Fall 2015 - Women`s League Community Residences

Inspirations
FALL 2015
A Publication of Women’s League Community Residences, Inc.
WLCR’s Newest Residence
for Individuals with Special Needs
A LARGE CROWD GATHERED AT WLCR’S HOME
for women located at the corner of Ave F and
Dahill Rd. for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of a modern, newly designed
residence which consolidates living quarters
for thirteen women with developmental disabilities. On a beautiful spring Sunday morning,
local elected officials, community members and
valued friends of WLCR gathered in gratitude and
respect for those who transform lives with kind-
ness each and every day. This residence joins
the nearly thirty group homes and supportive
apartments located in Boro Park, Kensington,
Flatbush, Crown Heights and Seagate servicing
babies, children, teens, adults and seniors with
intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The event, held on a sunny April 26th, and
sponsored by the builder Aaron Yehuda Lebovits
of Park Developers and Builders, was graced by
the presence of the Novominsker Rebbe, shlita,
(continued on page 4)
WLCR TEENS
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Walk to
I
t’s about one hundred miles
from the WLCR residence in
Brooklyn to the Raleigh Hotel
in Fallsburg, but that didn’t stop
a group of service participants
from reaching their goal. In an
effort to promote physical fitness
and a healthy lifestyle, staffers at
the teen boys’ residence decided
to turn exercise into an exciting
competition. Service participants
were encouraged to walk a lot
and their progress was carefully
recorded. Those who accumulated close to 100 ‘miles’ of exercise were treated to a beautiful
Shabbos at the Raleigh Hotel in
upstate New York.
The stakes were high, but
the service
participants
were ready
for the challenge. They
walked the city
streets and
the local parks,
performed
countless jumping jacks, and
danced to music
for months, in a
deliberate effort
to increase their miles while
simultaneously losing some
weight. “It was a tremendous
success,” says Yechiel Davis,
residence manager. “We ordered
personalized T-shirts, had charts
posted throughout the house, and
even had a box with small prizes
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Inspirations
to encourage their continued
progress. Little by little, the bits
and pieces added up.”
Mark Gersten is the weekend
supervisor. “Basically,” he says,
“the goal was to promote healthy
living. But, it also turned into a fun
activity, teaching them how to
be healthy and have a good time,
too.” In the end, David, Isaac, Aron
and Joseph all lost a significant
amount of weight, some shedding
close to fifteen pounds! Aside
from increasing their exercise,
participants were also encouraged to eat properly. “We added
a lot of salads and water to their
diet, which continued even afterwards.” says Yechiel.
The grand prize was certainly
worth all the effort. Mark joined
the group at the hotel for an
uplifting and exciting Shabbos.
“The Raleigh was busy that week-
end,” he remembers. “We joined
the hotel guests for davening and
ate with everyone in the main
dining room. Lots of people came
over to welcome us. It was a great
experience all around.”
Losing weight isn’t easy for
anybody, and it’s especially difficult for those with disabilities.
But when it turns into healthy
competition with an anticipated
prize at the end of the road, it
becomes much more fun. Mark
points out that the effort to maintain the weight loss continues
until today. “We’re still exercising,” he says.
Aside from the obvious
health benefits, the program did
wonders for the participants’ self
esteem. They are proud of themselves and feel accomplished.
Says Yechiel, “One of the teens
approaches people and tells them
how handsome he looks now that
he lost so much weight!”
Grand Opening
of Jumpstart EI’s ABA Center
A
vi is sixteen months old, but some
thing about him is causing his
mother Rachel uneasiness. He
won’t maintain eye contact when spoken
to and is simply not responding like other
children his age. Concerned, Rachel had
him evaluated. That’s when she learned
that Avi is displaying classic symptoms
of autism.
These days, one out of 68 children
will be diagnosed as having autism,
a condition that’s become quite well
known. The good news is that many
of these children respond very well
to therapy and eventually thrive in a
mainstream environment. The key,
says Shoshana Gifter, MS Ed, is Early
Intervention (EI).
Shoshana is Program Director of
Women’s League’s newest division
– the Jumpstart EI’s ABA Center for
toddlers ages 2 - 3 who are diagnosed
with autism. The Center is located on
Nostrand Ave near Ave I in Flatbush in a
newly appointed, spacious and brightly
decorated space. Several children are
already enrolled in the program, which
will be held in two-hour morning or afternoon sessions. It promises to combine
the best elements of individualized
therapy with group-centered activities to
give the children the best of both worlds.
According to Shoshana, ABA (Applied
Behavioral Analysis) therapy is a method
of teaching that breaks down everyday
skills into small components that are easy
to teach. “We reinforce these behaviors
one at a time,” she explains, “until we are
able to develop a small skill set which will
then become a larger skill set until gradually the child is on age level.” The Center
will focus on individualized care appropriate to each child’s developmental stage.
Up to twelve children will join each group,
which will be led by one teacher as well as
an assistant for every child.
Shoshana says that the advantage
of learning in a Center rather than at
home is that children have increased
opportunity to learn socialization skills.
