XIII. Projects Relating to People With Disabilities XIV. Refuah Shelaymah: Recovery from Illness XV. Global Tikkun Olam XVI. Animals and Mitzvahs

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XIII. Projects Relating to People With Disabilities

A. SHALVA ($7,500)
We quote from last year's Ziv report: "This past summer (1998) we visited their nearly-completed new facility. It was overwhelming." Last summer - 1999 - we visited the completed Shalva facility. It was an awesome experience that left many of us with tears in our eyes. Kalman and Malky Samuels' dream to provide a warm and loving place for respite care for kids with severe disabilities is a reality! The building is now not only completed but also filled with the happy sounds of many, many kids. The house has walls painted with animated cartoon characters, the brightest and most up-to-date equipment, a music room filled with instruments, a beautiful toy library and story-telling room and so much more. The light that pours in from the wide expanse of windows on each floor exposes the kids to a "million dollar" view of Jerusalem. The bedrooms used for overnight respite care are filled with furniture especially designed for kids. Not surprisingly, Kalman tells us that people from other institutions visit to learn from them.

Though the physical plant has changed dramatically, the love and warmth that first drew us to Kalman and Malky and Shalva has not changed. It is an extraordinary place that offers the very best to the children and their parents.

[Kalman and Malky Samuels, c/o Shalva, POB 35199, Jerusalem, (street address: Evan Denan St. 6), phone: 02-651-9555, fax: 02-653-5787, cellphone: 051-SHALVA (742-582), kalman@shalva.org, www.shalva.org. Tax-exempt contributions: American Friends of Shalva, 1170 Broadway, #806, New York, NY 10001, 212-921-8947, fax: 718-692-1233.]

B. JEWISH EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN ($750)*
Miami's Kesher program integrates Jewish special needs children into two of its day schools. The range of inclusion grows every year, and community support is exceptionally fine. Kesher is an excellent paradigm for programs in other communities.

[Kesher L.D., Alida Bunder, Director, c/o Michael Ann Russel Jewish Community Center, 18900 N.E. 25 Ave., N. Miami Beach, FL 33180, 305-792-7060, fax: 792-7018, bunder@worldnet.att.net.]

C. KEHILLAT MORESHET AVRAHAM ($360)
We are particularly fond of the work being done at Kehillat Moreshet Avraham Congregation in Jerusalem. The have been in the forefront of offering Bnai and Bnot Mitzvah ceremonies for children with special needs.

[Kehilat Moreshet Avraham, POB 29072, Jerusalem, Attn: Rabbi Howard Markose, phone: 02-671-0914, markose@netvision.net.il.]

D. HADASSAH LEVI - GIANT OF HUMANITY ($3,700)
The name Hadassah Levi is familiar to many of our supporters. Rescuing 48 infants with Down Syndrome and 20 more with other disabilities, Hadassah established Ma'on LaTinok, A Home for Infants more than 20 years ago. "Hadassah's Kids," as they were lovingly referred to when they were younger, are now grown and no longer living with her. Most of them live in independent housing. Our money allows Hadassah to give them necessities such as clothing and birthday and holiday gifts.

[Hadassah Levi, POB 413, Givata'im, Israel, phone: 09-792-9265, fax: 09-792-0327. Contributions made payable to "Ma'on LaTinok." Hadassah is not officially associated with The Swedish Village/Jerusalem Elwyn.]

E. JANET MARCHESE ($2,000)
For many parents that have been told that their baby has Down Syndrome, the news is devastating. Questions, anger, and frustration come tumbling out. Janet Marchese offers compassion and guidance, along with the "real story"; i.e., the difficulties and glories of raising a child with Down Syndrome. We must add, Janet is speaking from experience. She and her husband, Lou, adopted T.J., a baby with Down Syndrome, more than 23 years ago. Today, T.J. has finished his education, is employed, and is an excellent sportsperson. If the family still does not want to keep the child, Janet will explore adoption possibilities. To date, Janet has arranged more than 4100 adoptions. She takes no salary for this incredible labor of love.

