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Jewish Community News
News: April 2004
Chabad’s ‘Friendship Circle’ for special needs children
Chabad of the Greater South Bay has launched an innovative new program aimed at Jewish special needs children called “The Friendship Circle.” The program matches special needs children and teenage mentors. The teen mentors make weekly home visits to the children’s homes. The children and their mentors also participate in social gatherings organized by Chabad and Jewish volunteers.
The home visits, which involve simple interacting through crafts, computer games, sports, or music, have meant the most for the special needs children. The children gain a special friend that will hopefully lead to an everlasting relationship.
“I turned to the Friendship Circle to help expand my daughter Michelle’s circle of support,” said Ruth Maitless. “Michelle began interacting with people she never would have met before and developed new bonds and friendships with other Jewish people.”
On the flip side, the teen mentors come to recognize that their input and involvement can make a difference. They learn the power of performing a mitzvah, and gain invaluable perspective on difficulties faced by other young people. They further learn the responsibility of committing to a volunteer visit each week.
“When the Friendship Circle began, it involved only three families of children with special needs,” said Nechama Levin, one of the co-directors. “The program now links over 18 families with about 60 teen volunteers.”
The Friendship Circle was co-founded by Rabbi Yosef Levin
and Ruth Maitless in January 2004 with the idea that, “every member
of our community has the right to share the joys of the Jewish experience.”
Rabbi Levin continued, “The experiences both participants and volunteers
gain is tremendous. This a win-win situation for the community and we’re
pleased to be able to offer this service.”
The Friendship Circle of Greater South Bay also holds bi-monthly group
programs, called “Children’s Circle.” These meetings
help develop cohesiveness among the families and the volunteer group.
Each session consists of specialty activities such as art, music, dance
and sports; the second part consists of learning activities related to
the various Jewish holidays.
The next scheduled program will be held on April 25 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Mitchell Park C.C. at 3800 Middlefield Road.
To join the Friendship Circle as a volunteer or participating family, and for further information, visit www.chabadpaloalto.com or contact Nechama Levin or Sheina Schuster-man at (650) 424-9800.
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