The Friendship Circle Kick-Off event on Tuesday, August 27 gave volunteers, old and new, an opportunity to learn more about the group and ways in which they can participate. The organization’s Teen Leadership Board led most of the training, sharing their insights and tips based on personal experiences. A project of Chabad of Greater Hartford, the Friendship Circle provides children, teens and young adults with special needs with a wide range of educational and social programs in a Jewish environment. Aided by a group of dedicated teen volunteers, Friendship Circle programs include home visits, holiday programs, life-skills building and sibling support – plus support to families facing the challenges of raising a child with special needs.

Pictured here participating in a kick-off event workshop are a group of sophomores from Hall High School in West Hartford, including (l to r) Matt Lefkowitz, Alyson Graf, Melanie Binkhorst, Josh Binkhorst, Josh Goodman, Jordan Weinsstok, Noah Drazen and Ben Fishman.