[Janet Marchese, A KIDS Exchange (= Adoption, Knowledge, and Information on Down Syndrome), 27 Eagle Court, White Plains, NY 10605, 914-428-1236, fax: 914-761-3694, angel2u123@aol.com.]

F. AWESOME SPORTS-ISRAEL ($8,150)
Etgarim ("Challenges") offers thrilling sports opportunities such as parasailing, water skiing, sailing, and bicycling for people with disabilities. Recent efforts include working within the school systems to educate the general population and to reach more people to participate in Etgarim's activities. Ziv's contribution has provided much-needed scholarships allowing more Israelis to take part in their programs.

[Etgarim: Yoel Sharon: POB 53169, Tel Aviv, phone: 03-561-3585; fax: 03-561-3586, y_sharon@mail.netvision.net.il Contributions through PEF-Israel Endowments; see Section II:A.]

G. WILDERNESS INQUIRY ($750)
Greg Lais' project, Wilderness Inquiry, provides exciting outdoor adventures for both disabled and able-bodied people. Their awesome trips challenge the participants no matter what their abilities. Our contribution was used for scholarships for these trips.

[Wilderness Inquiry, 1313 5th Ave. SE, Box 84, Minneapolis, MN 55414, Attn: Corey Schlosser-Hall, toll-free phone 800-728-0719 or 612-379-3858 V/TTY/TDD, fax: 612-379-5972, wiinquiry@aol.com, www.wildernessinquiry.org.]

H. ALYN ($3,575)
We were dazzled this past summer when we visited the biomedical department at ALYN Orthopaedic Hospital. Their staff knows everything there is to know about adapting computers for individuals with any possible disability. It is fascinating to look at the endless array of "mice" and keyboards their engineers have developed. The world of computers has opened many new vistas for people who are disabled. The ALYN Occupational Therapy department is making it all happen. Our donation was used to fulfill the request of the teenagers who live at ALYN - secure lockers for their personal belongings and rollout drawers for their clothes cupboards.

[ALYN, Olswanger and Shmaryahu Levin Streets, Kiryat HaYovel, Jerusalem, Attn: Brenda Hirsch, phone: 02-641-2255 or 02-649-4224, fax: 02-643-3653, alynpr@netmedia.net.il, www.alyn.org. U.S. Contributions: ALYN American Society for Handicapped Children in Israel, 19 W. 44th St., #1418, NY, NY 10036, 212-869-0369, fax: 768-0979, alynny@juno.com.]

I. MGI-"TOO" ($250)*
Our friend, Cecile Asekoff, has told us about a much-needed teen project, MGI-"TOO." This program offers New Jersey teens with learning disabilities a wonderful summer experience in Israel. This an excellent program that should be duplicated.

[MGI-"TOO," Cecile Asekoff, UJF of MetroWest, 901 Route 10 East, Whippany, NJ 07981, 973-428-7400
casekoff@ujfmetrowest.org.]

XIV. Refuah Shelaymah: Recovery from Illness

A. ADVOCATES FOR THE JEWISH MENTALLY ILL (AJMI) ($360)*
Established in 1991 in the Philadelphia area, AJMI addresses critical problems faced by individuals diagnosed with some form of "mental illness." Despite the discovery of many new medications, nothing has yet happened to alleviate the profound loneliness many of these people face, or their need for appropriate housing and meaningful work. Though the Jewish community has not yet gotten past the stigma often associated with such illness, AJMI's TIKVAH program does provide fine social programming. Their newsletter describes several field trips, a Torah class, Purim Parade, and bowling party. Our contribution was used for a camping trip.

[Advocates for the Jewish Mentally Ill, Beulah Saideman, PO Box 561, Abington, PA 19001, 215-545-8610.]

B. VOLUNTEERS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY ($750)*
Richard Shulman, a psychologist in Connecticut, was distressed by the impact managed care was having on the entire psychotherapeutic process. Lack of privacy and decisions of choice were too often taken from both the doctor and the patient. His novel approach allows individuals to pay no fees or reduced fees if they agree to volunteer a certain number of hours weekly to a local non-profit organization. (95% of the people pay no fee.) This is a wonderful example of Mitzvah thinking at its best. Everyone benefits! 

