Based on the Jewish value of “Love your fellow as yourself”, our mission is to connect teens and young adults to youth with special needs and their families through a full range of social offerings. Inspired by the power of genuine friendships, our youth cultivate understanding, kindness, and responsibility while ensuring a caring and inclusive community.
About Philly Friendship Circle
About MVP
A Foundation to understand & accept each other's differences
Learn Through Experience
Interactive games, activities, and multimedia spark learning about communication, development, and inclusion.
Growing with Your Child
Parents take part in moments of learning and connection, experiencing the inclusive community from their own adult perspective.
Build Meaningful Friendships
MVP fosters empathy and connection, helping tweens become inclusive friends in all areas of life.
Prepare for Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah
A hands-on service learning journey that enriches Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation with purpose and impact.
Inside the MVP Experience
Learning Through Friendship
Offered in the fall, winter, and spring, each MVP session blends hands-on learning, engaging discussions, and dynamic activities that explore empathy, human connection, and what it means to truly show up for others. MVP also serves as a meaningful Bar/Bat Mitzvah track, helping participants turn values into action at home, in school, at synagogue, and in the community.
What people are saying about
Mitzvah Volunteer Program
"Although I was apprehensive at first to join Philly Friendship Circle, the more I participated, the more comfortable I felt. Philly Friendship Circle taught me kindness and respect because I learned… how to embrace other people's differences.”
- Mia, graduate of our MVP program, from the pulpit at her Bat Mitzvah
- Mia, graduate of our MVP program, from the pulpit at her Bat Mitzvah
"What keeps us coming back is the fun and friendly atmosphere everyone creates at Philly Friendship Circle. It's a new experience and can be outside of someone's comfort zone, so those warm interactions make all the difference. I can't wait for my youngest to be old enough to participate!”
- David, Parent
- David, Parent
"When I first joined MVP, I immediately felt welcomed—it was easy to talk, make friends, and just be myself. This is a place where I can have fun without worries, thanks to the people who make it so special. Now, as I prepare to graduate high school, I realize how much this community has shaped who I am, and I hope everyone carries a bit of its message with them throughout their life."
- Carolyn, MVP Graduate
- Carolyn, MVP Graduate
Esther Howard
Mother of Lima
Micheal Work
Mother of Lima
Lina Rose
Mother of Lima
Winter Registration Now Closed
Winter Session Schedule
All gatherings take place after school. At least one parent is required to attend the first and last gatherings, as well as at least 2 Sunday Circle.
- Gathering 1 - In person
Tue, Jan 13 - 1.5 Hrs - MVPers & Parents - Gathering 2 - Zoom
Tue, Jan 20 - 1 Hour - MVPers - Sunday Circle
Sun, Jan 25 - 12:30-3:45 pm - Gathering 3 - Zoom
Tue, Jan 27 - 1 Hour - MVPers - Sunday Circle
Sun, Feb 1 - 12:30-3:45 pm - Gathering 4 - Zoom
Tue, Feb 3 - 1 Hour - MVPers - Sunday Circle
Sun, Feb 8- 12:30-3:45 pm - Gathering 5 - In person
Tue, Feb 10 - 1.5 Hrs - MVPers & Parents
Registration is currently closed for Winter. Come back soon to register for Spring.
Programs & Offerings
More Children & Teen Programs
Weekly
Sunday Circle
Sunday afternoon “camp-style” gatherings for pairs of friends to spend quality time together in group activities.
Children & Teens
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Weekly
Teen Leadership Board
For high school teens who want to more deeply commit to our mission & build the future of Philly Friendship Circle.
Children & Teens
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Weekly
Friends@Home
Friends@Home is a unique weekly program that brings two people together to build a genuine friendship, unlike any other.
Children & Teens
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Annual
Fellowship Awards
Fellowship Awards are presented to teens and young adults who demonstrate outstanding commitment to Philly Friendship Circle. We honor their dedication at an annual Fellowship Award Ceremony at the end of each programming year.
Children & Teens
Learn more