On November 25th, during lunch at Hebrew Academy, some of the Warriors gathered together for a presentation of Friendship Circle, an organization dedicated to fostering friendship and inclusion for special needs children, teens, and young adults. Esther Laoui (10th) and Zach Schuster (12th), both prominent Friendship Circle members, encouraged the attendees through their personal experiences and volunteer opportunities.
Esther began the presentation with an overview of Friendship Circle’s goals and the effects.
“Friendship Circle, it’s not just about hanging out, it’s about making a space where everyone feels seen and cared about. As a volunteer and board member, I’ve realized how much of a difference we can make, not just for each other but especially for the kids. For many of them, it’s their second, or first home. Seeing them get more confident and light up when they feel supported shows how much these friendships matter not just for them but for all of us,” Esther Laoui (10th) shared.
Friendship Circle representative Itty Woloson then showed us an inspiring video showcasing the program’s positive impacts on its members. The video featured a few of the volunteers reflecting on their experience volunteering.
Following the video, Itty spoke about the numerous ways anyone can get involved; from one-on-one visits with friends at home to group activities at pottery and JCCs in various places, volunteers can gain volunteer hours and make a difference in someone's life.
Zach Schuster and Esther Laoui then encouraged people to join with their personal experiences.
“I was partnered with a new buddy and we connected on a deep level. Now, even though he moved to New York, I am still a big part of his life, and our weekly FaceTimes are the highlight of my week. You never know the influence you can have on someone in just two short hours and you never expect the impact they could have on you,” said Zach (12th).
Friendship Circle's presentation left a lasting impression on the attendees. Students were reminded of the power of inclusion and the difference they can make to others. As this meeting wrapped up, it was clear that Friendship Circle isn't just about volunteering. As Esther Laoui said, “You may be one person in this world, but you could be someone else’s world.”
Hebrew Academy looks forward to seeing more volunteers this year at Friendship Circle.
By: Adina Shagalov (10th) and Abby Reich (11th)
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