Friends Helping Friends

Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead… Just walk beside me and be my friend.

About Friendship Circle

Friendship Circle of Brooklyn is a non-profit organization affiliated with The Jewish Children’s Museum. Our goal is to provide every individual with special needs the support, friendship, and inclusion that they deserve.

What we do

Friendship Circle provides assistance and support to nearly two hundred individuals with special needs and their families by providing recreational, social, educational, and vocational programming. In addition to helping those in need, the Friendship Circle enriches its vast network of volunteers by enabling them to reap the rewards of selfless giving.

Our Mission

Friendship Circle creates friendship in the lives of individuals with special needs and those facing isolation while providing an opportunity to become a contributing member of the community. Through our programming, Friendship Circle aims to promote an inclusive community that values all individuals regardless of the challenges they face.

Our Values

Friendship Circle is founded upon the idea of “ואהבת לרעך כמוך”, that within each person is a soul; and that soul is equal and worthy of boundless love. With this inspiration, the lives of the families we serve are enhanced while the volunteers reap the rewards of selfless giving.

Our Team

Rabbi Berel and Chani Majesky

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Berel fell in love with the idea of becoming director of the Friendship Circle in his own hometown. Berel has successfully translated his passion of community building into the largest growing special needs organization in the area. His warmth, energy and creativity coupled with his strong work ethic have allowed him to capably manage and create many new programs and initiatives for Friendship Circle.

Chani Majesky (Nee Procel) grew up on the other side of the world in Melbourne, Australia. Chani’s personable and outgoing personality has lent a feeling of warmth and inclusion to the families of the Friendship Circle. Her love for working with and mentoring teenagers has allowed her to successfully run a division consisting of 250 female volunteers. If they’re not working, you will find them spending quality time with their children Mendel (12), Chaya (11), Yuda (7), and Shmuel (3).

Together, the Majesky family’s energy and dedication have brought the Friendship Circle to unparalleled heights.

 

Dedication

Dedication

The Rebbe’s unconditional love to people knew no bounds. To the Rebbe they all belonged. He made them feel at home. The Rebbe’s warm smile would heal every aching heart.

The Rebbe was always there, offering counsel and blessings, comfort and hope, and often, material help as well.

It is his belief that none of us is complete unless all of us are included. That is the very core and essence of what the Rebbe teaches.

It is this single concept that motivates the Friendship Circle.

To learn more about the Rebbe visit www.therebbe.org

The Rebbe

Friendship Circle International

The Friendship Circle is today’s fastest growing Jewish organization for children with special needs. With over 80 locations worldwide the Friendship Circle has cultivated friendships between 7,000 special children and close to 11,000 teen volunteers.

The Friendship Circle’s unique approach brings together teenage volunteers and children with special needs for hours of fun and friendship. These shared experiences empower the children, our special friends, while enriching the lives of everyone involved.

For more about Friendship Circle International visit www.friendshipcircle.com