“MAYA’S HERE!” Shayna cried excitedly, the widest smile imaginable appearing on her face. “Hi, Maya!” said Sarah.
“We missed you, Maya!” Michelle exclaimed.
Maya couldn’t help but smile.
She had a long day at work and a traffic-filled, rainy drive home. She was just about ready to curl up on her couch with a book. But it was Wednesday at 6 PM, and she knew what that meant; she was leading her weekly sketching program for Friendship Circle Online.
It’s funny, because there was nothing she wanted to do more than get cozy and be alone. But as soon as she logged on, she remembered why she loved it so much.
“How was work today?” Sarah asked.
“A little long, but good,” Maya answered.
“How’s your dog?”
“Can we say hi to your sister?”
By now, Maya’s smile had almost turned into a giggle. Who knew that her crew for one hour a week over Zoom would be more interested in her life and well-being than almost anyone else?
“Ready to have fun sketching?” Maya asked the group.
And the hour of fun and connection began.
Chatting, talking, jokes, and, of course, sketching took up the next forty-five minutes. FCO friends got to hear about each other’s day, follow up on what they had spoken about during the program before this one, and create beautiful drawings.
Maya watched as each member came alive, shared about their day, and gained confidence in themselves as artists as they learned to draw a lifelike apple.
Suddenly, the group was talking about their apple-picking trips, their favorite apple desserts, and their excitement for Rosh Hashanah coming up.
At 6:50, it was time to wrap up with a question.
“What was your favorite part of your day?” Maya asked each member individually. “Seeing you,” said Jennifer.
“Going to work,” said Nick.
“Being with my friends on Zoom,” said Kyle.
Once everyone answered, Maya led the group in a “5… 4… 3… 2… 1…” and the whole group yelled, “SEE YA!” before Maya pressed “End Zoom.”
Friendship Circle Online is a virtual community for teens and adults with special needs to connect, belong, build meaningful friendships, and explore a variety of different interests; all from wherever they are.
I’ve been like Maya before.
So I know how it feels.
Friendship Circle Online is a place where you are celebrated; a place where everyone is always excited to see you.
For Maya, it’s as a volunteer. But for Sheriden, Jennifer, Nick, Kyle, Shayna, Michelle, and the whole gang; this is their happy place. This is where they are celebrated. This is where they are greeted with excitement and genuine care.
The 2026/27 Year-Round Program begins on Tuesday! This year, we’re stepping it up with over 25 weekly programs, new and improved systems, new faces among both members and staff, and participant leadership roles designed to build confidence and courage.
If you know a teen or adult with special needs who would like to join the circle, or if you’re looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity, please reach out to
[email protected].
Who knew such real, magical moments could happen on Zoom?
