Special Needs Becomes Volunteer

An estimated 200 people joined together on the evening of June 5th to celebrate the completion of another successful year at the Friendship Circle in Phoenix and to honor the 90 teens that make it happen.

The event was MC’d by Ms. Gelie Akhenblit of Networking Phoenix was began the evening by introducing Rabbi Zalman Levertov, regional director of Chabad of Arizona, who shared words of inspiration from the Torah.

A panel of 3 speakers were next as each shared their experiences within the Friendship Circle. Mrs. Sylvia Miller, a parent of a child with special needs who participates in the program, expressed her thanks to the teens that visit with her daughter Mia as well the entire Friendship Circle family for welcoming her in to Phoenix as her community.

Miss Molly Bock, a graduating volunteer, took us down memory lane as she described her first years volunteering and the relationship she has built over the course of her volunteering time within the Friendship Circle.

Mrs. Linda Schnitzer, a proud parent of two FC teen volunteers, shared her own personal story of triumph, and the hardships she faced during her illness. Her story, she believes, brought her family to be aware, non-judgmental and open to all. Linda continued on to describe how her family has been affected by her daughters’ volunteering and how her entire family has learned, gained and built new friendships.

The highlight of the evening was the featured “Blossoms of Friendship”- 3 unique stories of the Friendship Circle presented by the graduating volunteers. (Jake Khazanovich, Sam Levine, Nick Renter, Jared Light, Geofrey Slepain, Ophir Gross, Haley Hammer) The first was the multi-media presentation of current volunteer Sam House. Sam first joined the FC in 2007 to benefit from all the programs the Friendship Circle offers. In 2010 he decided it was his turn to give back.

After viewing “Sam’s Blossoming Story” Sam received an overwhelming standing ovation. Special thanks to Emmy Award winner Stacey Delikat of Channel 3 for producing the videos.

The second “blossom” was a musical tribute to Jonathan Paul whose soul left us this year, as well as to the Friends at Home program. The musical tribute was written, produced and presented by singer Moshe Hecht who has a personal connection to the Friendship Circle.

The third highlighted the Friendship Circle’s Birthright trip to Israel and shared the story of 2 young adults who met, experienced an incredible time together and wed, all thanks to the Friendship Circle.

A delectable dinner was then served.

Honorees of the evening were Mr. and Mrs. Howard and Wendi Sobelman whose unwavering support for the Friendship Circle has gone and will continue to, go a long way. Rabbi Mendy Levertov, executive director of the Friendship Circle, presented Howard and Wendi with an original personalized painting by Michoel Muchnick with initials inscription of each member of the family. Howard and Wendi, respectfully, shared their personal experiences with the special needs community and their hopes for the future.

The Chesed award was presented to Mr. Nir Joels who has volunteered his time to coordinate and run the Sports Circle for the Friendship Circle for the past 4 years. He then shared his views of children and teens with special needs and how important programs like the Friendship Circle are.

Finally, the moment of the evening, the Award presentation to all of the Friendship Circle volunteers. The Fellowship Award where presented to the volunteers that attained the required 25 credits of volunteering. The volunteer were rewarded for their devotion, time and affection towards our community’s special children.

Teens that volunteered their time were presented with a beautiful certificate as well as the personalized gift. Special mention were made for the Teen Leadership Board Members and presidents.