Friendship Circle Marks Two Decades of Pittsburgh Service
The Pittsburgh nonprofit provides workforce training and community programs for 600 adults with disabilities each year.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Special Needs
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Founded in 2006, The Friendship Circle operates inclusive programs for adults with disabilities in Pittsburgh. The organization provides memberships, group gatherings, and workforce training, currently serving about 600 participants annually.
Why it matters
The organization addresses a significant gap in the community by removing barriers to participation for individuals with disabilities. Its inclusive model promotes social integration and professional development through dedicated workforce opportunities.
The Friendship Circle has operated for 20 years, supporting approximately 600 participants annually. The organization also runs Bunny Bakes and Specialty Coffee in Squirrel Hill, providing direct vocational training to individuals with disabilities.
The players
The Friendship Circle
This Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization focuses on providing inclusive social and vocational opportunities for adults with disabilities.
Bunny Bakes and Specialty Coffee
Located in Squirrel Hill, this bakery serves as a vocational training ground for adults with disabilities employed by The Friendship Circle.
The details
The nonprofit facilitates social and professional inclusion by offering group gatherings and specialized job training. Through its bakery operation in Squirrel Hill, the group creates tangible employment pathways for the adults it serves.
Timeline
The Friendship Circle was founded in 2006.
The organization will hold its 20th anniversary 5K walk on November 1, 2026.
Culture Shift
The program reflects a broader societal shift toward prioritizing inclusive employment models that integrate adults with disabilities into the local economy. This moves beyond traditional support systems by emphasizing active professional roles in community-based businesses like bakeries.
Residents in the Squirrel Hill area can support local inclusion efforts by visiting the organization's bakery for coffee and goods. These purchasing decisions directly sustain the workforce training programs that serve hundreds of adults with disabilities in the city.
The takeaway
Supporting inclusive local businesses provides tangible professional experience for individuals with disabilities in the community. Residents can contribute to this mission by engaging with nonprofit-run ventures or participating in community-wide anniversary events.
What happens next
The organization is scheduled to host a 20th anniversary 5K Walk for Friendship on November 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local resources and initiatives in the Pittsburgh Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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