Forty members of Yachad of the North Shore enjoyed a September Salem Harbor Cruise.
Since its launch in March, Yachad of the North Shore, a chapter of New England Yachad, has attracted more than 50 families to its inclusive social and recreational activities for individuals with disabilities of all ages, offering a lifeline for North Shore families.
According to Swampscott’s Alison Licker, Yachad’s outings and drumming circle have enabled her 9-year-old son, Logan Maldonis, who has global developmental delays, to learn about Judaism.
“To bring the Jewish basis into these programs is more than I could ask for,” Licker said. “I know my son will not be able to have the Jewish education that I had or a bar mitzvah. Through Yachad, he sees himself part of a Jewish community and belonging to a Jewish culture.”
Being around families who understand disabilities allows her to relax and enjoy as well. “Sometimes my son just needs to run around,” Licker said. “I don’t feel like I have to explain his behavior to the other parents. They get it.”
For those 16-years-old and older, Yachad Connections is a monthly social group that meets throughout the North Shore. The group does crafts, activities related to Jewish holidays, or meets just to have fun. In October, participants tie-dyed items and created a music playlist.
Through Yachad Buddies, members of the North Shore Teen Initiative and the Jewish Teen Internship also join in Yachad Connections.
“Peer participants not only assist the young adults, but they also do the same activities alongside them. Peer participants are part of the mix, which widens the relationships,” said Bari Michelman-Johnson, who runs Yachad Connections. Peer participants also help at the J-Adventure afterschool program at the JCC of the North Shore. Future plans include engaging students from Endicott College Hillel and Salem State University.
New England Yachad is funded by a grant from the Ruderman Family Foundation. Contact Liz Offen at NewEnglandYachad@ou.org or 646-628-7003.
Upcoming Yachad of the North Shore Events
On November 19, North Shore Yachad Connections will bowl at Kings Bowl, 510 Market St., Lynnfield, from 7-8:30 p.m. The cost is $9 per person. RSVP to bmj.nsyachad@gmail.com or 978-712-8807.
On November 22, Cantor Gaston Bogomolni of Temple Aliyah in Needham will lead a family drumming circle from 6-8 p.m. at Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott. The cost is $18 per family or $9 per individual and includes kosher dinner and dessert. Drums will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own or other instruments. Congregation Shirat Hayam is located at 55 Atlantic Avenue, Swampscott. RSVP to Bari Michelman-Johnson at bmj.nsyachad@gmail.com or 978-712-8807.
Visit Yachad New England on Facebook for a full listing of events.
This article was written by Nicole Levy, for The Jewish Journal of Massachusetts.
To view the original article on the Jewish Journal, click here.