Friendship House of Boca Raton is a one of a kind, non-profit, community based organization that was established in 2020 and fills a gap that no other organization in Boca Raton addresses to date. FH aims to create a more inclusive community for individuals with disabilities. Through bringing individuals of all abilities together in friendship, we create a safe space where everyone can be appreciated and accepted as they are!
Friendship House focuses on inclusion and disability. Our goal is to create an inclusive community with liaisons who will spread our message throughout the entire Boca Raton community, creating a rippling effect. No individual will be turned away due to not meeting certain ability requirements. Additionally, FH provides programing on its own campus and focuses its programing to times and dates after school or whenever school is not in session, including Sundays.
Friendship House runs close to 50 programs during the school year, including seasonal Family events, bi-monthly Sunday Circle for participants ages 5- 18, weekly Sports Circle Ages 9-15, and Young Adult Club get-togethers for ages 18+, weekly Friends@Home visits, educational teen workshops, and parent events.
At Friendship House, we define special needs as someone who has a hard time making friends, or can benefit from making friends in an inclusive and non-judgmental environment. Our general program accepts ages 5 – 18 years, and 8th- 12th grade volunteers. Our Young Adults Program is geared for ages 18 – 35.
FH currently has 53 active families participating in programing.
We look forward to continued growth as we expand our staff allowing for more intakes.
Friendship House does not charge participant for programing, keeping in line with our belief that “you cannot put a price tag on friendship.” All operating funds obtained through financial contributions are brought in primarily through corporate and individual sponsorships towards Walk4friendship plus individual donations throughout the year, and foundation grants.
Friendship House has 3 staff members 2 are full-time, with a continuously growing budget.
Our small, passionate, committed staff is led by key personnel Rabbi Sholom Kessler and Itta Kessler. Together, they have shaped Friendship House as Directors since it’s small pilot program began in 2020.
Friendship House is an affiliate of Chabad of Boca Raton, inspired by the Chabad Rebbe’s belief that no one person is complete until everyone is included.
FH holds its own 501(C)3 as a nonprofit and nonsectarian organization that accepts participants with or without religious affiliation.