Friendship Circle Earns Praise

West Bloomfield, MI — Levi and Bassie Shemtov’s names will be on the prestigious Manhattan Institute’s Social Entrepreneurship Award.

But it’s an honor that thousands can take credit for.

“We are truly humbled by this honor and will accept it on behalf of all the volunteers, families, children and donors that make this organization so wonderful,” said Levi Shemtov, executive director of the Friendship Circle in West Bloomfield. “Our mission is to give people who struggle with developing friendships the opportunity to know the joy of having friends. (The award) is just the icing in the cake.”

The Shemtovs will be honored at a ceremony in October in New York City. They will receive $25,000 to benefit their organization.

Established in 1994 by the Shemtovs, along with Andy Jacob, the Friendship Circle – located at 6892 West Maple Road – provides assistance to the families struggling with addiction, isolation and other issues.

The program allows teen volunteers to spend time with children with conditions like cerebral palsy and autism. There are more 200 families enrolled in the center with 750 volunteers.

Youngster Danielle Pearlman is one who enjoys the Friendship Circle. The 7-year-old especially loves the pet store and the library at LifeTown, the Friendship Circle’s mini-village.

“Sometimes, it’s hard to keep her interested and engaged but coming here is one of the things she really looks forward to,” said Debbie Pearlman, the youngster’s mom and West Bloomfield resident. “When we get here, her face lights up and it’s hard to get her to leave.”

Located on six acres, the campus houses a library, gym and the Ferber-Kaufman LifeTown, a 20,000-square-foot building that serves as a therapy center, social meeting place and activities center. At LifeTown, youngsters have fun while practicing life skills through role play at a bank, drugstore and more.

The Friendship Circle operates on an annual budget of $1.2 million and is supported by donations.

For more information about the Friendship Circle, call (248) 788-7878 or log onto www.frienshipcircle.org.