MARCH 25 • 2021 | 51
Created in Memory
of Laela Miller Saulson
E
li Saulson never met
his biological mother,
Laela Miller Saulson,
who passed away shortly after
his birth at the age of 28. She
possessed a caring nature and
compassion for children facing
challenges — and had an affinity
for art. To honor her memo-
ry, Saulson has funded a Soul
Scholarship, enabling an artist to
develop their creative talents in
perpetuity at Friendship Circle’s
Soul Studio program.
Laela was born in Michigan’s
Upper Peninsula in 1939 and
grew up in a proud Jewish
home in Crystal Falls. Voted
most likely to succeed in high
school, she achieved Statewide
recognition in debate while also
playing saxophone in the band
and writing for the school news-
paper. Furthermore, she was a
prolific artist and loved outdoor
adventures.
After graduating from the
University of Michigan, she
became a teacher in the Royal
Oak School System, specializing
in helping children with learning
disabilities. The people in her
life spoke highly of her fun-lov-
ing personality, humanity and
capacity for friendship. For all of
these reasons, Saulson found no
better way to honor her memo-
ry than to make a contribution
to Friendship Circle’s Forever
Friendship legacy campaign.
Giving to Friendship Circle’s
legacy campaign allows donors
to invest in the nonprofit’s
mission by providing “forever
friendship” for future genera-
tions. The Soul Scholarship will
help support an artist in the
Soul Studio program, a support-
ed art studio program with an
open studio space and gallery
for adults, 18 years or older with
special needs. The program
provides participants the oppor-
tunity to reveal their hidden
talents to the community and
be recognized as included, con-
tributing members of society.
Dresner Foundation Soul
Studio Artists enjoy the open
studio space at Friendship Circle
Farber Center and a wide vari-
ety of materials to work with.
Saulson has long been
involved with the Detroit Jewish
Community and has been priv-
ileged to sit on the board of the
William Davidson Foundation,
who funded the scholarship
through his discretionary fund.
The impact of the Chabad
Lubavitch movement and the
message of the Lubavitcher
Rebbe resonated with Saulson,
motivating him to become more
involved with Friendship Circle’s
Soul Studio.
“I found it interesting that the
Rebbe would speak of people
with developmental disabilities
as exceptional,” says Saulson.
“And the art at Soul Studio is
truly exceptional.”
Saulson is inspired by the way
Friendship Circle has changed
both the local community and
the world’s view of kids, teens
and adults with special needs.
“When I was growing up in
the 1970’s, special needs kids
were separated from the rest of
us and not always treated kindly
by their peers. Now through
Friendship Circle, there is a
waiting list for kids who want to
be friends with them.”
The legacy of his mother’s
generosity and great capacity
for friendship moved Saulson to
give the gift of eternal friendship
to an individual with special
needs in her honor. Now, he
hopes others will follow his
example.
“I’m hopeful that in giving this
[scholarship] and in telling this
story that I can inspire others to
do the same thing.”
To contribute to the Leala
Miller Saulson Fund or to start
a fund in memory or honor of a
loved one, please contact:
Rabbi Levi Shemtov
levi@friendshipcircle.org
248-702-1020
Your gift to Friendship Circle’s
Forever Friendship Legacy
Campaign is an investment
in the future. One that makes
an incredible difference in the
lives of individuals with special
needs, their families, and those
struggling with isolation. Your
gift will ensure Friendship Circle
is able to serve the community
today and in the future.
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
6892 West Maple Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
248-788-7878
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Soul
Scholarship
Dresner Foundation Soul Studio Artist paints in the open studio space at Friendship
Circle Farber Center.
Laela Miller
Saulson, of
blessed memory.