THE MOMENT
June 2025
In this edition
20 Annual Heroes Gala: A Night to Remember th Highlights from an evening of celebration, connection, and community support. The Power of Three: How the Burks Sisters Are Building Community Sisters making a big impact through friendship, leadership, and heart. And Away They Go! A Senior Send off to Remember A New Path Begins, But Your Friendship Lasts Forever
A Message From the Founders
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Hear from the hearts behind Friendship Circle as they reflect on our mission.
More Than a Mess: The Magic of Sensory Art for Kids with Special Needs Discover how sensory art opens doors to creativity & communication.
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Program Impact Update
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A quick look at our growth, milestones, and community impact.
From the Founders
Dear Friendship Circle Family, As the school year wraps up, we’re filled with gratitude for the unforgettable moments we’ve shared —from our largest volunteer kickoff ever to the incredible connections formed throughout our programs. While one season ends, we’re already dreaming big for the next, with exciting new programs in the works for the upcoming year. But before we get there, don’t forget—Summer Camp is just around the corner! It’s one of the best parts of the year, packed with fun, friendship, and meaningful memories, so be sure to sign up if you haven’t already. Thank you for being such an important part of the Friendship Circle family—we can’t wait for what’s next!
Esther and Elazar Bogomilsky
Feature Article Contributors: Lisa Morris Sue McBreen Ryley Burks Meredith Burks Kaitlyn Burks
Photography Team: Lisi Wolf Manny Dan Marina Prossin Spenser Yousko
Madisen Buechler Written & Edited By: Lead Writer & Editor Madisen Buechler Assistant Writer & Editor
Spenser Yousko Special Thanks To: Sunday Circle Team – For their continued dedication to community engagement and arts education FS Foundation of Minneapolis for their generous support in expanding our Teen & Young Adult Life Skills (TYA) program
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More Than a Mess: The Magic of Sensory Art for Kids with Special Needs
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For some children, art is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a language. A way to feel seen, to find calm, and to connect without needing words. At Sunday Circle, sensory art—hands-on projects that engage touch, smell, sound, and movement—isn’t just fun. It’s transformative. Thanks to volunteer art directors Sue and Lisa, the art room has become a place where children with special needs can express themselves, build social bridges, and thrive in a way that feels natural and joyful. The Art of Connection “Art transcends everything,” says Sue, a longtime preschool art educator and dedicated volunteer. “It gives kids the chance to get focused, be in the moment, and express themselves in ways that other forms of communication can’t achieve.” This kind of connection is rare and powerful, especially in a world filled with fast-paced, screen-driven stimulation. Research shows sensory-based art activities can improve fine motor skills, attention span, and emotional
regulation for children with special needs (Adamo et al.2019). Lisa, who co-leads Sunday Circle’s art programming as a volunteer, has witnessed these transformations firsthand. “The kids really gravitate toward sensory activities,” she shares. “We’ve explored so many textures—leaf rubbing, watercolor painting, stamping, tissue paper transfer. Some kids dive right in. Others start out tentative, then surprise themselves with how focused and immersed they become.” One unforgettable moment came during a pulled string painting project. “It was like a magic trick,” Lisa says, smiling. “The kids dipped string into paint, laid it on paper, folded it, and pulled the string through. The results were beautiful and completely unexpected. Some kids made 10 or 15 pieces in one session.” Sue adds, “Whether you’re cutting apples or painting with Q-tips, the act of making something with your hands brings everyone into the moment. It connects them—to the process, to themselves, and to each other.”
