203-329-0015 - The Friendship Circle

PRO GR A M S
Adult Chapter
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Birthday Club
Community Awareness
Children’s Circle
Friends At Home
Friendship Day
Holiday Events
Mitzvah Volunteer Training
Parent Events
Sibling Support
Special Events
Swim Party
Teen Scene
Volunteer Club
Winter Camp
NEED TO
REACH US?
203-329-0015
Malya Shmotkin
Program Director
Malya@FriendshipCT.com
Chanie Teldon
Program Coordinator
Chanie@FriendshipCT.com
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Chava Eilfort
Program Manager
Chava@FriendshipCT.com
Sarah Lipsker
Administrator
Admin@FriendshipCT.com
Miriam Sperber
Adult Chapter
Miriam@FriendshipCT.com
OUR VISION
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Friendship Circle!
Whether you are one of the many people already involved in the
Friendship Circle or a newcomer, we invite you to take a look at the
wonderful programs we have planned for this year.
At the Friendship Circle, we extend a loving hand of friendship to
children with special needs and their families. We work to create a
warm and accepting environment and to form relationships that last a
lifetime. Our network of more than 350 teen and adult volunteers helps
us offer a full range of social and Judaic programs for children, teens,
and adults.
Like a circle, with no beginning or end, at the Friendship Circle everyone
benefits. Our teen volunteers, through active involvement with their
special friends, also become empowered, enriched, and profoundly
transformed.
If you are a teen, we invite you to join our ever-growing group of
volunteers. You will have a chance to make a meaningful difference in
a child’s life.
If you are a community member who would just like to volunteer, or
want to learn more about what we do, we would love to hear from you,
too. And if you or someone you know might benefit from our programs,
please do not hesitate to call us.
Together we can make a world of difference.
We would like to dedicate this publication to the Lubavitcher Rebbe,
Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, who is the
inspiration behind everything we do.
Sincerely,
The Friendship Circle Staff
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C OMMUNI T Y
AWAR EN ESS
Friendship Day
Sukkot Community-Wide Celebration!
www.FriendshipDayCT.com
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Sunday, October 12
12:30-3:30 pm
At The Friendship Circle Center
770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
Keep the circle strong - donate and participate!
Join us for a fun-filled day of activities to celebrate the Friendship Circle
volunteers and the children and families they support. Participate in a
special morning, filled with music, art, food, and friendship designed
for individuals of all ages and abilities. Sign up to sponsor a volunteer
or donate hours of your own to help keep the Circle strong!
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Friends at
Home
Bringing Friendship
Where It’s Needed
Most…
AT HOME
Friends At Home is the cornerstone of our program. Every week, pairs of
teenage volunteers visit children in their homes, providing friendship through
shared experiences. These teens are trained for their valuable roles as friends
and mentors.
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Everyone deserves to celebrate his/
her Bar/Bat Mitzvah surrounded by
family and friends. Friendship Circle
can help create an individualized
program for your child.
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Children's
Circle
NEW!
Adult
Chapter
Over the past 12 years, the Friendship
Circle has grown and evolved to
meet the needs of our families and
participants. Our new Adult Chapter
is designed for individuals 18 and
older with a range of physical and
cognitive needs. The goal of the
program is to facilitate friendship and
social interaction through fun, ageappropriate activities.
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October 26
December 7
March 1
April 19
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Children’s Circle takes place on 15
Sundays throughout the year.
Parents leave their child in the hands
of qualified professionals and loving
volunteers. In addition to Jewish
content, the children and their friends
enjoy various activities including
music, art, cooking, and sports.
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For Children: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
For Volunteers: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
At The Friendship Circle Center
770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
October 26
November 2, 16, 23
December 7, 21
January 11, 25
February 8, 22
March 1, 15, 22
April 19, 26
TEEN
SC EN E
Teen Scene gives teens with special needs the opportunity to participate
in many social and educational programs together with teen volunteers.
Teen Circle
Bowling League
Teen Circle takes place on Sundays at
the same time and dates as Children’s
Circle. In addition to Jewish content,
the teens and their Friendship Circle
friends enjoy “Music IQ,” cooking, and
sports.
Teens and young adults meet on Sunday
morning for an hour of socializing,
snacks, and great bowling.
