Rabbi Levi Shemtov and Bassie Shemtov,Co-Founders, The Friendship Circle DotCom Magazine, Interview.

The DotCom Magazine Entrepreneur Spotlight Series

Rabbi Levi Shemtov and Bassie Shemtov,Co-Founders, The Friendship Circle DotCom Magazine, Interview.

About Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Bassie Shemtov and The Friendship Circle:

Our Mission:

The Friendship Circle exists to bring happiness and companionship to children and young adults with special needs by celebrating their individuality, as well as bringing energy, support, and peace of mind to their families.

To do this, we focus on developing the values of altruism, compassion, and acceptance in our teen volunteers as we heighten community awareness and sensitivity and encourage a sense of responsibility and involvement.

How We See It:

Everyone in this world has a unique purpose. When we focus on abilities instead of disabilities, those with special needs can be part of the strongest friendships and influence people in positive ways that others can’t. Unwavering acceptance, positive thinking, honesty, and commitment are just a few of the important lessons these individuals teach by example.

What We Do:

Friendship Circle chapters in local communities create meaningful relationships and friendships between teen volunteers and children with special needs, increasing confidence, igniting dreams, and redefining worldviews for both parties.

Friendship Circle International has more than 80 regional chapters around the world and counting.

Our Programs:

Friends@Home

Every week, pairs of trained teenage volunteers visit children with special needs at home. These one- or two-hour visits go a long way to curing loneliness through board games, stories, music, and play.

Camp:

The Friendship winter and summer camps for children with special needs offer a brief respite to parents and siblings, while providing campers with the time of their lives. Campers have a blast and gain new skills through songs, stories, crafts, and other activities.

Holiday Programs:

Holidays are a time for family. The Friendship Circle’s innovative activities enable the whole family to participate, each at his or her own level. This educational and entertaining approach helps families to connect with their Jewish heritage and the Jewish community at large.

Children’s Torah Circle:

This program helps to teach children everything from gross motor and cognitive techniques to communication and language skills. Music, stories, arts and crafts, and socializing provide children with special needs varied ways to learn about their beautiful Jewish heritage.

Sports Night:

Sports are a great way to build friendships, confidence, and physical health. Volunteers help kids to shoot hoops, kick goals, throw and catch under the watchful eyes of a professional instructor.

Sibling Support Programs:

Siblings of children with special needs often need support for their emotions. Sibling support programs provide opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with special needs learn and share with their peers. Thanks to creative discussions and fun activities, siblings take home skills to face challenges in their own lives.

Life Skills:

For a child with special needs, the “outside world” can seem overwhelmingly strange. Professionals along with teen volunteers help these children to become comfortable in, and able to take advantage of, public places. This helps them to become as self-sufficient as possible.

Walk4Friendship:

Volunteers, families, and friends of Friendship Circle show their solidarity and support through a sponsored walkathon. All funds support Friendship Circle programs.