On Sunday, May 15, hundreds of people came together on the patio of Chabad House in West Hartford to honor the many local young people who participated this past year in the Friendship Circle – a program that brings together everyone from toddlers to young adults, with and without special needs, for a variety of Judaic and social programming. 

Guests at the May 15 event enjoyed a BBQ and other activities, and had the opportunity to hear from Friendship Circle members who talked about their experience and how it is possible for every individual to build a more inclusive community one friendship at a time. 

At the heart of Friendship Circle is a group of local teen volunteers who befriend children and young adults with special needs, and by so doing help develop a more welcoming Jewish community for everyone to take part in.

Friendship Circle is a project of Chabad of Greater Hartford. To learn more, visit FriendshipCircleCT.com, or call (860) 833-4035.

Main Photo: At the Friendship Circle celebration, (left to right) Koby Braunstein, Ben Coelho and AJ Leshem share their experience as the Friendship Circle’s longest lasting “Friends at Home Group.” The three still meet up every weekend!