More Than A Mess: The Magic of Sensory Art for Kids
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A Safe and Inclusive Space Step into the Sunday Circle art room, and you’ll immediately feel it: joy, curiosity, and a calm kind of energy. “The room is always busy,” Sue says. “There’s a buzz in the air—and everyone is happy.” That’s no accident. Creating an inclusive, welcoming space is at the heart of Sue and Lisa’s work. “It’s not about what the final project looks like,” Lisa explains. “It’s about how much the kids enjoy the experience of making it.” “ I do believe that art and the opportunity it presents to immerse ourselves in something so open ended and creative is a gift we can give to all the buddies at FC .” Some of the most beloved activities are also the simplest. Sensory bags filled with pom-poms, foam shapes, and hair gel were a crowd favorite. “It was gooey, squishy, and fun—but without the mess,” Lisa says. “Every kid could enjoy it at their own pace.” Other projects encouraged teamwork. “Bubble painting was a blast,” she recalls. “Some kids loved blowing the bubbles, others popping them—but everyone left smiling, and a bit soapy.” This shared creativity helps break down social barriers. “Some of our boys have trouble making eye contact or starting conversations,” Sue shares. “But through art, they were working side by side, building trust—without needing to say a word.” Studies support this, showing that shared creative experiences foster connection and reduce social anxiety (Dewey, 1934; McNerney et al., 2018). Lisa adds, “Some kids who can’t seem to stop moving will connect with the art supplies and find meaning in them in
their own way. It really is so special.” More Than Just Projects
To an outsider, it might look like just paint, glue, or playdough. But these materials hold power. “The projects are more than just the mess they create,” Sue says. “They help build confidence, problem-solving skills, and emotional strength.” 4
More Than A Mess: The Magic of Sensory Art for Kids
Lisa agrees. “The most surprising thing I took away from art this year was how much joy the kids experienced with just markers and paper,” she says. “They collaborated, laughed, and came into the art room excited to try something new.” The simplicity of art materials becomes a launchpad for discovery. Every week reveals something new: Yonaton loves painting. Eric can’t get enough of beads and bracelet making. Everleigh greets every project with a grin so wide, you can feel her joy even if she can’t speak it aloud. Art therapists have long emphasized that the creative process can be healing and empowering (Moon, 2002). Sensory art in particular activates multiple areas of the brain, supporting self-awareness, emotional processing, and resilience (Shaffer et al., 2017). Where the Magic Happens The art room at Sunday Circle is more than a studio—it’s a space for growth, connection, and joy.
Art is where we see the kids come alive,” Sue says. “It’s not about the end result—it’s about the journey of creation. That’s where the magic happens.” In a world that often relies on words and screens, sensory art offers something different. Thanks to volunteer art directors like Sue and Lisa, it’s become a doorway to expression, connection, and confidence—for every child who steps through. References Adamo, S. M., McCullough, M., & Thies, S. (2019). Sensory art activities and their benefits for children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(3), 1010-1020. Dewey, J. (1934). Art as experience. G.P. Putnam’s Sons. McNerney, C., Eckert, T., & Martinez, A. (2018). Exploring art-based interventions for children with special needs. Special Education and Art Therapy Journal, 5(2), 56-67. Moon, B. L. (2002). Introduction to art therapy: Sources & resources. Brooks/Cole. Shaffer, H., Hughes, R., & Brown, C. (2017). Using art therapy to improve emotional regulation in children with sensory needs. Art Therapy Review, 33(4), 23-36.
