Charity News

Kansas City Non-Profit Special Needs Organization: Teen Buddies Program Launched

Studies have shown that children with different disabilities may experience higher levels of loneliness and social isolation compared to their typically developing peers. The new Friends@Home program represents the organization's effort to promote meaningful friendships and inclusion for individuals with disabilities and their families, regardless of their race, ethnicity, faith, or economic status. More information is available at https://vestarealproperty.com/blog/news-release-friendship-circle-kc-introduces-friendshome-for-inclusive-bonds/ The Friendship Circle of Kansas City (FCKC) offers children and adolescents with disabilities the chance to participate in social and recreational activities with their peers from the community. Through its primary initiative, Friends@Home, the organization pairs trained teenage volunteers with children who have disabilities for weekly visits in the comfort of their own homes. The program aims to boost confidence, inspire dreams, and broaden the perspectives of the parties involved. According to Rabbi Avremi Baron, co-founder of the organization, Friends@Home also offers important learning opportunities for the teenage volunteers, teaching them the value of selflessness and the satisfaction of positively influencing another person's life. “These visits go a long way to curing loneliness through bonding and shared experiences with their teen volunteers,” said Rabbi Avremi. “Friends are not a luxury, friends are a necessity. Together with our incredible teens, we want to be that friend for a child who struggles to connect with others and show them the love that everyone deserves.” The Friendship Circle of Kansas City is a nonprofit organization jointly operated by Marc Kulick, Alicia Kulick, and KCteen (a Jewish youth community established by Rabbi Avremi and Mushky Baron). Marc Kulick is the CEO of Vesta Capital, a real estate investment firm that serves communities in Arkansas, Kansas City, and Oklahoma. The organization is committed to the belief that every person, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity to form genuine bonds and fully engage in society. Those interested in participating in or donating to its programs can reach out to Rabbi Avremi. Explaining his interest in the program, Marc Kulick said, “People often underestimate how much impact basic friendships have on our lives. We want to make sure that every child gets to experience that feeling of being so excited to have a friend come over and truly connect.” Interested parties can find more information at https://vestarealproperty.com/blog/news-release-friendship-circle-kc-introduces-friendshome-for-inclusive-bonds/