Monmouth nonprofit brings community and camaraderie to those with special needs

By:  | July 2, 2025 |  Philanthropy |  Monmouth County

by Emma Sylvia

Sometimes, your family isn’t simply the one that you’re born with, but the one that you make. No one knows that better than Friendship Circle, a Monmouth County nonprofit organization that aims to connect volunteers with individuals with special needs – all to cultivate not just a community, but friendships that last a lifetime.

Though their main office is in Manalapan, Friendship Circle operates all over Monmouth County, with teen volunteers from Manalapan, Colts Neck, Marlboro, Freehold – in addition to Ocean County and even Staten Island.

“We accept everyone and anyone,” says Mikayla Schultz, Volunteer Coordinator at Friendship Circle.

Friendship Circle dates back to 2001. “There was a need,” Schultz explains. “There was a gap with programs and resources, particularly friendship. Friendship is a necessity, not a privilege.” The nonprofit started off small, with just about 20 participants during its inception. Now, in 2025, the group has grown and evolved, with members that had joined the program all the way back in 2001 still participating. Participants range from young to old, with the youngest being seven years old, and the oldest being 55.

“When individuals with special needs turn 21,” Schultz elaborates, “there’s a lack of resources available. You graduate and go, ‘Now what?’”

Across the programs that Friendship Circle runs, they have over 150 teen volunteers, and over 110 participants. Each volunteer is paired with an individual with special needs, with the pairing lasting every week. “It creates a form of connection and friendship.” The duos participate in many activities, including yoga, dance and fitness – “You name it; we do it,” Schultz says.

“Friendship Circle has profoundly shaped who I am,” says Leeya Gabay, a senior high school volunteer. “Through the incredible people I’ve met and the unforgettable moments we’ve shared, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the world and my place in it. Being part of a community that embraces individuals of all abilities has opened my eyes to the beauty in our differences and the strength in our shared humanity. It has given me purpose, perspective, and a second family. I truly don’t know where I would be without it!”

Local businesses are more than eager to partner with Friendship Circle. Many contact the nonprofit, asking to be a part of the activities, fostering a sense of collaboration. “A lot of people contact us, saying things like, ‘I have this fitness business, and I’d love to be a part of what you’re doing.’ What we typically see happen is that they come in, have an idea, and then they end up being a part of our family. We have a really strong community.”

Friendship Circle’s 25 programs run throughout the scholastic school year, typically beginning in September or October, and ending in the beginning of May. Not only are the programs for socialization – they also have educational value. Understanding that their volunteers are teens that might not have all of the knowledge necessary for work, they aim to expand their understanding so that they may truly connect with their partners. “We host three seminars a year, where we bring in BCBAs, speech therapists and sign language interpreters – we really provide these seminars to give them more tools and understanding.”

Friendship Circle isn’t just transformative for the participants – it also changes the lives of its staff. Schultz herself worked as an ABA therapist with a colleague who also worked with Friendship Circle as a leader (akin to a teacher). The group needed a substitute for Sundays, and Schultz applied – and has now been working with the group for more than two years.

“It was an instant connection; I just fell in love. I went into this field wanting to make an impact and change in others’ lives, but I couldn’t imagine the change and impact it’d make in my life. I learn something new all the time. It’s this sense of community and connection. I think in the world, where sometimes so many people feel alone, you want to feel like somebody. Here, we say, ‘Everybody is somebody.’”

“When I was in the 8th grade, Friendship Circle started a program for siblings with special needs siblings,” says Rebecca Josephson, current Staff Leader and former volunteer. “It was a time for all of us to get together, talk and really relate to each other. Once we got a little more comfortable and confident, we got paired with our very own buddy. I immediately fell in love. It gave me a purpose. I never stopped loving Friendship Circle. When they offered me a job, I was so honored and excited – and here we are today!"

At the end of the year, the nonprofit has their annual celebration, their biggest event. Throughout the scholastic year, however, they have other events, like a Moms Day Out, as well as summer and winter camps in order to provide community while school is out.

The group is growing rapidly, with a goal to grow more programs and events as the nonprofit expands. “We’re in the works of doing a day program that’s once a week, starting in September. That’s where we want to expand. We want to get a bigger space and really expand our programs.” Other goals include a sensory room, as well as expanding upon the Sunday programs and having more staff. “We’re always looking for new individuals.”

“At Friendship Circle, we believe that every step we take together brings us closer to a world where everyone belongs,” says Muka Pewner, Director of Operations.

Schultz emphasizes just how truly necessary friendship is in our daily lives. “We have teen volunteers that come in, and they’re nervous – but then they leave the program with connections beyond our walls.” 

To learn more about Friendship Circle, visit friendsnj.com