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More Than A Mess: The Magic of Sensory Art for Kids
Program Impact Update
This spring, we continued to build on our mission of creating inclusive, friendship-based opportunities for individuals of all abilities. One of the highlights has been the growth of our Teen & Young Adult Life Skills (TYA) program, which is helping older teens and young adults gain the confidence and tools they need to navigate everyday life. Just ask Jason, who once felt anxious about riding the bus or shopping at the mall. With encouragement from his Friendship Circle mentors, he now says, “I can do this by myself.” His story is just one of many we’ve seen as participants grow in independence, connection, and self-assurance. TYA at a Glance: Real-Life Skills, Real Confidence TYA was created in response to the unique challenges that older teens and young adults face as they transition into greater independence. Each session pairs participants with neurotypical teen volunteers and includes a community outing—whether it's practicing money management at the grocery store, learning to use public transit, or navigating social situations at a café. Every experience builds critical life skills in a fun, supportive environment. This quarter, the TYA program saw: 30+ life skills outings in the community 80+ participants developing hands-on experience with daily living skills Over 400 hours of mentorship and real-world learning Backed by 40+ trained volunteers Our Broader Impact Across our full range of core programs—TYA, U Matter, Sunday Circle, Birthday Club, and Friends@Home—we served more than 500 participants this spring. With the dedication of 190+ volunteers, we delivered over 1,200 hours of impactful programming throughout the Greater Seattle area. With Gratitude We’re especially grateful to the FS Foundation for helping us deepen our work with older teens and young adults through TYA. Their generous support has enabled us to introduce new workshops in digital literacy and self-care, and to reach even more participants with meaningful, skill-building experiences. Their commitment continues to make a lasting difference—one life skill, one outing, and one friendship at a time.
Want to get involved? Find out more at www.friendshipcircle.org
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20 Years of Heroes: A Night to Remember at the Annual Gala
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This year marked a milestone for our organization: the 20th Annual Heroes Gala, and what a celebration it was. Held on a sparkling evening filled with laughter, music, and generosity, the Gala brought together friends, supporters, and longtime volunteers for a night that truly captured the spirit of community. From the very start, the energy in the room was electric. Glasses clinked, conversations flowed, and joyful reunions unfolded across the ballroom. A standout moment came courtesy of our dear friend Eric, whose piano solo left the audience breathless. His performance added a moving, unforgettable touch to an already magical evening. Of course, no Gala would be complete without a bit of fun— and this year’s prize giveaways were next level. Guests walked away with incredible items, from luxury getaways to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
But the biggest win of the night? Together, we raised an astonishing $490,207 in support of our programs. Every dollar represents hope, growth, and the ongoing impact of our mission. Behind the scenes, this event wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and especially Spenser, who took the lead in organizing this year’s event. Their vision and tireless effort brought everything together seamlessly—and beautifully. Twenty years in, the Heroes Gala remains more than just a fundraiser. It’s a celebration of the people who make our work possible: the helpers, the dreamers, the quiet champions behind the scenes. This night was for them—for you. Here’s to 20 incredible years—and to the next chapter of building something even greater, together.
20 Years of Heroes: A Night to Remember at the Annual Gala
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Friendship Circle’s Summer Adventure Camp is back — 4 days of parks, zoos, museums, and unforgettable moments! AUGUST 19-22; 10AM - 1PM ADVENTURE AWAITS!!
friendshipcirclewa.org
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The Power of Three: How the Burks Sisters Are Building Community
At Friendship Circle, volunteers come from all walks of life—but sometimes, they come from the same household. Ryley, Meredith, and Kaitlyn Burks are three sisters who are making a big impact through small, consistent acts of kindness. Whether leading, encouraging others, or just beginning their volunteer journey, the Burks sisters are showing what it means to build community—together. Ryley, the oldest, is a sophomore at Mercer Island High School and a pillar in the volunteer community. Over the past two years, she’s become a leader in every sense of the word. As a member of the 2023–2024 Friendship Circle Leadership Board—and recently selected again for 2024–2025—Ryley is deeply involved in shaping programs and mentoring newer volunteers. But perhaps her most meaningful commitment is her weekly visits with Charlotte, her F@H (Friends at Home) buddy.
The relationship they’ve built is more than a program—it’s a real friendship filled with shared stories, creative activities, and plenty of laughter. “I look forward to seeing Charlotte each week,” Ryley says. “It’s not just about volunteering—it’s about being there for someone, and knowing they’re there for you too.” Just two grades behind Ryley in is Meredith, an 8th grader at Islander Middle School. Meredith has also been volunteering for two years, and her influence reaches far beyond her own involvement. Passionate about Friendship Circle’s mission, she’s brought many of her friends into the fold, helping them see how fun and rewarding it can be to participate. Meredith’s natural ability to connect with others—and her joy in doing so—has helped grow the community in powerful, organic ways.