[Volunteers in Psychotherapy, Inc., Richard Shulman, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Director, 7 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107, 860-233-5115, ctvip@hotmail.com, www.ctvip.org.]

C. WELCOME BACK ($500)
While visiting California this past winter, we finally met Jane Kemp, the founder of Welcome Back. Many local hairdressers have now joined her in providing three free sessions to people who are undergoing treatment for cancer. Anyone who has endured the loss of hair during such treatment can confirm that it is often as disturbing as hearing the words, "You have cancer." For many, hair defines exactly who we are - when we lose it, the trauma can be considerable. Jane and the hairdressers who work at her establishment, Salon Salon, offer expert advice and a listening ear to their clients during this trying period. This is a project waiting to happen in every community across the country!

[Jane Kemp, c/o Welcome Back, 1815a 4th St., Berkeley, CA 94710, 510-849-0306. jckemp@earthlink.net.]

D. GONE FISHIN' ($250)
The masthead on Casting for Recovery's newsletter describes their work "plain and simple": Casting for Recovery - Fly-fishing retreats for women recovering from breast cancer. This past year almost 100 women took part in eight separate retreats that brought them together with other cancer patients. They enjoyed companionship and support, as well as the opportunity to engage in a sport whose very movements provide much-needed physical therapy after cancer surgery. A brilliant idea!

[Casting for Recovery, PMB-257, 946 Great Plain Ave., Needham, MA 02492, Attn: Seline Skoug, toll-free phone: 888-553-3500 or 781-453-3910,  cfrprogram@aol.com, www.castingforrecovery.org] 

E. MITZVAH HAIRCUTS ($100)
For victims of permanent hair loss, the consequences can be devastating. (Permanent hair loss can be the result of burns, injury, or a medical condition known as alopecia.) For young people, lack of self-confidence and peer discrimination will seriously affect their lives. Locks of Love provides permanent hairpieces for those children whose family cannot afford one. The source of the hair is the thousands of people who have donated a minimum of 10" of their own hair to Locks of Love.

[Locks of Love, 1640 South Congress Ave., #104, Palm Springs, FL 33461, attn: Jennifer Hornsby, 561-963-1677, fax: 561-963-9914, info@locksoflove.org, www.locksoflove.org.]

F. LEFTOVERS FROM THE OPERATING ROOM

1. REMEDY ($1,000): Dr. William Rosenblatt knows first-hand the tremendous waste generated in our nation's operating rooms. He is an anesthesiologist at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Tons of unused tubing, bandages, clamps and other items are routinely discarded when an operation is finished. Liability laws in this country require this. The legal terminology is, "Manufacturers are unwilling to continue warranty to these opened, though still uncontaminated, items." Dr. Rosenblatt's program, REMEDY (Recovered Medical Equipment for the Developing World) has established a network of healthcare facilities throughout this country. All agreed to ship these items (and many others) to poor countries where they are critically needed. Their "How To" packet will tell you everything you need to know about starting a program like this in your local hospital.

[REMEDY, 3 TMP, 333 Cedar St., POB 208051, New Haven, CT 06520-8051, 203-737-5356 or, after hours: 203-785-4242 x 3-9553, fax: 785-6664, Attn: Dr. William Rosenblatt or Darryl Kuperstock, remedy@yale.edu,  http://gasnet.med.yale.edu/local/yale/Department/Remedy/remedy.html.or http://www.remedyinc.org/ .]

2. RACORSE ($2,850): Liisa Nenonen is a surgical nurse in Oakland, CA. She also has first-hand knowledge of operating room waste and established RACORSE (Recycling, Allocation, and Conservation of Operating Room Supplies) to gather this valuable equipment and get it to places where it is needed. Her program also collects unused home health care equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers, and delivers it to people who cannot afford to buy or rent. This one is so easy - why isn't everyone doing it?

[Liisa Nenonen, RACORSE Network, 385 Jayne Ave., #401, Oakland, CA 94610, 510-832-2868.]

