Celebrating 20 Years of Building a More Inclusive & Accessible Pittsburgh

Moments to Movements, Celebrating 20 years of friendship

Friends All Around

April 19, 2026

Join us in Celebrating 20 Years of Friendship and Disability Inclusion at our annual FAA fundraiser gala!

We create fun and innovative programs that enable youth and young adults with diverse abilities to be firmly connected in the community through friendships and relationships, access to wellness supports and employment opportunities.

A Place to Build Community

Friendship Circle Moments

Rabbi Mordy Speaks at Podium in City Hall, Accepts Friendship Circle Proclamation

Impact

April 19th is Officially "Friendship Circle Day" in Pittsburgh!

City Council Honors Friendship Circle for Two Decades of Service – Building a More Inclusive Community for Youth with and without Disabilities

Events

Inclusive Workforces WORK!

Business owners, job seekers and community members learned how job coaching, wage reimbursement, accommodations, and early collaboration create real pathways to employment for adults with disabilities

A conversation graphic between Lieba and Lucy

Member Spotlight

Friendship Spotlight: Lieba & Lucy

Two Allderdice juniors share what they've learned about friendship: start slow, be open to different people, and find the middle ground when things get tough.

Bunny Bakes

Pennsylvania First Lady Lori Shapiro Visits Bunny Bakes

Growing movement across the Commonwealth to build more inclusive workplaces for adults with disabilities

Events

Walk4Friendship 2025: A Milestone Moment!

781 community members "walked the walk" with Friendship Circle, raising $228,000

Initiatives at Friendship Circle Pittsburgh

Community Events

Family & Member Programs

Teen Mental Health

Workforce Readiness

Alumni

The Friendship Circle is a wonderful place that provides a sense of belonging for my child (and my family).
— Karen Clay Mowry

Friendship Circle changed our lives! It allows my daughter Ev to have friends and do social activities in a safe setting and without judgment. It allows me to connect with other moms who "get it" and gives me a tiny break when I rarely have a moment to myself.
— Stephanie Pawlowski

I love what you guys are doing. I rarely saw so much compassion and desire to do good. I applaud your initiatives and activity!
— Ivona Pandrea

Purple background with white text including the date, time, and title of FC Talks: Join us on Tuesday, April 28th 6:30pm for What’s Next? Building Community in Transition Years. The speaker series description is: tools for building friendship and finding your people no matter your path! Learn about meaningful ways to build friendships and community by attending FC Talks at Friendship Circle. At the bottom there is an image of a diverse group of people holding hands.

FC Talks April 28th!

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Led by our Alumni Council, FC Talks is a speaker series dedicated to advancing the conversation on disability advocacy, inclusion, and systems change. Through expert panels and community dialogue, FC Talks creates space for meaningful learning and connection - bringing together advocates, families, and allies to move the needle on the issues that matter most.

Join us on April 28th as we discuss tools for building friendship and finding your people no matter your path! Learn about meaningful ways to build friendships and community by attending FC Talks.

Our Key initiatives

A group photo of boys and girls of all ages smiling, sitting, and standing in front of a blue and purple ballon arch. They are holding up certificates at the Friendship Awards program.

The Friendship Circle

How it all began. Friendship Circle's first initiative, building a more inclusive community through fun, innovative programs that foster friendships and enable youth and young adults with diverse abilities (and their families) to be firmly connected in the community.

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The Beacon

Friendship Circle's teen wellness center empowering Pittsburgh high school youth to advocate for their mental health through inclusive peer programs that build compassion, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills.

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