At Friendship Circle, a simple pairing leads to something powerful
Charity spotlight: Friendship Circle helps Charlotte teens and children with special needs thrive through genuine connections
The following article appeared in the Aug. 27, 2025, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Friendship Circle of Charlotte pairs teens with children and young adults with special needs to foster confidence, connection and transformation through genuine friendships
Two friends enjoy a game of Connect Four in the teen lounge at the Inclusive Fun Zone. (Photo courtesy of Friendship Circle of Charlotte)
by Morgan Boonshaft
When a shy, withdrawn teenager first started with Friendship Circle, she barely spoke. But as the weekly meetups continued, she began to smile more, speak up and engage with her new friend. Her language skills improved, and her confidence soared.
“She came out of her shell,” said Sue Schrieber, chief friend introducer. “Friendship Circle isn’t a therapy program, but when kids feel truly seen and accepted, amazing things happen, just by virtue of having a friend.”
That belief — that friendship itself can be transformational — is at the heart of Friendship Circle of Charlotte, a nonprofit that connects typically developing teens with children and young adults who have special needs.
Founded in 2009, the organization provides free, inclusive programming that fosters genuine connection through weekly pairings, group events and a one-of-a-kind indoor play space known as the Inclusive Fun Zone.
“It’s the only space like this in Charlotte,” said executive director Rabbi Bentzion Groner. “Everyone is welcome, and everyone is accepted for who they are.”
Friendship Circle’s flagship program, Friends Together, pairs a “Teen Friend” with a “Special Friend” to meet once a week. Whether they’re playing games, doing a craft or just hanging out, the goal is simple: to build a real friendship.
Many of these friendships are formed at the Inclusive Fun Zone, the organization’s 6,000-square-foot, sensory-friendly facility on Sardis Road. Opened in October 2022, the space features a treehouse, climbing wall, foam-lined trampoline, teen lounge, music room, wheelchair lift and more.
After-school and weekend programming includes everything from Zumba and interactive music to improv and supervised field trips. Programs are open to participants ages 4 to 28. The only requirement: a willingness to connect.
Friendship Circle is powered by four full-time staff members and a network of dedicated volunteers. High school students play a central role, helping create meaningful connections that bring the program to life.
What sets Friendship Circle apart, Schrieber said, is its focus on building friendships for the sake of friendship, not for school credit or volunteer hours. In fact, the organization doesn’t offer service hours at all.
“Friendship comes from the heart,” Schrieber said. “It’s about building a friendship to make a friend, not just to fulfill a requirement.”
The results speak for themselves. Even after seven years with the organization, Schrieber said she has never had a volunteer turn her down.
“Everyone has a value, has a purpose,” Groner said. “Our teens get as much value out of this as our friends.”
Friendship Circle is affiliated with the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, but it is open to everyone, regardless of religious background. All programming is completely free for the families, thanks to donors, private grants and community support.
Families interested in joining go through a short intake process and are then matched with a friend based on age, interests and availability. New teen volunteers are welcomed year-round, and adult volunteers are always needed for special events and behind-the-scenes support.
“People’s hearts are part of this organization,” Schrieber said. “It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.”
Morgan Boonshaft is an intern for The Charlotte Ledger. She is a rising sophomore at Brown University and a graduate of Providence Day School in Charlotte.
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