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
Our Only rule:
Be yourself & have fun!
Among Friends
Winter Newsletter
Thank you for
walking with us!
Support Ongoing
Friendships
Discover the Difference
Discover what's behind the
Philly Friendship Circle magic
Engaging
Curriculum
Our thoughtfully designed programs offer meaningful, hands-on experiences that foster connection, creativity, and personal growth.
Expert
Instructors
Led by dedicated professionals and trained volunteers, our team brings compassion, experience, and enthusiasm to every interaction.
Safe
Environment
Philly Friendship Circle provides a welcoming and secure space where all participants feel valued, respected, and supported.
About Philly Friendship Circle
Built on the belief: love your fellow as yourself.
Philly Friendship Circle fosters inclusive friendships and meaningful connections among children, teens, and young adults of all abilities, their families, and the broader Jewish community.
Through joyful, interactive experiences, we promote acceptance, inclusion, and the celebration of each individual's unique potential. While rooted in Jewish values, we warmly welcome friends from all backgrounds.
Programs & Offerings
Programs for all Ages
and Abilities
Monthly
Parent Programs
Our parent events provide a space for families to share experiences, gain insights, and build a community with others.
Family Support
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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
Virtual Happy Hour
Join us for our weekly virtual happy hour—an inclusive and fun space for young adults with special needs to connect, unwind, and build friendships from the comfort of home.
Young Adults
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Weekly
Community Events
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.
All Ages
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5 Weeks
Mitzvah Volunteer Program (MVP)
Warm & welcoming entry program and meaningful Bar/Bat Mitzvah program. Each session is 5 weeks long.
Children & Teens
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Weekly
Alumni Leadership Committee
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!
Alumni & Young Professionals
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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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Annual Friendship Circle Gala
The 2026 Gala is coming up!
🔥 Gala '26 Countdown
What People are Saying
Voices of our Community
“I feel part of a larger, special community. I went to my first event with my son a few weeks ago and realized that I knew other parents who were also members of the Friendship Circle! It made me feel closer to them and lucky that I found out about this organization!”
“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.”
My son's new friend coming over has been a highlight of the week for our family. My son waits at the window for him to arrive - they have such a sweet connection! Thank you so much for your care in matching us so thoughtfully!
