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Friendship Circle Trains its Volunteers!

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — In two separate events, Friendship Circle of Crown Heights hosted volunteer training sessions for the girls’ and boys’ divisions, preparing the young volunteers for working with children with special needs.


Hosted in the Jewish Children’s Museum’s banquet hall, the training sessions were for children that became official volunteers at Friendship Circle kick-offs which took place two weeks ago. Rabbi Levi Eckhaus, who co-directs Friendship Circle with his wife, Chayle, said, “Many volunteers are frightened before their first visit because they aren’t sure what to expect. They don’t know if they’ll be up to the task.” The training session aimed to provide valuable and meaningful information to give insight into the unique experience of dealing with children with disabilities, and establishing a friendship that, as Eckhaus says, “will last a lifetime.”

The boys’ session had a barbeque theme, with enough hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries to feed all 100 attendees. Home Care Specialist Chaim Laufer addressed the volunteers, breaking preconceived notions about children with special needs. Using fascinating stories and a lot of interesting facts, he painted a picture of how children with special needs are a lot more in-tune and aware than one might expect.

After the event, new volunteer Levi Weinbaum said, “This gave me a great kick off start for something I have never done before!”

Referring to children with special needs, he said, “I now see these boys in a whole new light.”

For the girls’ training session, 150 volunteers showed up to a room decorated in hot pink and bright green and enjoyed a buffet of ice cream, smoothies, and a chocolate dipping fountain. Autism Specialist Libby Slavin gave a workshop on how to understand children with special needs. She offered practical advice on how to interact with them and suggested ideas of games to play.

New volunteer, Chaish New, said, “Her presentation was really interesting! It really prepared me and gave me great tips for meeting my child! I’m not nervous at all!”

“I really liked this event,” said Sara Abramson, “I knew nothing before the training session, and this made it so clear to me what these children are all about!”

The girls went home feeling inspired and informed – and carrying a Friendship Circle bag full of new toys to bring to their new friends’ homes.

“Our volunteers are fantastic,” said Chayle Eckhaus. “I have never seen such motivation, responsibility and devotion to Ahavas Yisroel!”

“The greatest part is that the volunteers tell me that they themselves benefit so much from their new relationship,” added Levi.

Friendship Circle is expanding old programs (with a few planned every week) and introducing a plethora of new ones, including a Chavrusa program, Friendship Circle Shabbos Minyan, Take-a-Friend to Shul and a one-week winter camp.

With newly trained, devoted volunteers and a line-up of exciting events, this year is sure to be a success for the entire Friendship Circle family.

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