Friendship Circle of San Diego Photo Update

The Friendship Circle of San Diego, a long standing Federation partner, has had a very busy year! The Friendship Circle aims to enrich the lives of children, teens, and adults with special needs through social and recreational experiences while inspiring volunteers to participate in building a stronger and more inclusive community. Some highlights include:

Friendship Circle has partnered with a number of local Jewish organizations to expand programs and opportunities in our community. Children and teens of the Friendship Circle are having a wonderful time participating in the new performing arts club – Shooting Stars, founded by teens Chloe Dahan and Jamie Zimmerman and located at the JCC and Adat Yeshuurn.

 The Friendship Circle was excited to participate in the Mega Challah Bake at the San Diego Jewish Academy, part of the recent Shabbat San Diego weekend of activities. The Friendship Circle was thrilled by the number of volunteers, including the Hirschhorns with their Eichner volunteers and Jessica Brook and her J-teen volunteers.

The Jewish Family Service Hands Up Youth Food Pantry, provided Friendship Circle participants the opportunity to give back to the community with the assistance of their teen volunteers.

Members of the The Friendship Circle and AEPi college students recently spent a lovely afternoon bonding and having fun in Balboa Park, facilitated by Jewish Student Life at SDSU. Caring teens from Beth Am orchestrated a wonderful afternoon at Free Flight – an exotic bird sanctuary – with members of the Friendship Circle.

The Friendship Circle has been busy making new friends and planning new activities. To date, they have provided friendship to more than 512 children and families, has had more than 754 volunteers, and has provided approximately 2,446 hours of service.

The Jewish Federation of San Diego County would like to wish a Kol Ha’Kavod to the Friendship Circle of San Diego!