Our Mission
Mission Statement
The Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh was established in 2006 to build a more inclusive community. We create fun and innovative programs that enable youth and young adults of all abilities to be firmly connected in the community through friendships and relationships, access to wellness supports, and employment opportunities. In doing so, we develop active, empowered members and young leaders who strengthen both our Friendship Circle and greater communities.
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP & DISABILITY INCLUSION
Teens painting FC mural
Friends on The Town members at Arcade Comedy Theater for night out on the town
High school students hanging at The Beacon
Jr. Friends at Gymkhana for gymnastics club
The Friendship Circle Story
Inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson's call for inclusion that every person has great value and society is incomplete without them, Friendship Circles were established throughout the world, each developing uniquely under local leadership. In 2006, Rabbi Mordy and Rivkee Rudolph brought this vision to our community, founding The Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh with that same guiding principle at its core.
Two decades ago, Friendship Circle Pittsburgh began with a simple but powerful idea: create moments of genuine connection for youth with disabilities. What started as paired friendships and weekly group programs has grown into a movement transforming Pittsburgh into a more inclusive, accessible, and empowered community. From individual friendships to systemic change. From one program to three interconnected brands - Friendship Circle, The Beacon, and Bunny Bakes. From serving dozens to impacting hundreds of individuals annually through 450+ programs.
From the beginning, Friendship Circle made an intentional choice: no distinctions between "volunteers" and "members." Everyone participates as equal members with the same goal: creating lasting, authentic connections. The organization embraced the disability rights principle "Nothing about us without us," ensuring that members with disabilities lead at every level, from the Teen Leadership Board to program host committees to advocacy initiatives influencing wellness and inclusion in schools and workplaces across Pittsburgh.
Today, Friendship Circle Pittsburgh’s three key initiatives work together to build belonging: Friendship Circle creates opportunities for genuine relationships and community inclusion. Bunny Bakes proves that accessible workplaces unlock potential for everyone through inclusive employment and training for employment readiness. The Beacon supports teen mental health and wellness through peer-led programming that empowers young people to advocate for themselves and each other.
Twenty years in, Friendship Circle Pittsburgh remains guided by the same truth: every person has great value, and our community is incomplete without everyone having the opportunity to fully participate. That's not just the organization's history, it's the future we're building together.
