Kathy's Circle of Friends

Kathy’s Circle of Friends

Giving back has been in Kathy Phillips’ heart since the very beginning of Primitives by Kathy, her wholesale gift company. More than 25 years ago, a partnership began with Goodwill Industries to assemble products. It’s what made Primitives by Kathy possible, and the desire to give back by providing occupational opportunity to adults with varied disabilities has been a part of who they are ever since. In 2017, this innate passion fueled the formation of Kathy’s Circle of Friends.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by Kathy and supported by Primitives by Kathy employees, KCOF hosts a variety of themed social events for adults 18 years old and over with various mental and physical disabilities as well as their family, caregivers, PBK employees, and guests.

It is FREE to become a member – simply use our Membership page to join.

Our mission is to encourage socialization, friendship, and a sense of community. This “play” time builds deeper connections between all involved. We are committed to treating each member with dignity and respect, making a positive impact while growing our circle of friends.

Our events are staffed mostly by PBK employees who share Kathy’s passion of giving back to the community, but we encourage all who are interested to volunteer. Visit our Volunteers page to learn more and sign up.

Every donation, no matter how small, helps to fund the special events and programs we offer the community. Our Donate page offers multiple ways you can help raise money for our Circle of Friends.

Kathy’s Circle of Friends Events

Each event is planned and run by employees who are inspired by the impact and find joy in giving – friendships are formed between the members and with the volunteers.

These events have introduced the members of Kathy’s Circle of Friends to the occupational opportunities at Primitives by Kathy and we’ve welcomed them onto the team in positions where they make impactful contributions to the success of our company each day.

Kathy's Circle of Friends Events 2023
Friendship Heart Gallery

Friendship Heart Gallery Partnership

2019 introduces a collaboration with a Lancaster, PA based art gallery Friendship Art Gallery which provides those with special needs the ability to express themselves creatively and offers opportunities for financial independence. We’re proud to support their mission and offer new collaborative items with designs from these talented artists – many of whom are members of Kathy’s Circle of Friends.

OUR JOURNEY

Learn more about the beginning of Primitives by Kathy and how Kathy’s Circle of Friends came to life.

Like all great ideas, Kathy’s started with a challenge – trying to find unique products for her paint studio and retail store in Lancaster, PA she owned with her Mother for over 10 years.

Inspired by her desire for unique and creative items to fill her own shelves, Kathy took matters into her own hands, literally. She handmade the first “primitive candle box” in 1997. Crafting the box by hand, taking care into each detail from the sanded edges to the type of ribbon tied on the wire handles, each was a work of passion.

Driven by her innate creativity and entrepreneurial spirit – the product that started it all was born.