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Last week, the women of Friendship Circle got their hands dirty and helped demolish the nonprofit’s former facility, ‘paving the way’ for the organization’s new 20,000+ square-foot ‘Friendship Campus.’
Board members and local, notable philanthropists Tracey Berkowitz, Claudia Potamkin, Michele Kaplan, Stacey Bolduc, and Rossana Arteaga-Gomez, joined by the organization’s Executive Directors, Rabbi and Nechama Harlig each took their turn in demoing the building.
A bittersweet moment, the group was reminded that the Friendship Circle’s new state-of-the-art facility, located at 8700 SW 112 Street, will set the standard for Friendship Circle nationally throughout the U.S., with delivery anticipated for Spring 2023.
In its fully realized form, Friendship Campus will be a community and therapeutic center, social meeting place and hub for its network of families and individuals with special needs. New building amenities will include a welcoming lobby and reception area, engaging activity rooms and lounges, classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, a library and “snozelen” sensory room, music studio, life skills
“We are incredibly thankful to all individuals in our community who have contributed to this significant achievement, as we make the new Friendship Campus a reality after more than 25 years in the making,” said Rabbi Harlig. “It is truly lifechanging to soon introduce a state-of-the-art location that will be a second home to many, many families in South Florida. It would not be possible without our volunteers, members, board of directors, donors and long-time patrons, who share the mutual sentiment of providing a place to ‘belong’ for all.”
In December, Friendship Circle held the official groundbreaking event for the innovate campus on the 2.5-acre property. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Commissioners Raquel Regalado and Danielle Cohen Higgins, along with Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez, Florida House Representative Vance Aloupis, and Florida State Senator Ileana Garcia joined and spoke uplifting messages about the impact of the organization’s mission and dedication in the community.
“The Friendship Campus will continue the legacy of serving thousands of families in our community with the finest location, providing a deeper sense of belonging and engagement for children and their parents. I’m proud of our collective accomplishments and look forward to its delivery,” added David Evensky, Board Chair of Friendship Circle in Miami.
About Friendship Circle in Miami
Friendship Circle in Miami is a volunteer-driven, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to offering friendship and acceptance to individuals with special needs. As a leading South Florida organization for more than 15 years, Friendship Circle provides dynamic programming and resources that greatly impact the community and foster a sense of belonging. Studies prove that friendship makes every day feel worthwhile, drives purpose in life, and individuals live longer, meaningful lives. For more information, visit friendshipcirclemiami.org, and follow the organization’s Instagram and Facebook.
