April 19th is Officially "Friendship Circle Day" in Pittsburgh!

April 19th is Officially "Friendship Circle Day" in Pittsburgh!

City Council Honors Friendship Circle for Two Decades of Service – Building a More Inclusive Community for Youth with and without Disabilities

Today, Friendship Circle Pittsburgh was honored to receive a proclamation from the Pittsburgh City Council recognizing two decades of work building a more inclusive community. The proclamation comes just days before Friendship Circle's signature Friends All Around Gala on April 19th, now officially "Friendship Circle Day" in Pittsburgh!

Friendship Circle’s founders, Rabbi Mordy and Rivkee Rudolph, accepted the proclamation at City Hall on behalf of our entire community, celebrating a milestone that belongs to everyone who has been part of the Friendship Circle journey over the past 20 years!

Moments to Movements: City Leaders Recognize Friendship Circle’s Impact

The proclamation was sponsored by Councilmember Barb Warwick and co-sponsored by Council President R. Daniel Lavelle and Councilmembers Bobby Wilson, Kim Salinetro, Bob Charland, Anthony Coghill, Deb Gross, Erika Strassburger, and Khari Mosley - a powerful show of support for FC's mission.

"Friendship Circle demonstrates that inclusive communities are stronger communities and that when people of all abilities lead together, work together, and advocate together, everyone benefits."

During the ceremony, Councilmembers Strassburger and Warwick shared remarks thanking Friendship Circle for 20 years of work promoting a more inclusive Pittsburgh for people with disabilities. They specifically highlighted Friendship Circle’s role in cultivating the next generation of leaders. Through partnerships with The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and UPMC, our teen members are starting an important dialogue about how to boost the accessibility of city parks and the healthcare system. The proclamation also noted that Friendship Circle’s work isn't just about creating programs – it's about transforming how Pittsburgh thinks about inclusion, accessibility, and community.

A Community Effort

In accepting the proclamation, Rabbi Mordy reflected on the community that has made Friendship Circle's work possible.

"We are deeply grateful to the Pittsburgh City Council for this incredible recognition," Rabbi Mordy said. "But the truth is, Friendship Circle didn't build this alone. Our community, the families, volunteers, partners, advocates, and city leaders, helped us become who we are today. You nurtured us, challenged us to grow, and worked alongside us to make sure our city is accessible and inclusive for everyone. This proclamation belongs to all of us."

Having April 19th recognized as "Friendship Circle Day" isn't just ceremonial; it's a statement. It says that Pittsburgh values disability inclusion. That accessibility and belonging aren't nice-to-haves, they're essential to who we are as a community. And now, we have a day on the calendar reminding all of Pittsburgh to be part of this movement!

Thank You, Pittsburgh!

To Councilmember Barb Warwick, Council President R. Daniel Lavelle, and all the councilmembers who co-sponsored this proclamation: thank you for seeing our community, celebrating our work, and affirming that disability inclusion makes Pittsburgh stronger.

To every family, volunteer, partner, donor, advocate, and friend who has been part of Friendship Circle over the past 20 years: this recognition is yours. You built this. You believed in this. You proved that when we show up for each other, communities transform.

And to everyone in Pittsburgh: join us on Friendship Circle Day, April 19th, as we celebrate 20 years of building belonging and look toward the next 20 years of proving that inclusive communities are stronger communities.

Visit our Friends All Around Website to Learn More about Tickets and Sponsorships