Virtual Connection Expands Friendship Circle Family
At Friendship Circle, programs are created to facilitate fun, learning, and most importantly, lasting connections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Friendship Circle pivoted to a virtual format, opening new pathways to stay in touch with friends and family. Josh’s Club, an online social meet-up for adults with special needs, was born from that desire to connect and in memory of one very special member, Josh Gendel.
“Zoom programs were magical for Josh because he was really sick and he wouldn’t have been able to go to Friendship Circle programs or school,” said Josh’s mother, Erica Gendel. “It brought his friends back into his life.”
Zoom programs were crucial to Friendship Circle participants during the pandemic. Through a virtual platform, children, teens and adults with special needs were able to continue to socialize with their friends, creating cheerful art projects and baking favorite comfort foods. Prior to each meeting, participants received a beautiful box containing all the supplies they would need for the program. Each virtual Friendship Circle program infused hope, joy and priceless connection into an uncertain time.
“Hearing the other participants on the call was just brilliant. Everyone would be laughing. It was truly magical and it kept us going,” said Gendel. “I even perfected my challah baking.”
Once lockdowns were lifted, Friendship Circle still wanted to offer monthly Zoom programs to those unable to meet in person. In a fitting tribute, the program was named Josh’s Club after Gendel passed away in April 2020, and offered virtual programs to participants 21 and over.
“Josh, of blessed memory, participated in the Zoom Friendship Circle Programs during the pandemic and many current participants got to know him,” said Joyce Schnaufer, mother to participant, Kate Schnaufer. “Those connections have continued today through Josh’s Club and are an amazing tribute to him and his parents.”
In September, Josh’s Club expanded to include Friendship Circle chapters in other states. The Rosh Hashana club meeting included members from California, Texas and Ohio, to name a few. During that meeting, participants baked delicious honey muffins and created a colorful placemat puzzle for the holiday. In total, 185 supply boxes were mailed out for the program.
“Kate loves getting this great big beautiful blue box addressed to her,” said Schnaufer. “The excitement begins the minute she receives the box. She beams as she holds it and then puts the time and date on our family calendar.”
“It’s great to meet other Friendship Circle participants through this Zoom,” said June Schechner, Josh’s cousin and full-time Friendship Circle volunteer. Schechner moderates every Josh’s Club meeting and ensures that each participant experiences fun, learning and connection. “I like introducing our new friends to our local friends.”
“I can’t say enough about June and how’s she’s connected to all the participants and makes sure they are valued as part of the call,” said Gendel. “There’s a lot of chit chat and laughter. She makes it meaningful for everyone. June keeps everyone together by asking what’s going on in their world.”
Thanks to technology, each participant’s world becomes bigger and brighter as they meet new friends and form close bonds through Josh’s Club.
“It’s the perfect mix of social time, activities, fun, laughter and friendship,” said Heidi Lerner, mother to participant, Max Lerner. “I love watching Max create the projects with a smile. When everyone signs on, he’s so excited. He loves to be with people but he also shines through virtual mediums. He makes it his own.”
Josh’s Club has expanded the social network for Friendship Circle participants, spreading love, light and friendship across the country.