G. THE HOSPITALITY PROGRAM ($1,200)
Word of the work of The Hospitality Program in Boston is spreading to other communities across the country. The project enlists hundreds of volunteers in the Boston area who open their homes at minimal cost to people who accompany a relative to critical medical care in the area. Last June they reported a record 7600 nights of hospitality. The hosts provide a warm place to stay and frequently become on-the-spot support for the families.

[Ms. Lisa Tener, c/o The Hospitality Program, 138 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02111, 617-482-4338, fax: 482-8431, directors@hosp.org, www.hosp.org.]

H. REB OSHER FREUND AND YAD EZRAH ($1,500)
Reb Osher Freund's early work included delivering fruits and vegetables to needy people in Jerusalem. Today, years later, his work has grown to include free dental clinics, housing for poor people, warm meals for the Elders, discount supermarkets, Shabbat food for hungry people, and a sheltered workshop for people recovering from mental illness. An amazing and gentle man who teaches that people, no matter what their situation, deserve love and kindness. Our donation purchased beautiful Challah and Matzah covers made in the workshops.

[Sewing workshop: 4 Kinneret St.; Yad Ezrah, main office, 11 Strauss St., POB 7199, Jerusalem, Attn: Shmuel Katz, 02-537-5812, fax: 02-538-9770. Contributions: Boston Friends of Yad Ezrah, c/o Elihu Stone, 158 Billings St., Sharon, MA 02067, 617-784-2848, or 722-0300 x 666, fax: 722-0301, elistone@gis.net. Call Elihu if you would like to purchase their beautiful Challah or Matzah covers in the U.S.]

I. PEACE OF MIND ($4,200)
Chazon was founded in 1975 by the late Shaul F'taya. We have known the workshops of Chazon F'taya since the beginning of our own Tzedakah work. People recovering from severe mental distress find love, caring, and calm at Chazon, which allows them to re-build their lives. The director, Simcha Ovadia-F'taya, daughter of Shaul, follows in her father's righteous ways. Financial difficulties have forced Chazon to curtail parts of the program. We continue to work with this project which brings relief and hope to the lives of many people who look to Simcha and her staff and volunteers for a richer, more peaceful existence.

[Chazon F'taya, POB 6070, 6 Shimon Chacham St., Jerusalem, Attn: Simcha Ovadia-F'taya, phone: 02-582-7826, fax: 02-581-7117.]

XV. Global Tikkun Olam

A. RELIEF ON A GLOBAL SCALE ($3,500)
Founded and directed by Ray Buchanan, Stop Hunger Now is an international relief organization dedicated to providing food, medicine and other essentials on a large scale. Their work is particularly important to countries that have been ravaged by natural disasters or acts of war. Ray's statistics say it all: In the first 18 months of operation, Stop Hunger Now distributed over $10,000,000 in direct aid to people in more than 20 countries world-wide. A recent $500 donation purchased two and a half tons of rice to feed hungry children and their families in Korea, Africa, and Mexico. Another aspect of Ray's work that we are proud to support is the purchase and delivery of critical anti-worm medication. This is one very fine organization.

[Stop Hunger Now, 2501 Clark St., #301, Raleigh, NC 27607, 919-839-8968 (o), toll-free phone: 888-501-8440, cellphone: 919-349-4491, fax: 676-4547, shnraleigh@aol.com, www.stophungernow.com.]

B. AN END TO WORLDWIDE POVERTY ($2,000)
Grameen Bank's microloan program is a remarkable story. Muhammed Yunus launched his program in 1983: extending loans of $50 or less to the poorest-of-poor women in Bangladesh. Prior to this loan program, women worked hard, made and sold their goods, but could never break the cycle of poverty. By lending them the money to buy raw materials, they could gradually develop a stable economic life. Today, this is a well-known, but not-well-enough-known story. Grameen Bank lends $30,000,000 a month to 2,300,000 borrowers, with a payback rate of 97%. In Bangladesh alone, the program reaches 37,000 of the 68,000 villages. Our donation will be used to provide seed money, operational costs, and loans in countries other than Bangladesh where similar projects have been established. Also, there are more than 300 programs - referred to as "microenterprise" - in the United States. This is definitely a Tzedakah project worth exploring if you really want to consider long-term and permanent solutions to the problems of poverty. Grameen's extraordinary story is recounted in Yunus's biography, Banker to the Poor.

