Frequently Asked Questions

The Friendship Circle of Las Vegas is a one-of-a-kind, nonprofit, community-based organization that was established in 2016 and fills a gap that no other organization in Las Vegas addresses to date. FC aims to create a more inclusive community for individuals with disabilities. By bringing individuals of all abilities together in friendship, we create a safe space where everyone can be appreciated and accepted as they are.

The Friendship Circle focuses on inclusion and disability. Our goal is to create an inclusive community with liaisons who will spread our message throughout the entire Las Vegas Valley, creating a rippling effect. No individual will be turned away due to not meeting certain ability requirements.

Additionally, FC provides programming on its own campus and focuses its programming on times and dates after school or whenever school is not in session, including Sundays.

Friendship Circle runs close to 50 programs during the school year, including monthly Family Events, clubs for participants ages 4–18 (cooking, sports, art & music), Young Adult Club get-togethers for ages 18+, weekly Friends at Home visits, educational teen workshops and parent events.

At Friendship Circle, we define special needs as someone who has a hard time making friends, or can benefit from making friends in an inclusive and non-judgmental environment.

Our general program accepts ages 3–18 years, and 8th–12th grade volunteers. Our Young Adults Program is geared for ages 18–35.

FC Las Vegas currently has 108 active families participating in programming. We look forward to continued growth as we expand our staff, allowing for more intakes.

The Friendship Circle of Las Vegas is an independent chapter of Friendship Circle International, which has more than 80 regional chapters worldwide serving children with special needs. Each chapter is individually run and funded.

The Friendship Circle of Las Vegas does not charge participants for programming, keeping in line with our belief that “you cannot put a price tag on friendship.” All operating funds come from financial contributions, primarily corporate and individual sponsorships of Walk4Friendship, plus individual donations throughout the year and foundation grants.

FC of Las Vegas has 4 staff members, 2 of whom are full-time, with a continuously growing budget.

Our small, passionate, committed staff is led by key personnel Rabbi Levi Harlig and Nechama Harlig. Together, they have shaped The Friendship Circle as Directors since its small pilot program began in 2016.

Friendship Circle is also guided by a 12-member Board of Directors, comprised of a diverse group of medical professionals, philanthropists, executives, and community leaders, each committed to the mission of the organization.

The Friendship Circle is an affiliate of Chabad of Southern Nevada, inspired by the Chabad Rebbe’s belief that no one person is complete until everyone is included.

FC holds its own 501(c)(3) as a nonprofit and nonsectarian organization that accepts participants with or without religious affiliation.