On Sunday, February 10, Valley Chabad’s Friendship Circle spent a day of fun at Aeon Fitness. Over 50 children with special needs, together with their teen volunteers and their families, came to Aeon Fitness in Hillsdale, New Jersey. Happy faces and shouts of glee were heard from the smiling children as they jumped on the big trampolines, walked on balance beams and swung from ropes together with their Friendship Circle teen friends.
The Friendship Circle is a meaningful program that pairs teenage volunteers with children who have special needs. This program reaches out and extends warmth, friendship, and support to children and their families.
The Friendship Circle serves a dual purpose and enriches all who participate. Pairs of teenage volunteers visit the children at home on a weekly basis. The teenagers’ role is to play and interact with the children, thus giving the parents a much needed respite. The teenager learns the value of giving and cherishes the experience of making a difference in a child’s life.
The Friendship Circle hopes to impact the future of children with special needs by making a difference in their lives through teens in our community and helping them to form a special bond.
For more information about joining The Friendship Circle as a participant, volunteer or supporter please contact Estie Orenstein at 201-476-0157 [email protected].
By JLNJ Staff
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