YACHAD - Circle of Friends

A Program to Reach Children with Special Needs in Our Community.

The Circle of Friends extends a helping hand to families who have children with special needs and involves them in a full spectrum of Jewish and social experiences. The Circle of Friends introduces teenage volunteers to the children and through shared experiences both are enriched.

Every member of the Jewish community deserves to share the joys of the Jewish experience. Sharing our tradition with children who have special needs is particularly rewarding.

Home with Friends

Every week pairs of teenage volunteers visit children in their homes, offering friendship and sharing activities. These teens are specially trained for their valuable role as friend and mentor.

Sunday Children's Circle

On Sundays throughout the school year our teenage volunteers and their special friends spend many wonderful hours together. In a fun filled atmosphere they participate in music and art , learn about their Jewish heritage, holidays and traditions, play sports and tell stories. Professional teachers and therapists lead the activities. Sunday Circle is a two hour, drop off program held monthly.

Holiday Programs

The Circle of Friends Holiday Programs allow the entire family to celebrate together in a comfortable setting. Volunteers are on hand to ensure that the event meets the particular needs of the children. Innovative activities bring the warm and joyous feelings of the holidays to the children and their families.

Additional programs

Currently being offered or developed include: a winter/summer camp, birthday parties, Bar and Bat Mitzvah lessons and celebrations, a Hebrew Learning Program, sibling support groups and adult volunteer opportunities.

YACHAD - Circle of Friends touches so many in our community.

The child with special needs looks forward to a weekly visit and the opportunity to play with and learn from their older friends. The teenage volunteer learns the value of giving and cherishes the experience of making a difference in a child's life. The child's family gets a needed respite and the pleasure of seeing their child become part of the community circle.

Together we are impacting our future by making a difference in the lives of children and teens in our community and helping them form a special bond.

You can help!

  • Do you know a teenager who would like to volunteer?
  • Can you drive a volunteer to the home of their special friend?
  • Do you know a family with a special needs child that would like a weekly visit from a teenage volunteer?
  • Would you like to support our programs and help us continue the work of the Circle of Friends?

Please contact: Freida Hecht, Director of YACHAD, CT at 203-866-0534 or Email: friendship@snet.net

The Circle of Friends is made up of you, our volunteers, children, parents, staff, and supporters. We can all join together, B'YACHAD to form a seamless circle! YACHAD - Circle of Friends, CT, is an affiliate of YACHAD/NJCD, National Jewish Council for Disabilities.