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.
These 6 in-person events offer dinner in the sukkah, 4 art & dining programs, plus a night out at a restaurant with the warm fuzzy feelings we are known for!
We provide a lot of support via our full-time staff and also have a full team of Friendship Experts on site, who are professionals in the special needs field.
The art & dining programs also empower young adults to work with “Mentor Artists”, as part of our Art Studio–which culminates in our annual Art Show! (Art made during the art & dining events will be displayed and available for purchase at the Art Show.)
Join us to 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.
Gather for group walks and hikes in the great outdoors with Rabbi Zev and Chani Baram!
These are also great opportunities for families to reconnect and schmooze while strolling.
In the winter, Sunday Strolls may transition to indoor volunteering opportunities.
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 throughout the year! You’ll enjoy doing a hands-on activity that is also a very memorable mitzvah.
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.
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/young professionals–via events to connect with each other and stay involved in inclusion!
They do so through educational opportunities, fundraising initiatives, and social networking. Young professionals who are interested in becoming part of our community can also join in the fun!
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 at alumni@phillyfriendship.com to get involved!