Found Family Reconnects at Parents Night
A found family is a relationship built on choice and social support. At this summer’s Parents Night, it was clear that Friendship Circle parents are not only friends – they are family. On the evening of July 10th, about seventy people gathered at the home of Dara and David Orbach to enjoy a delicious barbeque dinner and open bar.
“This is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Jennifer Minsky, who first became involved with Friendship Circle through supporting her nephew. Now, she is actively involved with her own children. “We look forward to it. It’s just a nice escape for a night with people that understand what it’s like having a child who has special needs.”
The evening began with a special video presentation, led by Friendship Circle CEO Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum. The video commemorated the 30th anniversary of the passing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rebbe Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, and highlighted four people who were deeply influenced by the teachings. Prior to the screening, Rabbi Grossbaum shared, “The Rebbe’s teachings created the blueprint for LifeTown and Friendship Circle.”
That blueprint has created a community of support and love. It was evident that every guest of the Parents Night event was eager to help those in need and share crucial resources, in a laid-back setting catered just to parents.
“I think we use so much of our energy trying to find the best resources for our children,” said Mindy Lazaroff. “And we don’t necessarily have the time to focus on ourselves. So, it’s always good to take time for ourselves, but it’s even more important to spend that time with people who understand where you come from and being able to share your ideas with other parents.”
Both new and seasoned parents mingled throughout the night, and even joined in a game of Friendship Circle Jeopardy. But it was the acceptance and warmth of the organization that really connected each parent.
“It’s an opportunity for us to network and connect,” said Barbara Listhaus. “We have many different social relationships, but the relationships we have with these parents are long term. I’ve known them since my son was six years old. He’s now thirty-three. And we continue to help each other and network. We each have different experiences and our children have different needs, but we can benefit from the support we give each other.”
Listhaus sat at the same table at Meital Nathan, who recently got involved with Friendship Circle, and was quickly welcomed into the organization. “Having a kid with special needs sometimes makes you feel isolated, because as much as your friends think they understand what you’re going through, they really don’t,” said Nathan. “It’s nice to speak to other parents who have kids with a variety of different needs and have a relatable conversation.”
This Parents Night both created and strengthened lasting bonds for parents who need a helping hand.
“Before I found Friendship Circle, my children didn’t have any sort of recreational opportunities and I also didn’t have family,” said Lazaroff. “I was very alone with these two kids. And when I came to Friendship Circle, I didn’t just find something for my kids to do – I found a family. I found a support system.”
