Volunteer

 

This is bigger than checking a box for community service hours. Every program below is a chance to show up for a child with special needs — and walk away with a friendship, a community, and an experience that shapes you too. Every year kicks off with a volunteer orientation, where current and new volunteers come together for training and a first look at everything Friendship Circle does.

Fill Out the Volunteer Form

Friends @ Home

 
Grades 8–12  •  Weekly or Bi-Weekly  •  Paired as a Duo

You and a partner volunteer commit to a standing playdate with one FC friend, at a time that works for the family and for you. Your friend leads — basketball, baking, art, whatever they love — and you simply follow along, building a real friendship one visit at a time.

Apply to Volunteer

Sunday Circle

 
Grades 8–12  •  Monthly

Once a month, join fellow volunteers for an afternoon of baking, sports, yoga, or a holiday celebration — a new theme every time. You're paired with your own FC friend for the day, with professional staff there to support you throughout.

Join a Sunday Circle

Family Programming

 
A Few Times a Year

A few times a year, the whole FC community comes together to celebrate — and that includes your family too. It's a great opportunity to bring your own family along and celebrate holidays and milestones as one extended, inclusive FC family, together with your FC friends and theirs.

See What's Coming Up

Summer & Winter Camp

 
Grades 8–12  •  Winter & Summer Breaks

Give up a few hours a day during your school vacation to bring joy to a child. Camp is a few action-packed days of outings and group activities where your presence alone makes all the difference.

Volunteer at Camp

Run 4 Friends

 
Open to All Volunteers  •  4th of July, Pacific Palisades

Lace up and invite your friends to run alongside you. Then ask your friends and family to sponsor your run — every dollar raised goes straight toward inclusive programming for children with special needs.

Register to Run

Bar & Bat Mitzvah Project

 
A Project With Purpose

Turn your Bar or Bat Mitzvah into something bigger. Gather tzedakah to support Friendship Circle, and pair it with hands-on volunteering that brings your mitzvah to life. Reach out to Rabbi Shimon to design a project that's meaningful to you.

Email Rabbi Shimon

Leadership Opportunities

 
Grow With FC

Ready for more? Volunteers who show up and lead by example have the chance to grow into leadership roles within Friendship Circle — mentoring newer volunteers, helping shape programs, and building real experience along the way.

Ask About Leadership

Start Volunteering

 

Fill out the volunteer form to begin onboarding and tell us which programs interest you most — we'll take it from there.

Fill Out the Volunteer Form