In the summer of 2007, Yachad brought Jackie Green and Stevie Moster together, and today they continue their work as a married couple, extending Yachad’s mission in the Jewish community.
Both Jackie and Stevie, from Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, became counselors on Yad B’Yad, Yachad’s summer program that brings typically developing teens together with young adults with disabilities on a tour of Israel. During Yad B’Yad, high school students and Yachad members experience the Jewish homeland to the fullest as they ride camels, hike up Masada, participate in special Shabbat programs, and volunteer for community service work. Jackie and Stevie first became a team when they were assigned to similar responsibilities on Yad B’Yad. Their working relationship quickly developed into a friendship, and that friendship eventually evolved into marriage.
Jackie first began her involvement with Yachad through weekend Shabbatonim when she was in high school, soon realizing she was “surrounded by people who brought out the best” in her. She came to view Yachad as a place that “despite everyone’s differences, [we] were getting together, had a common need, interest, and love for Yachad.”
What’s Jackie’s advice for someone’s first time at a Yachad event? “Experience the array of emotions, ask questions, and assume a leadership position when there is a need. Create a welcoming and accepting place for everyone.” 
Jackie and Stevie continue to live by Yachad’s mission of “addressing the needs of all individuals with disabilities, ensuring their inclusion in everyday life.” Stevie spreads Yachad’s message about education and advocating for greater understanding, acceptance, and outreach by creating a disabilities study major at University of Maryland. Jackie is a behavior specialist, working in a mainstream school supporting students with challenges in multiple areas, such as social skills. She believes that inclusion is reality. “People should not be included only in certain situations; it should be a way of life.”
The couple brings Yachad’s mission to everything that they do at home as well, teaching their ten-month-old son, Sammy, self-acceptance, sensitivity, and respect for others – all others.
Doria Miller is a Yachad Social Work intern
This is an article from Belong Magazine 2014. For more information, or to receive your own copy contact belong@ou.org