Blog
Our Stories
Stories from across the Friendship Circle movement: children who are known by name, families who feel less alone, and volunteers who keep showing up. These are the small moments that make the circle wider.

Our Stories
Stay updated on stories of friendship
Q&A: Engaging Volunteers for Special Needs Programs
Explore effective strategies for recruiting, engaging, and retaining volunteers in special needs programs to foster inclusion and community.
How Loneliness Impacts Mental Health in Special Needs Communities
Loneliness in special needs communities significantly impacts mental health, leading to higher risks of depression and anxiety. Explore the barriers and solutions.
How Group Activities Reduce Loneliness in Special Needs Kids
Structured group activities are essential for reducing loneliness in children with special needs by fostering social skills and meaningful connections.
The Job I Almost Didn’t Quit
Louis Aiello on Sukkot, Avinu Malkeinu, and the job Hashem told him to leave right before the site shut down.
Impact of Peer Support on Disability Awareness
Peer support programs foster disability awareness by building connections, enhancing social skills, and promoting inclusion in communities.
How to Plan Arts Workshops for All Abilities
Learn how to create inclusive arts workshops that empower participants of all abilities through accessible design and supportive environments.
10 Indoor Sports Activities for Special Needs Youth
Explore 10 engaging indoor sports activities designed for youth with special needs, promoting physical, social, and cognitive growth.
How to Build Social Connections in Inclusive Communities
Discover actionable strategies for creating social connections in inclusive communities and fostering meaningful relationships for individuals with disabilities.
The Moment My Mother Stopped Laughing
A roadside moment with his mother taught Louis Aiello what Parshat Teitzei demands: never enjoy another’s distress.
The Role of Friendship in Social-Emotional Learning
Explore how friendship fosters social-emotional learning, especially for individuals with special needs, enhancing empathy, communication, and emotional regulation.
How to Support Peer Relationships for Kids With Special Needs
Learn how to foster meaningful friendships for children with special needs through inclusive environments, social skills programs, and community support.
The Family Line I Carry Forward
Louis Aiello traces the Aiello name back five centuries and asks what it means to carry a family line toward Moshiach.












