Friendship Circle of Michigan

Friendship Circle of Michigan Friendship Circle is affiliated with Chabad Lubavitch.
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Friendship Circle provides assistance and support to the families of children with special needs as well as to individuals and families struggling with addiction, isolation, and other crises.

02/11/2026

“I don’t know who I would be without Friendship Circle.”

Kendall’s words say everything.

When Stan Dorfman saw the isolation his grandchildren were experiencing, he chose to act. In searching for connection and community, their family found Friendship Circle. After losing a granddaughter six years ago, the Dorfmans honored her memory by creating a fund in her name and deepening their involvement with the organization.

Today, Kendall volunteers consistently, showing up even on the long days after school because she knows that one hour can truly change someone’s world.

What began as a place of belonging for one family became a legacy of generosity and love. From isolation to community. From family story to shared mission.

This is what Friendship Circle is all about.

The first time I met Joey, he handed me a crisp two dollar bill. He told me I would never go broke as long as I kept it,...
02/09/2026

The first time I met Joey, he handed me a crisp two dollar bill. He told me I would never go broke as long as I kept it, but to always pay it forward to anything and anyone that meant something to me. Every person he met got the same gentle nudge to bring the best version of themselves and spread kindness.

This was Joey. Pure love, a bright light, and one of the best friends all of us at Friendship Circle ever had. He made every room brighter and chose joy, day after day, even in the face of loss. He was more than a loyal patron of Soul Cafe and Dakota Bakery. He would waltz into the building to chit chat, share a kind word of support, or spark a good laugh, reminding us what community really feels like.

We are heartbroken by the news of his passing, and we will honor him in the way he loved most, by paying it forward and shining a little brighter. If you have a Joey story or memory, we would be so grateful if you shared it with us so we can remember him together.

We had to do it, this was our camera roll in 2016 📸💜Big smiles at camp, growing friendships through our vocational progr...
02/06/2026

We had to do it, this was our camera roll in 2016 📸💜

Big smiles at camp, growing friendships through our vocational programs, and moments that felt small at the time but meant everything to our participants, families, volunteers, and staff. Some of the faces you see here are still part of our programs today, and watching them grow has been one of the greatest joys of our work. Not just in 2016, but since 1994.

For over 30 years, Friendship Circle has been about growing together and building a strong, caring community. And all these years later, the joy is still the same.

Stay & Play new dates alert 🚨 It's so cold and you need to get out of the house! Come play alongside other families duri...
02/05/2026

Stay & Play new dates alert 🚨

It's so cold and you need to get out of the house! Come play alongside other families during our hands-on play sessions. Enjoy our indoor park, music-making studio, basketball court, ball pit, or relax in our Snoezelen room.

📅 When: February 16 and 18
Follow this link to register https://heyor.ca/jsCeli

PS. We have great snacks and delicious coffee for the parents ;)

This first month of 2026 flew by, and wow, did we accomplish a lot.Elkus Village, Lessons for Life was fully booked all ...
02/01/2026

This first month of 2026 flew by, and wow, did we accomplish a lot.

Elkus Village, Lessons for Life was fully booked all month, with a waitlist for the rest of the year. Huge shoutout to Kaitlin, Shayna, and our volunteers for keeping the program running, even on those cold, early mornings.

opened one of the most successful shows yet, even during a snowstorm. Thank you to everyone who showed up to support, and to Kate, our studio facilitators, and our incredible artists who made it all happen.

Vocational programs are thriving with a new trainee who is building kitchen skills and forming meaningful friendships along the way. RJ and Rebecca, here’s to welcoming even more trainees and friends this year.

Life Skills welcomed three new participants who are excited to learn how to navigate life’s challenges. Adena and Alana, you’re absolute stars.

Here’s to a strong start and even more to come in 2026 💜

01/30/2026

We asked our teen volunteers: What's something that people get wrong about kids with special needs?

Their responses and the surprise cameos really warmed our hearts. Teen volunteers at Friendship Circle really embody kindness and community.

Comment CLUB If you are interested in joining the Teen Division of the Morrie and Sybil Fenkell Volunteer Club

We’re hosting Ladies Make & Mingle on February 26, an evening designed to give you a closer look at the creativity woven...
01/29/2026

We’re hosting Ladies Make & Mingle on February 26, an evening designed to give you a closer look at the creativity woven through all of our programs.

You’ll take part in a create-your-own cheeseboard experience led by our Soul Cafe chefs, with support from our vocational trainees with special needs. Together, they will demonstrate how to design a beautiful, delicious board that you can take home.

Throughout the evening, you’ll also hear directly from our trainees about what it means to contribute, build skills and confidence, and do meaningful work in a community that celebrates their abilities.

Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 PM
Fetter Banquet Hall
5586 Drake Road, West Bloomfield

Get your ticket here https://heyor.ca/8GjpMw

01/27/2026

Our special needs trainees add so much to the Dakota Bakery vibe with their unique talents, passions, and perspectives.

Brendan can rattle off any fact you can think of about a US president. He creates a special book of presidents as a gift for each new friend he makes. It's a special and important moment of trust and connection that we each cherish.

If you spot Brendan at the bakery, make sure you get a presidential fun fact along with your order!

What topic do you love enough to make a book about?

01/26/2026

We loved seeing Look Up featured on WXYZ-TV Channel 7 ABC Detroit. So proud of Caryn for sharing her artwork and story on the show and on air!

01/23/2026

Things you might not know about Friendship Circle…

Sometimes regulation looks like a trampoline.
Sometimes connection happens while riding bikes.
Sometimes the right snack at the right moment makes all the difference.

That’s because our spaces and our staff are built to meet participants where they are. When adults can relate, participants feel understood, supported, and safe to be themselves.

That's our secret 🤫

01/21/2026

Jack has been part of Friendship Circle programs for years, and over the past two years, one thing has stayed constant, his buddy Bryce is by his side. These two have grown their friendship season after season.

Watching them laugh together, look out for each other, and having fun is something really special.

Jack doesn’t always remember how amazing he is, so help us change that. Drop some love in the comments and remind Jack just how incredible he is. 💜

Address

6892 West Maple Road
West Bloomfield Township, MI
48322

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 2pm

Telephone

+12487887878

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Our Story

Friendship Circle, a non-profit founded in 1994, provides assistance and support to the families of children and adults with special needs as well as to individuals and families struggling with addiction, isolation, and other crises. Friendship Circle is affiliated with Chabad Lubavitch.