The Friendship Circle of Kansas City, a program of Chabad of Kansas City centered on inclusion for people with disabilities, has launched its first program, Friends@Home.
The Friendship Circle’s goal is to provide opportunities for children and teenagers with disabilities and their families to engage in social and recreational activities alongside their peers in the general community. The Friendship Circle operates as a joint program of Chabad of Kansas City’s KCteen program, as well as Marc and Alicia Kulick.
The organization's mission includes the belief that every individual, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to form genuine connections and participate fully in society.
Through its first program, Friends@Home, The Friendship Circle pairs trained teenage volunteers with children with disabilities for weekly visits in the comfort of their own homes.
"These visits go a long way to curing loneliness through bonding and shared experiences with their teen volunteers," said Rabbi Avremi Baron, who helps facilitate the program. "Friends are not a luxury; friends are a necessity. Together with our incredible teens, we want to be that friend for a child who struggles to connect with others and show them the love that everyone deserves."
The Friends@Home program is meant not only to benefit the children and teenagers with disabilities but also to provide valuable learning experiences for the teen volunteers, teaching them the value of selfless giving and making a positive impact in someone else's life.
"Through Friends@Home, we aim to increase confidence, ignite dreams and redefine worldviews for both parties involved," Rabbi Baron said.
"People often underestimate how much impact basic friendships have on our lives. I've long believed that feeling alone is possibly the worst feeling on this earth,” said Marc Kulick, CEO of Vesta Capital and Friendship Circle donor. “When Rabbi Avremi and I started talking about this program, he mentioned that one of the most moving parts of Friendship Circle is when the kids know their friends are coming over. They can get so excited that they wait by the window [or] door all day in preparation.”
“That was the moment that my wife, Alicia, and I agreed not only were we donating to this program, but we wanted to do more,” Kulick continued. “We want to make sure that every child gets to experience that feeling of being so excited to have a friend come over and truly connect."
Those wishing to get involved with The Friendship Circle are encouraged to reach out to Rabbi Baron at or (410) 530-4150. Donations to support the organization's programs can be made at supportfriendshipcircle.org/donate.
