Mitzvah Volunteer Program (MVP)

MVP is our inclusive access point for tweens and teens (6th & 7th Graders – ages 12-14) who are interested in getting involved in FC & being inclusive friends. MVP is also an engaging and meaningful Bar/Bat Mitzvah program. The program builds a foundation to understand and accept each other’s differences and how to apply those lessons at school, synagogue, home, and future Philly Friendship Circle programs!

Program

Through activities, games, and multimedia presentations, MVP participants learn about communication, human development, diagnosis and more. We teach these subjects through special needs advocacy, Jewish values, and current events. This dynamic and interactive approach opens doors to meaningful discussion and personal growth for participants. In addition to weekday gatherings, participants and their parents attend Sunday Circle to get a hands-on experience participating at our programs. 

5 Weekday Gatherings

  • In-Person Orientation – 1.5 hours – At least one parent must attend
  • 3 Virtual Gatherings – 1 hour each – Parents are not required to attend
  • In-Person Final Recap Gathering – 1.5 hours – At least one parent must attend

Gatherings will be held on Mondays or Wednesdays, depending on the session. (Please click here for basic timing of our MVP sessions for the ’22-’23 year.) The exact time of the weekly gatherings is determined by participants’ availability in each MVP session.

3 Sunday Circle Programs

Get a glimpse behind the scenes and join the fun with new friends. 

  • MVPers are required to attend 3 Sunday Circles
  • MVP parents are required to attend two Sunday Circles: The first Sunday Circle that their teen attends as well as one of the other two that their teen attends in order to learn more about the program and serve as an adult volunteer
  • Location rotates based on session

Impact

“Although I was apprehensive at first to join FC, the more I participated, the more comfortable I felt. FC 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

Check out all the dates on our calendar

Children & Teen Programs