals and time for you to enjoy some respite. Socialize and take a breather with a few members of our staff and fellow parents.
Gather for group trips like sporting events, bowling, zoo, summer beach day, and nature walks.
These are also great opportunities for the entire family to come together and experience the warmth of being a part of Philly Friendship Circle.
The feeling of community is powerful. Having a fun, inclusive, and accessible community is vital to welcoming all families. In addition to our ongoing programs, we run a number of community events and activities to enjoy with family and friends such as field trips, community service “mitzvah” projects, Shabbat dinners, Jewish holiday celebrations, and more:
Our Alumni Leadership Committee unites our (often spread-out) alumni family–and new friends–via events to connect with each other and stay involved in inclusion!
They do so through educational opportunities, fundraising initiatives, and social networking.
Even if you weren’t previously involved, we invite all young professionals who value inclusion to become part of our community and join a place where everyone is welcome!
Alumni and young professionals are a part of our Division of Young Adult programs, and are therefore invited to sign up for all of our other young adult programs too. Plus, they can contribute their time as “adult volunteers” at Sunday Circle and/or annual events like our Walk and Gala. Email us to get involved!