Mitzvah Volunteer Program (MVP)

MVP is our inclusive access point for tweens and teens (6th & 7th grade) who are interested in getting involved in Philly Friendship Circle & being inclusive friends. MVP is also an engaging and meaningful Bar/Bat Mitzvah program. This service learning opportunity 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!

“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

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 hands-on experience participating in our programs. 

2024-2025 Sessions

• MVP 1 – Tuesdays 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8
  • Sunday Circle: 9/15, 9/22, 9/29
• MVP 2 Thursdays 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
  • Sunday Circle: 2/2, 2/9, 2/23
• MVP 3 – Wednesdays 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21
  • Sunday Circle: 4/27, 5/4, 5/18

Email outreach@phillyfriendship.com to learn more!