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Sundays: May 3, 10, 17, 31
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Birthday Club
Celebrate your Jewish birthday with the
Friendship Circle. Call us and we will
arrange everything from the friends to the
cake. We’ll make it a party you will always
remember!
Shabbat Dinners
The magic of the Friendship Circle happens through wonderful relationships
that are created between the families of the volunteers and their friends. You
are invited to join us for a beautiful Shabbat dinner in a relaxing and friendly
atmosphere.
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Shabbat Dinners for Friendship Circle Parents:
December 5 & February 6
Mitzvah Volunteer Training
The Mitzvah Volunteer Program gives Bar/Bat Mitzvah age children the
opportunity to take part in Friendship Circle activities, as well as receive
training in how to work with children with special needs. ‬This program is
designed to teach young teens the‭ i‬ mportance of giving to others as they enter
adulthood‭.
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Sundays‭: J‬ anuary 4‭, 1‬ 1‭, 1‬ 8‭, 2‬ 5
7:00‭ ‬–‭‫ ‮‬8‬ :30‭ p‬ m
At The Friendship Circle Center
770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
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Mitzvah Volunteer Award
Ceremony‭:‬‫‮‬
Sunday‭, A
‬ pril 19‭
‬6:30‭ ‬–‭‫ ‮‬7‬ :30‭ p‬ m ‬
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F OR TH E
GEN ER ATION S
Grandparents'
Day
Calling all Grandmas, Grandpas,
Bubbies and Zaidies! Join us for an
opportunity to spend some quality
time with your grandchild in the
Friendship Circle setting. Make a craft,
do some fun activities, and have a
delicious lunch!
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Sunday, March 15
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
At The Friendship Circle Center
770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
Moms' Night
Out NEW!
A special evening dedicated to moms
of children with special needs! We give
you a chance to unwind, relax, and
socialize with other Friendship Circle
moms in an enjoyable setting. You
will walk away with a masterpiece—
painted by you—that looks fabulous
and professional!
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Sunday, November 16
7:00 - 9:00 pm
At Pinot’s Palette
2200 Atlantic Street, Stamford
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CAMPS
Natan’s Camp
On two school vacation days, the
Friendship Circle will host mini-camp
experiences. This allows parents a few
hours of respite, while their children
enjoy exciting trips, music, and more!
Ages 13+
Winter Camp
NEW!
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Tuesday, November 11
Weezee World!
During winter break, the Friendship
Circle offers Winter Camp, four funfilled days of trips and activities,
including swimming and gym. Each
child has a special friend to accompany
him or her throughout the day’s
activities.
Ages 5-12
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
At The Friendship Circle Center
770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
In Partnership with Carmel Academy
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Monday, January 19
Sportime USA!
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December 29 – January 1
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
At The Friendship Circle Center
770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
At The Friendship Circle Center
770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
In Partnership with Bi-Cultural Day School Alumni Events
Our Friendship Circle volunteers are dedicated and loyal. The relationships they form
last well beyond high school. Winter Camp gives our alumni a chance to volunteer
over their college break, and our new Alumni Gathering event will help them stay
connected to each other.
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Alumni Gathering
Chairs: Jason Kaplowitz, Ilana Springer & David Wayne
Saturday Evening, December 20
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At 613 Restaurant
108 Prospect Street, Stamford
SIBLING
SUPPORT
Our sibling support programs provide opportunities
for brothers and sisters of children with special needs
to get together to learn and share with their siblings
and peers. Between the creative discussions and fun
activities, siblings can get perspective on their own
situations and feel that they are not alone in handling
many of the challenges they face at home.
Winter Camp
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December 29 - January 1
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
At The Friendship Circle Center
770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
Kids' Night Out
Drop off all of your children for a special night of activities, food, and fun! We
will be going to Pump It Up!
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Saturday, January 31
6:30 - 9:30 pm
At The Friendship Circle Center
770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
NEW!
Siblings' Trip to Brooklyn
Just for siblings! A packed day will be spent at the Brooklyn’s Jewish Children’s
Museum, a Kosher pizza shop, and more!
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Sunday, June 7
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
At The Friendship Circle Center
770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
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HOLIDAY
EVEN T S
The holiday events unite the entire family in celebration with innovative
activities in a comfortable setting, enabling all to enjoy the warmth and joy
of the holidays.
