 JANUARY 16 • 2020 | 11

one to three weeks living and 
working on a non-combat 
IDF army base alongside 
Israelis and other volunteers 
from around the world. The 
program offers a way to con-
tribute to the State of Israel in 
a very direct way. 

For additional information 
about the program, email 
michgan@vfi-usa.org, visit vfi-
usa.org or call Carol Kent or 
Ed Kohl at (248) 420-3729.

— Cherie Selis

Farmington Hills

LETTERS continued from page 6

Most Read 
on the Web

Each month, the JN will let you 
know the stories that were read 
most often online. If you missed 
any, go to thejewishnews.com 
and search for them by title. 
Here’
s what was most popular in 
December.
Top 10 on the Web

1. Val’
s Delicatessen 
 
Coming Soon
2. A Christmas Tree Says 
 
Something
3. The Queen of Everything 
 
(Allee Willis)
4. American Rabbi Suspected 
 
of Running Baby Trafficking 
 
Network
5. Allee Willis - Detroit 
 
Native and Acclaimed 
 
Songwriter 
6. Temple Israel’
s Major 
 
Expansion
7. Siggy Flicker Real 
 
Housewives
8. Mother and Daughter Duo 

 
Open Culinary Combo
9. Father and Son Find Hope 
 
Through Friendship House
10. Amazon Criticized for Selling 
 
Christmas Ornaments with 
 
Auschwitz Images

Tops on Facebook

1. Bubbie’
s Kitchen Episode 
 
4: Mom’
s Crispy Onion 
 
Dressing
2. Father and Son Joey and 
 
Josh Roberts/Friendship Circle
3. Friendship House 
4. Amazon Criticized for Selling 
 
Christmas Ornaments with 
 
Auschwitz Images
5. A Christmas Tree Says 
 
Something

Top Instagram Posts

1. Culinary Combo Chanukah 
 
Basket giveaway 
2. Chanukah Art Contest
3. Menorah in the D
4. Father and Son Joey and 
 
Josh Roberts/Friendship Circle 
5. Beaumont’
s Moonbeams for 
 Sweet Dreams

Views

Cherie Selis

CORRECTION
This photo from the story 
“Shabbat Dinner” in the 
Dec. 12, 2019, issue mis-
identified the teens. The 
photo is of Lexi Finkelstein 
and Dalia Michaelson.

EILEEN PLUNKETT

A 
Friendship 
that 
Changes 
Lives 

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS

Get involved, 
go to 
friendshipcircle.org/ 
foreverfriendship

Amanda 
& Allie: 

When Josh and Jodie Jacob’s 
daughter Allie was diag-
nosed with Infantile Spasm 
Syndrome, they didn’t know 
what her life would look like. 
The second daughter in the 
Jacobs family, Allie suffered 
long-term cognitive and de-
velopmental delays. But those 
delays haven’t stopped her 
from making and becoming 
an amazing friend thanks to 
Friendship Circle. 
The Jacobs hoped Friend-
ship Circle would be a support 
system for them to help Allie 
participate in activities and 
connect with other children. She 
began attending after school 
and weekend programs at age 
3. Barely able to walk and still 
learning much of her speech, 
Allie was welcomed with open 
arms and met Amanda Smith, 
her first Buddy. 
“I was a sophomore in high 
school when I met Allie,” 
Smith says. “Becoming her 
Buddy changed the path 
of my life. I fell in love with 
working with kids with special 
needs. I learned how they see 
life and love everyone.”
Amanda is now on staff 
at Friendship Circle as a 
volunteer coordinator helping 

to connect teens with the 
Buddies who will change their 
lives. 
Now in sixth grade, Allie 
can be seen surrounded by 
other children with various 
special needs playing with 
their Buddies. 
“Friendship Circle has 
become a second home,” 
Jodie says. “This is the only 
place she can really be herself. 
Kids have the most growth in 
places where they can be the 
most comfortable, and we see 
that here for Allie.”
Josh adds, “When you have 
a child with special needs, 
you’re not sure how to dream 
for them or what they will 
accomplish. Friendship Circle 
has opened opportunities 
for Allie’s entire life. We now 
know she is able to be a great 
friend. We have hopes for her 
that we didn’t imagine before.
“Whether you have a child 
with special needs or are 
looking for something to 
support, come and see these 
programs and the people 
helping right in our commu-
nity,” Josh adds. “Don’t be 
afraid to reach out. The help 
and support are here.”

