A Positive Impact: My Life with Friendship Circle

A Positive Impact: My Life with Friendship Circle

By Rivka Plotkin, 11th grader at Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE STARTED IN PITTSBURGH THE YEAR I WAS BORN: 2007. Although my older siblings didn’t attend programs there, they were involved with similar programs in other places such as Chicago and Cleveland. In our family, it was almost a given that at some point every kid would participate in programming with kids with disabilities and other forms of volunteer work.

I always understood the meaning of it all, but it never seemed to be something I was particularly interested in. For many years, my nursery teacher persistently tried talking me into volunteering at Friendship Circle. I would always listen to what she had to say, but it never really intrigued me. But, during my freshman year of high school, I finally decided to give it a try. I was looking for activities to participate in after school, and I wanted something fun but with a sense of responsibility. I knew that, if it didn’t work out, I would say my sorrows and goodbyes.

Well, the thought of goodbyes was quickly replaced with many hellos. It all started at the Teen Scene kickoff. I wrote my name under a few programs that sounded fun and figured I would be chosen to help a few host committees, the groups that plan events. Next thing I knew, I was on the board for seven committees! Till today I’m not sure if that was a fluke; however, I am sure that it happened by divine intervention because it impacted my life so positively. I became super social and a much happier person.

Happiness came in many different ways, but one of the biggest ones was the friendships I formed at Friendship Circle. I made so many new friends I felt as though it was my second home. I was attending two to three events a week and several meetings to help plan other events as well. I was there so often that, if I wasn’t home, people automatically assumed that I was at Friendship Circle. I grew comfortable in my own skin, and all of my effort and time felt seen and appreciated. The best feeling was when I would walk through the door greeted by smiles and children running to give me hugs and say hello. I watched many kids go from being unsure to becoming the happiest versions of themselves after a few weeks.

It became my mission to positively impact as many lives as I could. I helped out with activities such as Shabbat dinners on Friday nights. On Thursdays, we would prep the food while listening to music together. It was a true bonding experience. I participated in other activities such as bowling, art club, Jewish holiday activities, crew, game days, and our wellness committee, which is to date my favorite.

The wellness committee impacted my life greatly from the moment I joined. From a young age I struggled with my mental health. COVID-19 was extremely hard for me, just as it was for many teens. I entered severe depression, and many days were hard to get through. The wellness committee and Friendship Circle staff were everything I could’ve asked for. Somedays I would stop in to have a chat with Ally Weekley, the wellness coordinator. She would listen to me and give me resources that could be of use. And although I absolutely love helping out at Friendship Circle, sometimes it gets to be a bit much. However, the staff members are great at communicating with me and giving me breaks when it becomes difficult. I feel as though I have a whole team of people behind me, there to support me in any way they possibly can. I truly do.

The work of the wellness committee is a prime example of “for kids by kids.” Every idea or concern was freely expressed and heard. My friends and I brainstormed ideas, and the staff helped them come to fruition. We restarted our podcast and hosted several people in

different positions that worked with various forms of mental health. We also hosted and continue to host monthly open mic nights where high-school members come for light refreshments and have the opportunity to showcase a presentation of some sort relating to mental health. Some people present poems, while others present pictures and the like.

Open mic night is one of many opportunities at Friendship Circle for teens to meet new people and hang out with old friends. Teens also now have a dedicated place where they can relax and hang out with friends or have some time to themselves. The Beacon is a building next door to the Friendship Circle that was designed by the staff, Rabbi Mrody and Rivkee Rudolph, and the members of the wellness committee to be a safe space for teen mental health. Although it is owned by and partnered with the Friendship Circle, it has its own programming and schedule. The space is equipped with a sensory room, a kosher kitchen, and a den with a tv and other amenities.

Friendship Circle is also expanding its programming for parents and older adults with disabilities. A fully kosher bakery recently opened; it’s run by some staff and Friends on the Town members (who are young adults) as a place of employment for young adults with disabilities. Many members (me included) are so excited by this!

Friendship Circle has taught me what it means to be inclusive. I work hard every day to practice that value and incorporate it in my daily life. I have learned what just one kind gesture can do and how many people’s days can change with a warm tone and a friendly smile. As a member of Friendship Circle, I have been given the opportunity to put a smile on others’ faces and offer the gift of friendship, and I am so glad that I have been able to put it to good use. On my mission to share my love with as many people as I can, I receive so much love in return, not only from staff and fellow host committee members, but from the members all around. With this love I have grown as a person tremendously. We are like a mini community that I hope will grow bigger and bigger. I don’t know where or who I would be without this experience, but one thing is for sure— I wouldn’t trade it for the world.