About Us

What is it like to be a child with a disability?
For many children with special needs, it's lonely. Very lonely.

The Circle of Friends provides a wide array of innovative programming promoting a greater awareness and understanding of both the unique needs and the unique gifts of individuals with special needs and encourages respect and empathy for those facing difficult challenges.

The children and families benefit from weekly, home visits and monthly recreational group programming. Children, teens and adults with special needs celebrate the holidays with exciting, interactive programs.

For our teen volunteers, The Circle of Friends aims to create an environment that will nurture and inspire their volunteer experience with meaning, purpose and self-value; a sense of connection to and responsibility for the greater community.

OUR TEAM
Freida Hecht, Director
Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht, Spiritual Advisor
Susan Robison, Volunteer Coordinator
Chanie Stone, Program Director
Dina Hecht, Fundraising
Rabbi Levi Stone, Director of Development

" Love Your Fellow as Yourself”
(Leviticus 19:18).

A Note from our Director, Freida Hecht

Dear Friends,
One of the fundamental principles of The Circle of Friends is the Torah’s declaration, “Vahavta L’rayacha Kamocha - Love Your Fellow as Yourself”
(Leviticus 19:18).
Our families and their remarkable children remind us everyday what friendship truly means. Friendship is unconditional love, utmost patience, a heart overflowing with pride and the infallible strength that holds it all together. Once you experience a child, sibling or parent living with such perseverance every day, you cannot help but look within yourself to embody that same spirit.

I invite you to learn more about The Circle of Friends. If you are someone who can benefit from the programs we provide or you would like to volunteer, please contact us and join our circle. If you would like to support our programs, which benefit so many in our community, please browse our Donate section to see the many different ways you can help.

Whatever you need, please feel free to contact us at any time.
We are here for you.

Sincerely in Friendship,
Freida Hecht