The Circle of Friends is a volunteer organization that reaches out to children, teenagers and adults with special needs and involves them in a full spectrum of cultural and social experiences.

Description:
The Circle of Friend sponsors many social programs such as;
Home With Friends; Every week teenage volunteers visit participating children and teens in their homes, offering friendship and sharing activities. These teens are specially trained for their valuable role as friend and mentor. Sunday Circle/Teen Scene
On Sundays, once a month throughout the school year our teenage volunteers and their special friends spend two wonderful hours together. In a fun filled atmosphere, participants enjoy a wide variety of activities in music, art, sports and story time. Professional teachers and therapists lead the activities.
Wednesday Circle
The Circle of Friends hosts a monthly program on Wednesday evenings for adults with disabilities. Volunteers join in to socialize and enjoy music, dance, art, snack and special activities with the participants.

In addition to helping those in need, The 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 giving of themselves. Adult volunteers also participate in The Circle of Friends Programs.

History:
The Circle of Friends was established by Beth Israel Synagogue, a 501 (c) (3) organization in September 2004, as an outreach activity for all children and young adults with special needs regardless of race or religion, within the Fairfield County communities of Westport, Weston, Wilton and Norwalk, Connecticut. The Circle of Friends is the Connecticut chapter of YACHAD/NJCD; National Council of Disabilities whose main headquarters is located in New York City.
We are currently servicing approximately 55 families with children and teenagers with special needs and have about 60 teen and adult volunteers.

Contact people:

Freida Hecht, Director, (phone), (email) Chana Stone, Program Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (203) 831-8969

Address:

40 King Street Norwalk, CT 06851 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.bethisraelct.org/circleoffriends.html

Directions:

The Circle of Friends is located at 40 King Street, Norwalk off Strawberry Hill Avenue.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Westport Train Station,   Walk distance (in minutes): 20 minutes