Friendship Circle

Painting For Friendship

I have had many kids come up and inquire about our age limitation for volunteering at Friendship Circle. For the past 16 years, the age minimum is 12 years old, however, after greeting the many eager faces of our pre-teens looking to get involved at Friendship Circle, how could we NOT cave in and create something for all ages? In response to this need (and our brand new Florene Elkus & Edward Elkus Memorial gym!), the Floor Hockey Inclusion league was created. This league is open to both players who have special needs and “typical” players up to 13 years of age. In this league, typical players and players with special needs work together, side by side, on a competitive floor hockey team. It is the perfect marriage of fun and learning for our typical pre-teen players. They do not have the responsibility of one-on-one volunteering like our 12+ age group, but they still get to personally experience and learn first-hand about the beauty of children with special needs and all the wonderful gifts they bring into our lives. Just this past Sunday, I was approached by 10 year old, Chase Warner. He is one of the typical players on our floor hockey team. After only 2 weeks of being a part of The Friendship Circle, he was so deeply inspired by his teammates that he painted us a work of art- The Friendship Circle logo. We were so inspired by HIS inspiration, that we are now hoisting this magnificent work of art in the middle of our lobby. His painting proudly represents the love and life that our eager pre-teen generation can (and already has!) brought to The Friendship Circle. Thanks Chase and good luck at your game on Thursday!