Teen Volunteering & Bar/Bat Mitzvah Projects in Upper West Side
Make a real difference. Volunteer with Friendship Circle of Upper West Side and build friendships that change lives.
Looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity in Upper West Side? Or a bar or bat mitzvah project that goes beyond checking a box? Friendship Circle of Upper West Side pairs teen volunteers with children and individuals with special needs for real friendships. Not a one-time visit. Real, ongoing connection.
Why Teens Choose Friendship Circle
Most volunteer programs ask teens to show up, do a task, and leave. Friendship Circle is different. Here, teens are matched one-on-one with a friend who has special needs. They hang out. They laugh. They build something real together. And in the process, the teen grows in ways no classroom or resume-builder ever could.
Friends at Home
Weekly visits where teen volunteers spend time with their matched friend, doing activities they both enjoy. Simple, powerful, life-changing.
Holiday Programs
Seasonal celebrations, Purim parties, Chanukah events, and summer programs where teens lead activities for the whole community.
Leadership Development
Teens develop empathy, patience, communication skills, and confidence. These are the experiences colleges and employers notice.
Bar & Bat Mitzvah Projects in Upper West Side
A bar or bat mitzvah is about becoming responsible for others. What better way to live that than building a friendship with someone who needs one? Many families in Upper West Side choose Friendship Circle as their child’s mitzvah project because it’s not just a project. It becomes part of who they are.
Teens who start volunteering for their bar or bat mitzvah often stay for years. That says everything about the experience.
Community Service Hours
For teens who need volunteer hours for school, honor societies, or college applications, Friendship Circle provides documented community service hours. But we’ll be honest, most of our volunteers forget they’re logging hours after the first few weeks. They come back because they want to, not because they have to.
Get Started in Upper West Side
Contact Friendship Circle of Upper West Side
Ready to volunteer or learn more about bar/bat mitzvah project opportunities? Email rcba@fcuws.com or call 2122560782
About Friendship Circle
Friendship Circle is a global network of over 80 chapters dedicated to creating friendships for individuals with special needs. With more than 14,000 teen volunteers worldwide, Friendship Circle is one of the largest youth volunteer movements in the Jewish community. Every chapter is locally run and deeply connected to its community.
Friendship Circle in New York City
Explore Friendship Circle NYC programs and chapters, or join the Friendship Circle NYC Marathon 2026 with Team Friendship.