Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County Launches Program for Special Needs Children

The Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, in partnership with New Jersey Yachad, is proud to announce the creation of the Middlesex Chapter of Yachad, an organization dedicated to enhancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to ensure their participation in the full spectrum of Jewish life.

The first meeting for parents of children with special needs will take place on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 pm at the office of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, 230 Old Bridge Turnpike in South River.  

The evening’s program will be run by Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, National Director of Yachad, The National Jewish Council for Disabilities (NJCD). He will introduce parents to the program, which offers monthly social and recreational programs for children and young adults with special needs. Dr. Lichtman will also introduce the Middlesex Chapter’s two coordinators who will run the program and facilitate parent support groups. The program, open to Jewish children across the denominational spectrum (Reform, Conservative and Orthodox), aims to bring people together and help create an inclusive community.

“The launch of the Yachad program here in Middlesex County is significant,” said Gerrie Bamira, executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County. “There are hundreds of special needs Jewish children in our community and this program is another step in Federation partnering and supporting organizations that provide vital services needed in our community.”

The creation of the Middlesex County Chapter of Yachad follows the Federation’s Special Needs Conference and Family Day, held last March, and was co-hosted by Yachad. It was an afternoon of informative workshops, networking opportunities and programs for Jewish children with special needs and their parents and siblings.

”Assisting special needs children and their families is rooted in the Federation’s mission to care for the vulnerable here and around the world,” said Seth S. Gross, president of the Federation. “We are truly pleased to partner with New Jersey Yachad to bring such a valuable program to our local Jewish community.”

For more information, contact Elaine Schwartz at the Jewish Federation at eschwartz@jf-gmc.org  or (732) 588-1800; or Chani Herrmann at herrmann@ou.org or (917) 885-7178.