07 Jul Levi Stein Friendship Circle | Executive Spotlight
Executive Impact: Levi Stein Friendship Circle Spotlight
Building Community, Breaking Isolation, and Saving Lives
At Liftoff Enterprises, we believe in elevating companies and leaders that don’t just talk about change, they create it. This Executive Spotlight highlights someone who is redefining what it means to lead with purpose: Levi Stein, Executive Director of Friendship Circle of Wisconsin.
Friendship Circle Wisconsin: Creating Belonging Through Connection
Friendship Circle isn’t your typical nonprofit. Under Levi’s leadership, it has become a dynamic organization supporting individuals with disabilities, empowering teens, educating communities, and operating inclusive social enterprises like the Friendship Café and Bakery.
What sets Friendship Circle apart is its holistic, human-first approach. The organization bridges the gap between isolation and belonging, offering everything from life-skills programs to mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.
“We don’t just provide services,” Levi explains. “We transform how a community cares for its most vulnerable members.”
Levi Stein’s Mission At Friendship Circle Wisconsin
Levi didn’t step into leadership for recognition. He did it because he saw a problem: families of children with disabilities facing isolation and teens struggling to find meaning and purpose.
When he first witnessed the transformational friendships formed through the organization, he knew this was more than a program. It was a movement.
His vision has evolved to include broader mental health and community well-being initiatives. Friendship Circle now reaches beyond disability support to address loneliness, suicide prevention, and inclusive employment.
“Today, my vision is to keep removing barriers — so everyone, regardless of ability or struggle, has a place to belong, a voice that’s heard, and opportunities to thrive,” says Levi.
Who Friendship Circle Serves
Friendship Circle brings together three distinct but connected groups:
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Individuals with disabilities and their families
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Teens and young adults seeking purpose and connection
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Schools, businesses, and community leaders tackling issues like stigma and mental health
The organization solves the problem of disconnection by replacing it with community, understanding, and friendship.
Friendship Circle Milestone Led by Levi Stein
One of Levi’s proudest accomplishments is the launch of the We Can Save Lives Tour, which offers free suicide prevention trainings across Wisconsin.
The organization recently hit a milestone by training over 1,000 people through 41 sessions. all delivered at no cost to participants. This was made possible through strategic partnerships, grant support, and community buy-in.
“It came together because our mission resonates,” says Levi. “When you give people the tools and the chance, they step up.”
Innovation That Connects
Friendship Circle uses technology in purposeful, people-centered ways:
- Virtual training sessions for rural access
- The Wish You Knew podcast, giving teens a voice
- Data tools to enhance family and volunteer communication
- Inclusive enterprise tech at the Friendship Café and Bakery
These tools enable deeper connection, improved access, and more responsive programming.
Leading with Trust and Listening
“Vision alone doesn’t move people — connection does,” says Levi.
His leadership philosophy centers on listening and building trust. At Friendship Circle, volunteers are treated as friends and every stakeholder — from staff to partners — is valued as a contributor to the mission.
This people-first approach drives real results and builds lasting loyalty.
The Power of Collaboration and Trust
Internally, the team prioritizes open communication, shared input, and authentic connection. Externally, trust is earned by showing up, delivering on promises, and genuinely caring.
“When a parent feels safe or a teen feels seen, they become part of the movement,” Levi says.
A Hidden Gem: The “Wish You Knew” Podcast
One offering Levi wishes more people knew about is the Wish You Knew podc
ast, created by teens, for teens. It tackles mental health, stigma, and emotional struggles through candid and insightful conversations.
To listen, visit: fcwi.org/podcast
Levi’s Advice to Other Business Leaders
“Focus on building real relationships before growing numbers,” Levi advises. “If you invest in trust first with your team, your customers, your partners, growth comes naturally.”
In a world focused on fast metrics, Levi reminds us that human connection drives meaningful, sustainable impact.
Learn More About Friendship Circle
To explore their programs, visit: fcwi.org
To support their mission or get involved, check out the site or reach out directly.
Permission granted by Levi Stein and Friendship Circle of Wisconsin to feature all quotes, name, company, and offerings across Liftoff Enterprises platforms.