Philadelphia's Friendship Circle of the Delaware Valley-South, a branch of the Chabad-Lubavitch network of programs that pair teenage volunteers with children with special needs, honored its volunteers with a gala event at the city's Painted Bride Art Center.

Directed by Rabbi Zev and Chani Baram, who also direct Chabad-Lubavitch of the Old City, the regional Friendship Circle works with some 115 volunteers and 75 children with special needs.

The dinner was followed by an award ceremony and a short film about the program. Friendship Circle volunteer Emily Acker told Philadelphia's Jewish Exponent that after getting involved with the organization, she views people with special needs in a different light. "I feel much more comfortable" around them, she said. "It's a great experience all the way around." …