“There’s time spent in group activities,”
she explains, “such as circle time, arts
and crafts, and motor activities.” She
also points out that some children simply
learn better in a new environment.
While autism is on the rise, there’s
also reason to be optimistic. It’s being
diagnosed in children at very young ages,
and prudent parents are able to arrange
for therapeutic services sooner than ever.
“The diagnostic rate is quite high,” says
Shoshana, “but the children are starting
therapy when they’re very young and
that’s making a huge difference.”
For more information on Jumpstart’s
ABA Center, Shoshana Gifter , MS Ed,
can be reached at 347-390-1350
or at [email protected]
Inspirations
3
(continued from page 1)
longtime rabbinical advisor and admirer of WLCR’s services
for those most needy in our community. The Rebbe mentioned that it is a privilege to be at this particular ceremony
heralding a continuation of quality care to service participants whose aging and increased medical needs can now
be expertly addressed in this modern, state-of-the-art facility. The Rebbe also noted that he has merited witnessing the
exemplary chesed (kindness) of Jeanne and Isaac Warman
multiple times over the years in the care of those with developmental disabilities and how their personal approach has
changed the lives of these children and adults to ones of joy
and accomplishment, enabling them to grow and discover
“what it really means to be a mensch (respectable person)”.
State Senator Simcha Felder, who assisted in securing a
grant to be used towards the construction of this residence,
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Inspirations
reminisced about the location, saying “On the way here, I
thought to myself . . . 36 years of Women’s League . . . I grew
up on 49th St. and 18th Ave, and I can tell you that it was quite
different back then. Anyone who knows this corner . . . it was
a distinct place. It’s a beautiful area now. And these residents
are sure to bring light and joy to the community.”
Assemblyman Dov Hikind, who has done much for WLCR
service participants in the past, noted the outstanding
chesed performed by Jeanne Warman, founder and executive
director, saying, ”The reason we’re here is to make a difference in one way or another. The mission of Women’s League
– that all people, regardless of ability, should be treated with
dignity and the respect that they deserve, that is the quintessential fulfillment of that mission. G-d protects our communities because of chesed.”
Rabbi Burton Jaffa, longtime active member of WLCR’s
board of directors and the event’s master of ceremonies,
spoke passionately about the exceptional work of WLCR and
its devoted staff. David Singer, treasurer, publicly thanked
Asher Warman, director of development, for his toil and dedication in turning this elusive ‘dream’ into a beautifully constructed ‘reality’.
Councilman Chaim Deutsch, Assemblyman David Weprin,
Councilman Brad Lander and NYC Public Advocate Letitia
James also addressed the gathering and lauded WLCR for its
vital work on behalf of those with disabilities. Ms. James in
particular stressed that “there are some who think G-d made a
mistake” in the birth of the developmentally disabled. “But G-d
never makes mistakes. These babies, children, and adults are
a blessing to us every day. We owe many thanks to Women’s
League for providing homes for them.”
Having preceded the program with a delicious buffet of
mouthwatering delicacies, the presentations were then followed by the official ribbon cutting as well as a tour of the new
facility. Those in attendance were impressed with the interior
design, modern accoutrements, generous living and recreational areas, and warm and homey atmosphere despite the
presence of an elevator and accessible bathrooms for practical purposes.
An exuberant Jeanne Warman, herself a mother of a son
with profound disabilities, summed up this momentous event
best, stating “Today is the culmination of so many decades of
our collective hard work. I look forward to the day that there
will no longer be a need for our services . . .”
Inspirations
5
Ever!
BEST STATEN ISLAND SHABBATON
“INCREDIBLE!” That’s how Neil Weinstein, area clinical
coordinator at WLCR, describes its recent Staten Island
Shabbaton. The event, which has been held consistently
for the past fifteen years, is testimony both to the exceptional spirit of the people of WLCR and to the outstanding
chesed of the Willowbrook community of Staten Island.
Forty eight service participants attended the weekend, as did 32 direct support staff members along with
four residence managers and their families. That’s quite a
large group, yet somehow comfortable accommodations
were found for everyone. Clearly, this was not an easy
feat, considering that many service participants have
special needs and some require wheelchair accessibility.
The Shabbaton is an event that is greatly anticipated
at WLCR, and is looked forward to for months in advance.
The weekend’s program included beautiful Shabbos
meals that were celebrated together by the entire group,
with divrei Torah presented by the service participants
themselves. Davening was held at the Young Israel
of Staten Island, where WLCR was warmly welcomed
and participants were honored with aliyos, glilah, and
opening the Aron Kodesh. A lovely and leisurely shalosh
seudos was also held that afternoon in the Weinsteins’
backyard.
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Inspirations
“This year’s Shabbaton was better than ever!” says
Neil. And that’s largely because the dedicated direct support staff of WLCR added a special spirit to the Shabbos
atmosphere. “They gave it their all,” he says. “You could
feel it in the air!”
The purpose of the Shabbaton is twofold. Firstly,
it helps the service participants broaden their horizons
and feel like part of the larger Jewish community.
