The Friendship Circle, a nonprofit here in Pittsburgh, has been making sure the community is welcoming to all for the past 20 years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The friendship emanates from Squirrel Hill inside Bunny Bakes and Specialty Coffee, and the conversation flows smoothly, just like the java. And that’s part of The Friendship Circle’s goal. <\/p>\n
Amanda Diaz walked in 20 years ago at 12 years old, and the space means so much to her, “because I was the first one in it.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now, she welcomes others and even works there.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“They opened their heart to me; I can come and be myself,” she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It provided a space for her to be herself and to welcome those with disabilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“When I was pregnant with my oldest child, she asked me if she could be his aunt,” recalled The Friendship Circle’s co-founder Rivkee Rudolph. “She’s been there for our family.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rudolph said she and her husband noticed a void in the community, and that’s what inspired them to start the nonprofit.<\/p>\n
“Everyone wanted to participate; they just didn’t know how, and for us, it was just about removing those barriers so that people can participate,” Rudolph said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Today, it’s expanded to around 600 participants each year with free programs, memberships, group gatherings, and workforce training for adults with disabilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They even hire them to work at the bakery.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“It’s a chance for people who come into the bakery to say, ‘You know what, I can appreciate this mission. I can appreciate the fact that our community is a more inclusive place. That people with disabilities are part of the fabric of our community,'” said co-founder Rabbi Mordy Rudolph.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Now, it’s gone as far as employment, opportunity, and being able to advocate for everybody at different stages or something in life,” added Rivkee.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rabbi Rudolph said they provide vocation at the bakery for the sake of socialization, and that begins with friendship.<\/p>\n
“It’s so much a part of the community, it’s part of the fabric of the community,” he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“I’m proud of Pittsburgh for embracing The Friendship Circle and helping us to grow into what we’ve become,” Rivkee said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On November 1, they will hold their big 20th anniversary 5K Walk for Friendship. You can learn more here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n