FriendMakers is where friendships flourish. Through social programs, community outings, leadership opportunities, and meaningful mitzvah projects, FriendMakers brings teen and young adult volunteers together to build genuine friendships with participants and each other, creating a more inclusive community.
Meet the FriendMaker of the Month: Gabi Rivitz
Names of FriendMaker’s Parents: Marc and Thais Rivitz
School and Grade: Senior at Solon High School
What made you decide to become a FriendMaker?
Friendship Circle has always been part of my life. My older brother Aaron has received FC's services for as long as I can remember, and I remember playing alongside him and his Friends at Home buddies. My Papa was also extremely involved in Friendship Circle and dedicated to its mission of community and connection. Inspired by my Papa's philanthropy and my hopes to create a kinder, more inclusive world for my brother, becoming a FriendMaker was a no-brainer.
What do you do as a FriendMaker?
I volunteer weekly as part of the Sunday Circle program. In addition, I've volunteered in summer, winter, and various holiday camps. I'm typically also volunteering for fundraising events including MyWalk4Friends and my personal favorite—the phone-a-thon!
Describe a favorite moment with your friend or at a program.
Watching my weekly buddies grow attached to me is my favorite part of Friendship Circle. There's nothing like knowing they look forward to seeing me each weekend. Every excited greeting and reluctant goodbye reflects time well spent. Having my buddies run to greet me at the door makes it easy to come back!
What has your friend (or the friends you have met) taught you?
At Friendship Circle, I've learned the power of consistency. Showing up for yourself, knowing you can skip when wanted or needed, is different from showing up for someone else. Knowing others depend on my presence for stability keeps me accountable at FC and in my daily life.
I've also learned patience by living life at my buddy's pace, even when other kids in the room I'm leading complete tasks at a different rate. Most of all, I've learned to communicate beyond words. Whether kids have difficulty communicating or are having an off-day, expressing ideas, feelings, and care through body language is a skill I'll carry into everyday life.
How has volunteering changed the way you see friendship, kindness, or people who are different from you?
Growing up with a brother who has special needs, I've seen how kindness and friendship positively impact him when he comes home from an FC event. What FC has changed for me is how I understand volunteering's impact on the volunteers themselves.
Volunteering at Friendship Circle is one of the most meaningful and fulfilling parts of my life. Befriending someone doesn't just brighten program participants' days. Experiencing the light and love the kids offer means the world to volunteers, too.
Is there a Jewish value or teaching that inspires your volunteering?
Tikkun Olam is a cornerstone of how I hope to live my life, and something I aim to fulfill through my work with Friendship Circle. Knowing I am making a difference in the lives of these kids, even one at a time, is my favorite way to strive towards improving and repairing the world for my buddies.
How does being a FriendMaker connect to your Jewish identity or community?
Besides having the opportunity to work towards Tikkun Olam weekly, it is the environment of like-minded people I find at Friendship Circle that bring me closer to my Jewish identity and community. Having a place to participate in Jewish-centered crafts and activities, celebrate Jewish holidays, and be around other Jewish people reinforce my connection to Judaism every week.
What other activities are you involved in outside of Friendship Circle?
Student editor for school newspaper, consistently organize CPR classes for community members, student ambassador for Greater Cleveland Food Bank, tennis instructor, NHS treasurer