Sukkot Community-Wide Holiday Program
Sunday, October 12, Friendship Day
12:30 – 3:30 pm
At The Friendship Circle Center, 770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
Chanukah Holiday Program
Monday, December 22
5:30 – 7:00 pm
At The Stepping Stones Museum, 303 West Avenue, Norwalk
Pre-Passover Holiday Program
Sunday, March 22
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
At The Friendship Circle Center, 770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
Passover Seder
Monday, April 3
7:00 pm
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At the Shmotkin home, 15 Francis Avenue, Stamford
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SPECIAL
EVEN T S
NEW!
Kids' Night Out
Swim Party
Drop off all of your children for a
special night of activities, food, and fun!
We will be going to Pump It Up! This
unique program will give your children
a chance to bond while enjoying great
activities in a safe environment. It will
also give you and your spouse a chance
to enjoy a worry-free night out.
Our special needs teens are invited
to a grand pool party! With trained
swim instructors and aquatic
therapists, our teens will have
a great time swimming, playing
games, and sharing pizza together.
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Sunday, May 3
6:00 – 7:30 pm
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Saturday, January 31
6:30 - 9:30 pm
At The Stamford JCC
1035 Newfield Ave, Stamford
At The Friendship Circle Center
770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
End of the Year Volunteer
Appreciation & Family BBQ
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Tuesday, May 19
5:00 – 6:30 PM
At The Cove Island Park
*Rain location at The Friendship Circle Center, 770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
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THE VOLUNT EER
C LUB
The Volunteer Club provides the Friendship
Circle volunteers with a wide range of activities
including outings, Friday night dinners, training
sessions, and more. This is a great opportunity for
our volunteers to get to know each other and share
experiences.
Volunteer Kick-Off
Sunday, September 28
7:00 – 9:00 pm
At Fun For Kids, 370 West Main Street, Stamford
Shaloch Manot Packing
Sunday, February 22
7:00 – 8:30 pm
At The Friendship Circle Center, 770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
Training led by: Julie Rosenberg, MS,CCC-SLP
End of Year Volunteer Appreciation BBQ
Tuesday, May 19
5:00 – 6:30 PM
At The Stamford Cove Island Park
*Rain location at The Friendship Circle Center, 770 High Ridge Road, Stamford
Mileage Program
The new mileage program, FCconnect, is a web-based tool where volunteers
log their friendship visits, get exciting prizes, and communicate with staff.
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B OAR D S
Teenage Board for
2014/2015
Emma Caplan
Tamar Cohen
Doron Feller
Richie Greenbaum
Hannah Kriftcher
Jason Nekritz
Rebecca Rakowitz
Samantha Schechter
Mira Schildkraut
Natalie Schlover
Ariel Semel
Adult Board for
2014/2015
Chairman: Mr. Fred Springer
Dr. Tanya Barton
Mrs. Devra Jaffe-Berkowitz
Dr. Josh Hurwitz
Mr. Joshua Levine
Mr. Roger Lob
Mrs. Susan Mark
Mr. Brian Roitman
Mrs. Julie Rosenberg
Mr. Howie Schwartz
Mrs. Beverly Stein
Mr. David Wayne
Mrs. Lauren Zalis
Resources & Development
Each year the Friendship Circle serves over 100 children and families with
special needs. While many Friendship Circle programs are volunteer driven,
it takes extensive management time and supervision to deliver high quality
programs and activities for these children and young adults.
We want to thank all of our volunteers and donors for helping us "Keep the
Circle Strong." It's because of this vital support that the Friendship Circle has
been able to grow to meet the needs of individuals with special needs and their
families in our community. To learn more about volunteer and sponsorship
opportunities, please contact Program Director, Malya Shmotkin at
(203) 329-0015.
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Permit No. 97
Stamford, CT
PA I D
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
770 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT, 06905
The Friendship Circle
The Friendship Circle is affiliated with:
Chabad of Fairfield
Chabad of Ridgefield
Chabad of Greenwich
Chabad of Stamford
36 Wynn Wood Drive
Fairfield, CT 06825
(203) 373–1119
75 Mason Street
Greenwich, CT 06830
(203) 661–2200
Chabad of New Canaan
34 Elm Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 972–7708
18 Lilac Lane
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 748–4421
770 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 329–0830
Chabad of Westport
JSpace Chabad Community Center
79 Newtown Turnpike
Westport, CT 06880
(203) 226-8584