Media Kit

Friendship Circle Pittsburgh: Building a More Inclusive Pittsburgh for 20 Years

Since 2006, Friendship Circle Pittsburgh has been transforming how our region approaches inclusion, creating spaces where people of all abilities don't just participate - they lead, advocate, and thrive. This year, FC is celebrating a major milestone with it's 20th anniversary!

What makes FC different: Rather than therapeutic intervention, FC offers genuine friendship and community connection. Members with disabilities aren't recipients of services, they're leaders shaping programs, driving advocacy, and proving that inclusive communities benefit everyone.

Three brands, one mission:

• Friendship Circle creates over 450 annual programs building authentic relationships across ages and abilities
• Bunny Bakes trains and employs adults with disabilities, demonstrating how accessible workplaces unlock potential
• The Beacon empowers high school teens through peer-led mental health and wellness programming

Quick Facts

• Founded: 2006 by Rabbi Mordy and Rivkee Rudolph
• Mission: Building a more inclusive community for youth and young adults of all abilities
• Programs Offered Annually: 450+
• Individuals Served Annually: 500+
• Location: 1922 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
• Three Brands: Friendship Circle, Bunny Bakes, The Beacon
• All programs offered free of charge

Recent milestones:

• Oct. 2025 - Bunny Bakes received the 2025 CLASS Community Heroes Award recognizing organizations that champion inclusive and equitable communities throughout the Pittsburgh region
• Nov. 2025 - 780 community members came out to "walk the walk" for friendship and inclusion at FC's 5th annual Walk4Friendship, raising $228,000
• Dec. 2025 - PA First Lady Lori Shapiro visited Bunny Bakes, reinforcing importance of partnership between community orgs and state resources to build more inclusive workforces across the commonwealth
• Jan. 2026 - FC kicks off "Moments to Movements" a year-long campaign celebrating its 20th anniversary!

About Friendship Circle Pittsburgh:

The Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh was established in 2006 to build a more inclusive community. We create fun and innovative programs that enable youth and young adults of all abilities to be firmly connected in the community through friendships and relationships, access to wellness supports, and employment opportunities. In doing so, we develop active, empowered members and young leaders who strengthen both our Friendship Circle and greater communities. To learn more, visit: https://www.fcpgh.org/

About Bunny Bakes:

Bunny Bakes is an inclusive bakery and cafe where exceptional baked goods and coffee meet meaningful employment. We provide comprehensive training and career pathways for adults with disabilities, demonstrating that when workplaces are designed with accessibility and support in mind, everyone can contribute their unique talents and thrive. At Bunny Bakes, we’re more than a bakery - we’re a training ground for careers. We take pride in crafting specialty coffee drinks and delicious, house-made treats baked fresh daily in our Squirrel Hill location, using high quality ingredients. We offer gluten-free and dairy-free options, and all baked goods are certified as strictly kosher. To learn more, visit: https://bunnybakes.org/

About The Beacon:

The Beacon is built on The Friendship Circle’s mission to foster a more inclusive community that supports individuals with diverse abilities and needs. Recognizing that adolescent mental health thrives in a community setting, The Beacon was established to bolster the safety net for high school youth in Pittsburgh. Facilitated by trained staff, The Beacon empowers teens to advocate for themselves and their own mental health. The Beacon offers inclusive programs & groups aimed to teach teens how to take care of themselves & one another as they become compassionate, capable, and kind adults. To learn more, visit: https://beaconpgh.org/

Media Contact:

Alana Rudkin

Public Affairs Specialist

Alana@fcpgh.org