About Us

OUR MISSION
Circle of Friends of Connecticut reaches out to children, teens, young adults & adults with autism & disabilities & involves them in a full array of inclusive social experiences. Our innovative programming of home visits, play dates and social interactions, is designed to foster a relationship between children with special needs and community teenage volunteers.
In addition to supporting their families, Circle of Friends empowers and enriches its network of volunteers (the majority of whom are teenagers) by enabling them to reap the vast rewards of participating in a program that strengthens their personal connections to the community by giving back to the community.
Circle of Friends is non-sectarian and reaches out to all faith communities.

UNITY
Circle of Friends is a vibrant community hub in Fairfield County, bringing together people with special needs, their families and loving volunteers.

COMMUNITY
Circle of Friends is built on the foundational belief that every soul has infinite value, and every person has a unique contribution to make to the world. 40+ tailor-made programs give kids, teens and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to engage in social, recreational, educational, and life experiences.

OPPORTUNITY
At the heart of Circle of Friends is the vision that together we can create a community that celebrates all of its diverse members and empowers everyone to reach their full divine potential.

OUR TEAM
Freida Hecht | Executive Director
Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht | Spiritual Advisor
Joelle Wilshinsky | Program Director
MEET OUR HIGH SCHOOL PRESIDENTS