[Grameen Foundation USA, 1709 New York Avenue NW, Suite 101, Washington, DC 20006, 202-628-3560, fax: 628-3880, info@peoplesfund.org, Attn: Dr. Ismael (Mike) Getubig or Jacki Lippman. Websites: www.peoplesfund.org,
www.grameenfoundation.org. Donations made out to "The People's Fund."]

C. NATURAL DISASTERS AND WAR ($1,650)
Unfortunately, the past year was filled with a number of catastrophic events - some the result of the forces of nature and others, sadly, the result of "human inhumanity."

In April of 1999, Oklahoma City and its environs suffered the devastating effects of tornadoes and storms that pelted the area, leaving destruction and death in their wake. Our contribution was sent to Emanuel Synagogue to be used wherever it was needed.

No one will ever forget the riveting pictures of wanton destruction coming out of Kosovo. Our donation, sent through the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), was used to provide relief to this war-weary population.

The earthquakes that tore through Turkey last summer left in their wake profound destruction. Housing shortages, lack of food and medical supplies and the total breakdown of the infrastructure were the result. Our donation, also sent through the JDC, was used to help restore order to the area.

[The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Inc., 711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017-4014, 212-687-6200, fax: 682-7262, www.jdc.org.]

D. THE JEWS IN CUBA ($519.54)*
The Cuban American Jewish Mission's (CAJM) goal is twofold: (1) They are dedicated to providing the remaining Jews in Cuba with a wide array of services and programs that foster their Jewish heritage. They also provide critical medical supplies. (2) With the recent disclosure that some Cubans have already made Aliyah to Israel, CAJM now works with those Olim, making the adjustment to their new home easier. A visit to their website will give you a very thorough picture of their work. Our contribution was used for the purchase of school supplies, special gifts, and shipping of medications.

[Cuban American Jewish Mission, June Safran, Executive Director, 444 34th St. Oakland, CA 94609, 510-526-7173, fax:527-2514, CAJM13@aol.com, www.cajm.org.]

E. JEWS IN THE FORMER SOVIET UNION ($1,000)*
Though the days of intense efforts on behalf of Soviet Jewry have passed, Chicago Action for Soviet Jewry continues to provide for the needs of Jews throughout the Former Soviet Union. This grass-roots organization, established over 25 years ago, offers a personal link to Jews remaining in these countries. They provide medications, food, and cultural, educational, and financial aid wherever it is needed. We are very impressed with all that they have accomplished.

[Chicago Action for Soviet Jewry, Marilyn Tallman, Chairperson, 555 Vine Street, #111, Highland Park, IL 60035, 847-433-0144, fax: 433-5530, CASJ1@aol.com, www.fsumonitor.com.]

F. HAITIAN CHILDREN ($250)*
During one of our speaking engagements this past year we met Estelle Dubuisson, who founded Friends of the Children of Lascahobas, Haiti, back in 1976. While visiting family in that small, remote village she frequently witnessed the loss of young lives due to the absence of even the most rudimentary medical care. Estelle vowed to do something about this tragic situation. Initially, she provided simple items such as vitamins and antibiotics. Today Ms. Dubuisson can be proud of the hospital she helped build and staff in that region. Many lives are being saved because she cares.

[Estelle Dubuisson, Friends of the Children of Lascahobas, Haiti, Inc., POB 2047, New York, NY 10025, 212-666-4664.]

XVI. Animals and Mitzvahs

A. A TZADDIK ($2,000)
Over the winter we received the 1999 Report for the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind (IGDCB). We believe this one story best expresses its mission. The Center received a letter from a 62 year old man who had been given a guide dog and was now leading a more meaningful life because of this gift. He wrote: "Generally people like my dog very much, but there are some exceptions. Once I was sitting on a bus and a woman who saw Shadow (his dog) refused to enter the bus because she was afraid. A passenger who sat near me said in Yiddish, 'Madame, you should not be afraid of him - he is not a dog, he is a Tzaddik - he makes Mitzvot.'"

