Friendship Circle - Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta

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The Friendship Circle provides services and support for Jewish children and teens with special needs through the help of trained teen volunteers.

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Our Commitment

Chabad is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming community.

If you need an accommodation to participate please let us know!

Please call 403-281-3770 or email us at friendship@chabadalberta.org.

ShabbaTTogether

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Sunday Circle

Parent Support Group

Monthly meetings to relax, unwind, and socialize.

Click here for more information.

Purim, Passover, and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recognizing and Dealing with the Challenges

Click here to read the article.

Volunteers Needed

We are looking for enthusiastic teenage and young adult volunteers who want to make a difference in the life of a child.

Remarkable bonds are forged between the children with special needs and their teenage friends.

Click here to volunteer.

What is Friendship Circle

The Friendship Circle provides services and support for children and teens with special needs through the help of trained teen volunteers.

To learn more about Friendship Circle worldwide click here.

Parent's Support Group

The Parent Support Group holds monthly meetings covering a range of fundamental and exciting subjects for parents raising children with special needs.

For Parent Support Group meetings in Calgary, please contact Mrs. Matusof at 403.281.3770 or friendship@chabadalberta.org.

AN ARTICLE BY A CALGARY FC PARENT

Building A Full Life In The Jewish Community
by Mrs. Sandra Weizman, a Calgary Friendship Circle parent

"Friendship Circle not only provides benefits to Benji and to his two “friends”; it also provides an opportunity for the entire community to shift its perception of people with disabilities."

25 ^th Annual Calgary Community Menorah Lighting at Calgary City Hall - (l. to r.) Mayor Naheed Nenshi, Rabbi Menachem Matusof, Benji, Ben & Diane Docktor, Rebbetzin Rochel Matusof

Click here to read the full article.

A NOTE FROM A FC VOLUNTEER

The Friendship Circle has been a tremendous opportunity to get more involved in the community in a more meaningful way. Over the past four months I have had the great pleasure of getting to know a wonderful child, Arnold, and his mother. Every Monday my fellow volunteer and I visit them and participate in various activities that help bring joy to the family and help both Arnold's and our own personal development. This program has meant so much to me that it has become a major factor to consider in choosing between staying in Calgary or going away for university studies. Although I cannot predict the future, I certainly believe that my participation in Friendship Circle will continue for a long time to come, and I am very grateful to the program and Arnold for all of the life lessons they have taught me."

Sincerely, Boris Virine

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