New York, NY – Yachad, the National Jewish Council for Disabilities, dedicated to inclusion for all Jewish children and adults, is celebrating 30 years of service to local, regional and international communities. Yachad, which, translated from Hebrew, means “together,” offers those with special needs a way to participate in events and programs which help weave them into the fabric of everyday life within their communities, day schools, colleges, summer camps, and more.
According to Dr. Jeff Lichtman, International Director of Yachad, “This 30th anniversary is certainly a meaningful milestone, as Yachad has continued to grow and expand with national and international chapters in cities where we had not previously had a presence. However, its not a signal to rest on our laurels. There are still many children and families not being served, and we need to reach them. When people learn about the hundreds of programs and activities we run throughout North America and Israel, they begin to realize just how important Yachad is.”
Yachad helps special needs children, adults and their families through many and diverse services including: social programming for all age groups; counseling services for individuals and families; weekend retreats; extensive parent support services; sibling support services; vocational training and job placement; professional advocates and case managers to ensure all appropriate educational and social services resources are tapped; summer camps for members of all ages; special needs yeshivas; shabbat programs; Adult day programs; Birthright Israel trips for persons with mobility and/or special learning needs; social skills development; lobbying for pro-disability legislation on the local, state, and federal levels; high school and university leadership programs, among others. They currently have a presence in more than 30 US cities and 3 countries.
“Over the past 30 years together we have celebrated more than 5,000 Shabbatons. Through our summer programs more than 5,000 children and teens have had the opportunity to travel throughout North America and Israel. Our programs in association with 10 mainstream summer camps have taught children and teenagers that while someone may appear different from themselves, we are all the same,” says Eli Hagler, Associate Director of Yachad.
Yachad relies on a talented group of staff who work diligently to coordinate activities and weekend retreats on a regular basis. In addition, volunteers help host Shabbatons, join event committees, and serve as counselors and companions at local summer and travelling camps. These activities provide Yachad members with opportunities for personal growth and experiences that enrich their lives. The inclusive aspect is designed to allow this special group of people to assume their rightful place within the Jewish community, while helping to educate others about our members’ abilities and strengths Our volunteers give so much more than time. “Through establishing meaningful friendships, they generously provide our members with opportunity for social experiences, feelings of acceptance, and confidence. In return, our members teach our volunteers invaluable lessons about themselves and how they come to appreciate others,” says Rebecca Schrag, Director of School and Community Programming.
Yachad reaches out to families, friends and corporate sponsors to help in its fundraising efforts to provide much needed scholarship support so no one is ever turned away. Notably, Team Yachad offers an opportunity for anyone to participate in endurance races that take place annually in Miami, Toronto, New York and Jerusalem. To date more than 1,800 have run hand in hand for disability inclusion, and have raised more than $2.7 million.
March 4th marks the festival of Purim, when Jews commemorate the downfall of Haman and his evil cohorts who had plotted to slaughter the Jews throughout Persia. To celebrate, Jews read the Megillat (Book of) Esther aloud in synagogue, give charity and bring gifts of food and wine to friends and relatives. Each year Yachad brings the miracle of Purim to the deaf and hard of hearing through its Megillat Esther Power Point Presentation, providing a CD-ROM and complementary materials so that all can participate and celebrate.
At this time of year Yachad offers Purim charity cards – combining aspects of both the charity and gifts called for by Jewish tradition, donors receive attractive cards they can send to friends & loved ones indicating that a donation was made in their honor.
Yachad raises funds while providing vocational training through YachadGifts.com, offering custom, ready-made gift baskets for Purim and all occasions — developed, assembled and packaged by Yachad participants.
Yachad, The National Jewish Council for Disabilities, is dedicated to addressing the needs of all individuals with disabilities within the Jewish community. To find out how you can join, volunteer, donate, or order Purim cards or gift baskets, please contact 212-613-8229 or visit www.yachad.com