Equally important, members of the Staten Island
community learn to appreciate the diversity of the
Jewish people as well as those with special needs. “It’s
a wonderful opportunity for children to learn that some
people may be a little different than they are, but that
they have feelings like everyone else.”
Neil remembers one local youngster who, several
years ago, avoided the Shabbaton because he felt
uncomfortable. This year, he states, that young man
was singing and dancing with the WLCR participants as if
they were old friends.
“I’ve gotten letters over the years,” says Neil, “from
people thanking me for enabling their children to see
how special these individuals are. They learn to accept
and embrace them as fellow Jews. That’s just terrific.
What more can we ask?”
Summer Vacations
LIKE SO MANY OTHERS THIS SUMMER, the residents
of a WLCR group home on 38th St. packed their
bags and went on vacation. They spent a week of
rest, relaxation and fun in the beautiful Catskill
Mountains. According to all accounts, it was an outstanding vacation!
Nine residents and three staff members
traveled to the Honor’s Haven Resort located in
Ellenville, where they enjoyed the beautifully landscaped grounds, the scenic vistas, and the gourmet
meals provided by the kosher program.
But that’s not all. WLCR staffers arranged
several amazing day trips, keeping everyone very
busy. From relaxing in a pontoon boat on a lake, to
picking blueberries and corn at a local farm, from
bowling to shopping, everyone had a fabulous time.
The group also enjoyed a scenic train ride along the
breathtaking Catskill Mountains Railway.
According to Joel Lieberman, residence manager, the Catskill vacation is a major trip for the residents, and planning begins months in advance. It
takes much effort to coordinate, with many details
to consider. Sites must be wheelchair accessible
and appropriately enjoyable for these individuals
with disabilities. Aside from packing t-shirts, swimsuits, and snacks, staff must also bring along special equipment and medications.
It may not be easy, but Joel says he wouldn’t
have it any other way. “I really enjoy seeing the
guys have a good time,” he says, “and I try to make
their vacation special by including activities I know
they enjoy. It’s hard work but very rewarding.” He
is gratified to see that other hotel guests are very
respectful to their group. “They are accommodat-
“R ” Us
ing, accepting and friendly,” he says, “and that’s
very helpful to us.”
On Shabbos, residents joined the regular minyanim and shiurim, and in the afternoon, walked to
a beautiful waterfall nearby.
Nathan K. lives in a WLCR supportive apartment. He joined the trip and still cherishes memories of that wonderful week in the country. His
favorite part of the vacation? “The good food. And
also the train ride!”
No trip is complete without a fun-filled shopping expedition, of course, so WLCR residents visited the local Walmart where everyone purchased
a small memento – a key chain, a DVD, a hat, or a
wallet – to remember their wonderful week in the
mountains. It was the perfect way to top off an
awesome vacation!
Inspirations
7
WOMEN’S LEAGUE
COMMUNITY RESIDENCES, INC.
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #1235
Brooklyn, NY
1556 38th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11218
Tel: 718-853-0900
Fax: 718-853-0818
www.womensleague.org
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
• Group homes for babies, children,
and teens with disabilities
• Group homes for adults and
seniors with disabilities
• Supportive apartments for men,
women, and married couples
with disabilities
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Happenings
WLCR hosted a
goodbye gathering
for Shalom Kaver,
controller, and
welcomed Martin
Kahan (seen
here to the left of
Isaac Warman)
as director of
accounting.
• Jumpstart Early Intervention
• ABA Center
• Medicaid Service Coordination
• Community Habilitation Services
• CBR Supported Employment
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jeanne Warman
CHAIRMAN OF
THE BOARD
Ronald Greenwald
Jeanne Warman (c.), staff and service participants
celebrate the marriage of ass’t residence manager
Elisheva Prengler to Rabbi Michoel Reiss.
BOARD MEMBERS
• Shloime Eisenberg
• Esther Fruchthandler
• Victor Gluck
• Faigie Horowitz
• Burton Jaffa
• Eli Kaufman
• Shoshana Lefkowitz
• Esti Mermelstein
• Betty Pollack
• Rivka Rabinowitz
• Efraim Reich
• Shayve Zucker
RABBINIC ADVISORY BOARD
• Rabbi Dovid Feinstein
• Rabbi Yaakov Perlow
• Rabbi Aaron Schechter
• Rabbi E. B. Wachtfogel
Bella and Shaindy
from WLCR’s
women’s residence
enjoy the delightful
scenery and
attractions in
Brooklyn’s own
Marine Park.
Assemblyman David I. Weprin, chair of the Assembly’s Task
Force on People with Disabilities, was noticeably impressed
on his recent tour of WLCR’s Babies Home taken with Esther
Busel-manager, Jeanne Warman-executive director, and
Asher Warman-director of development.
WLCR is a valued
member of the Task
Force on Children and
Families at Risk. Shown
here is the committee
which organized a
recent Rebbetzins’
conference and
parenting workshops on
mental health topics.
Shuki and Marc enjoy getting their hands dirty
while gardening with 59th St. house mother,
Dobra Spinner.