BSD Homes of Kansas City has partnered with the Friendship Circle of Kansas City, a program of Chabad of Kansas City centered on inclusion for people with disabilities.

The partnership’s goal was to renovate a local home, with 100% of the net profits from the sale going to Friendship Circle programs, and it has since inspired other companies to join in giving back. The initiative, called the Friendship Circle House Project, is designed to fund programs that create meaningful friendships and foster inclusion throughout the community.

“Thanksgiving expresses not just gratitude to G-d, but the responsibility that comes with it,” said Executive Director Rabbi Avremi Baron about the program. “The Rebbe taught that recognizing our blessings must lead us to act. That's what we're seeing with Kansas City businesses, gratitude turning into action.”

Progress on the house has been shared through social media updates, drawing attention across the city. BSD Homes called it their “most meaningful project yet.” Their example has inspired other local companies to find their own ways to give back.

“This house isn't just a fundraiser, it's a vision,” said Gili Beer, CEO of BSD Creative Solutions. “It shows how business, community and compassion can come together to make Kansas City a more inclusive place for everyone. It's inspiring to see an idea become something so concrete, literally and figuratively. Seeing other companies join this mission has been incredibly meaningful.”

When finished and sold, the home will provide direct funding for Friendship Circle programs, ensuring that more children can experience friendship and more families can be supported. The growing participation from local businesses demonstrates how gratitude can transform into community impact.

Friendship Circle offers a range of programs that extend far beyond playdates, designed to create lasting relationships and a sense of belonging:

  • Friends@Home sends volunteers into participants' homes for weekly visits, giving children companionship and parents a chance to rest.
  • Sunday Circle hosts children for afternoons of games, music and art with one-on-one buddies.
  • Teen Scene and the Young Adult Club provide opportunities for older participants to socialize, gain independence and practice life skills in a supportive setting.

“Our mission has always been to celebrate the soul within each person, focusing on what we share rather than what separates us,” said Mushky Baron, program director of Friendship Circle. “We believe every human being has gifts and a purpose to share with the world, and when you give them the opportunity to be included, you allow those gifts to shine.”

The Friendship Circle House is expected to be completed and sold in the coming months.

“When we are inclusive, we are a better city,” Rabbi Baron said. “When a child has someone to laugh with, when a family feels supported, when a young adult can experience belonging, that changes everything. This house represents that change. We're grateful to see so many companies embrace the communal responsibility that comes with recognizing our blessings.”

For more information, visit friendshipcirclekc.org or follow @friendshipcirclekc and @bsdhomeskc on Instagram.