How true! Shadow is not the only Tzaddik. Norm Leventhal, the Center's devoted founder, Noach Braun, the Director who makes it all happen in Israel, and the rest of their staff also qualify. The Center is a "must-see" place when you visit Israel. (It's in the Tel Aviv area.) The puppies' wet noses and frisky behavior will be a highlight of your trip.

[Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind-Bet Oved, 76800, Israel, Attn: Noach Braun, phone: 08-940-8213 or 940-8202, cellphone: 050-404-070, fax: 08-940-8220, igdcb@netvision.net.il. In the U.S., contact Norman Leventhal, 701 Easton Rd., Warrington, PA 18976, 215-343-0373, fax: 343-0211, igdcb@nni.com, www.israelguidedog.org.]

B. MITZVAH DOGS ($1,239)
The service dogs of Canine Companions for Independence act as arms and legs for people with disabilities who are unable to do the simple tasks we all take for granted - picking up dropped objects, turning on a light switch, or opening a door. CCI also trains dogs for deaf people. Call them if you would like to be a puppy raiser - a very gratifying job.

[CCI, POB 446, Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446, Attn: Bob Henning, 707-577-1789, toll-free phone: 800-572-BARK (V/TDD) fax: 577-1711, info@caninecompanions.org, www.caninecompanions.org.]

C. MORE MITZVAH DOGS ($360)
The visiting dog program (Pet Assisted Therapy=PAT) at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena is a fine example of this very special method that alleviates the pain and discomfort of a hospital stay. In addition, each patient is offered the opportunity to have his or her picture taken with the visiting dog. Our donation was used to buy film for these keepsakes.

[Huntington Hospital, PAT Program, 100 W. California Blvd., POB 7013, Pasadena, CA 91109, Attn: Cindy Neimitz, 626-397-3495, fax: 836-6919.]

D. SAVING ANIMALS ($750)
CHAI (Concern for Helping Animals in Israel) is the work of Nita Natelson, a dedicated and persistent advocate on behalf of Israel's abused and abandoned animals. Nita's efforts have resulted in some very substantial programs. Among their many activities, they are involved in educating Israelis about humane treatment of animals and have established shelter management training seminars, as well. They are doing fine, fine work.

[CHAI, Nina Natelson, Director, PO Box 3341, Alexandria, VA 22302, 703-658-9650, fax: 703-941-6132, 74754.654@compuserve.com, www.chai-online.org.]

E. MITZVAH MONKEYS ($500)
We are fascinated by the work started several years ago by Dr. M. J. Willard. Capuchin monkeys, extraordinarily bright, are trained to carry out a variety of common physical tasks for seriously disabled people. Very special Mitzvah work.

[Judi Zazula, Helping Hands, 1505 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02135, 617-787-4419, fax: 787-5665, www.helpinghandsmonkeys.org.]

F. THE AMAZING MITZVAH DOLPHINS ($950)
The term "alternative therapies" is a buzzword on today's medical scene. The work being done at the Full Circle Program at the Clearwater, FL, Marine Science Center may be "alternative," but we hope this method of therapy will eventually be considered "mainstream." The concept is simple: children with disabilities can benefit from interacting with marine animals (which include sea turtles, dolphins, and other aquatic animals). Many miracles, both big and small, happen at the center. We recommend a visit if you are in the area.

[The Full Circle Program, Clearwater Marine Science Center, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 34630, Attn: Scott Swaim, 727-441-1790 x 21, fax: 442-9466, fullcircle@cmaquarium.org, www.cmaquarium.org.]

G. THE BIRD WOMAN ($240)

Sigrid Ueblacker works quietly in the foothills of Colorado's mountains. Her devotion to the rescue and rehabilitation of our country's raptors is unparalleled. Over the years we have provided care for many injured birds and this past year our gift was used to heal a golden eagle.

[The Birds of Prey Foundation, 2290 S. 104th St., Broomfield, CO 80020, Attn: Sigrid Ueblacker, 303-460-0674, raptor@birds-of-prey.org, www.birds-of-prey.org.]
 

 

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