Creating a more inclusive community since 2004
Through friendship and shared experiences, we are working to ensure that empathy and inclusion are the norm, not the exception, so every individual has the opportunity to participate and succeed in their community. By pairing youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities with typically developing teen volunteers we create lasting friendships and a more inclusive community for all.
The Friendship Circle of Washington was founded by Elazar and Esther Bogomilsky in 2004 in response to a community-defined gap in programming that supports the social and emotional well-being of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Currently, the Friendship Circle of Washington is the only organization engaging youth through a social integration model in Western Washington. This year, our amazing passionate teen volunteers represent 49 private and public schools across the region and have dedicated over 40,000 service hours to bridge the gap between youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and typically developing teens.
Visit our website to learn more about the Friendship Circle of Washington.
Our programs inspire and empower youth and their families
The Friendship Circle of Washington offers 12 tailored programs designed to holistically support the changing needs of our growing community. Through therapeutic music & art and accessible events, we create fun and inclusive opportunities for participants of all abilities.
Our most active programs include:
- Sunday Circle- A full respite program that matches participants with teen volunteers and features therapeutic support through art, music, movement & more.
- Friends@Home- Participants bond with teen volunteers in the environment that they are most comfortable in, their own home.
- Teen & Young Adult Life Skills- A monthly program for teens and young adults to develop and practice skills and gain real-world experience alongside teen volunteers.
- UMatter- A monthly initiative led by teens to discuss and destigmatize the mental health issues they face and build a network of support they can turn to.
- Summer Camp- A unique summer program focused on providing fun & educational activities to children and teens with disabilities in a camp setting
Visit our website to learn more about our programs.
Gala Venue
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 6:30pm-9:30pm
At Block 41, 115 Bell St.
Seattle, WA 98121
Contact Us
Questions? Call us at 206-FRIENDS (374-3637) or email us at [email protected]!