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“Meredith has been a real ambassador for us,” says a Friendship Circle staff member. “She leads by example and has this amazing way of making everyone feel welcome.” And then there’s Kaitlyn, the youngest Burks sister and newest official volunteer. A 6th grader at IMS, Kaitlyn recently completed the MVP (Mitzvah Volunteer Program), and she’s already making waves. Whether she’s helping out at events or just offering a kind word to a new participant, Kaitlyn’s enthusiasm and warmth are unmistakable. She may be new, but her potential is clear. “I started friendship circle through the MVP program in the 6th grade, now i am going into my freshman year of high school and friendship circle has been a very influential and important part of my life.” “Kaitlyn just gets it,” says a volunteer coordinator. “She shows up with a huge smile and is eager to help. She’s going to be a leader just like her sisters.” Each of the Burks sisters brings something unique to Friendship Circle: Ryley’s leadership and one-on-one commitment, Meredith’s ability to grow the community, and Kaitlyn’s spark and energy. What they share, though, is a deep belief in the power of inclusion—and a family culture of showing up for others. The Burks family didn’t set out to build a movement, but that’s what they’ve done. Their collective impact is felt not only in the lives of the participants they support but in the growing number of young people inspired to join the cause. Together, the sisters are helping create a more compassionate and connected world—one friendship at a time. In an age where community can feel fragmented, the Burks sisters remind us of the strength in showing up, the value of empathy, and the incredible impact young people can have when they lead with heart. The power of three has never looked so strong.
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The Power of Three: How the Burks Sisters Are Building Community
A New Path Begins, But Your Friendship Lasts Forever As our amazing seniors take the next step in their journey, we couldn’t be more proud. While their paths are leading them to exciting new adventures, the friendships they’ve made here at Friendship Circle will last a lifetime. Whether they’re off to college, new careers, or exploring the world, their impact on our community will be felt forever. Congratulations, graduates—you will always be a part of the Friendship Circle family.
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Where They are Going In this World
Adina Newman - University of Miami Adrianna Makagon - Santa Clara University Alberto Aguilar-Spinoza Alexander Dickstein - Chapman University Ava Schwartz - Texas Christian University Ayden Nov - Loyola Marymount University Carter Headstrom - Middlebury College Charlie Harris - University of British Columbia Chase Warnick - Pennsylvania State University Elan Gotel - University of Miami Eliana Newman - Duke University Ella Will - University of Southern California Gabby Kleiman - New York University Gordon Gibson - Simon Fraser University Henry Aronchick - Tulane University Izzy Hoffman - Yeshiva University Jared Friedberg - New York University Jordan Benitez - San Diego State University Jordan Youssefnia - Tulane University Kiera Kelly - University of Wisconsin Kylie Shulman - Princeton University Orli Kalman - University of Wisconsin Parker Friedman - Macalester College Shane Benaroya - Indiana University Steele Shapiro - Northeastern University Wyatt Smith - New York University
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Friendship Circle of Washington 2737 77th Ave SE, Suite 101 Mercer Island, WA 98040
P: 206.FRIENDS (374.3637) E: info@friendshipcirclewa.org www.friendshipcirclewa.org
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www.friendshipcirclewa.org/monthlypartner
Leave a Legacy That Reflects Your Values !
Legacy giving, also known as planned giving, is a powerful way to support the causes you care about—while also honoring your personal, financial, and family goals. While some planned gifts are made in cash, many donors choose to give through assets like stocks, real estate, art, or business interests. The possibilities are as unique as your legacy. The most common planned gift is a bequest in your will, but other popular options include charitable trusts and gift annuities. Whether you're planning for the future or honoring a lifetime of generosity, we're here to help. Let’s talk about how you can make a lasting impact.
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CALL US AT: 206-FRIENDS {374-3637}
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