Steven Grabelsky, Roy and Helene Schwedelson, Emily Grabelsky
More than 125 community members and local leaders gathered on March 4 for the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center’s Grabelsky Family Special Night for Special Needs “Dream Builder” Celebration, held at The Addison in Boca Raton.
Proceeds from the event, now in its 15th year, will support the life-changing programs of the Levis JCC’s Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department.
Chaired by Linda and Ralph Behmoiras and Diane and Fred Fiddle, the evening was sponsored by Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation, with Boca Raton Observer serving as the exclusive magazine sponsor.
The reception honored the Boca West Children’s Foundation for its ongoing support of the Schwedelson Special Needs Department. Marli Buchalter received the Yad B’Yad (Hand in Hand) Teen Leadership Award, presented annually to a teen volunteer demonstrating exceptional commitment to the department’s programs.
Mimi Norman, the parent of a young adult who participates in many Levis JCC Schwedelson Special Needs Department programs, spoke about what it is like to have a child with differences. “Finding a place where our child feels welcome, supported, accepted and celebrated, and where parents feel connected to other parents for support and information has been so important to us.”
Programs offered through the Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department include:
• Marleen Forkas Camp Kavod Year-Round Programs
⚬ Summer Camp: a 7-week summer program that features a variety of typical camp activities on campus and in exciting community venues, with a focus on having fun while acquiring vital life skills. Pre-K to 12th grade+
⚬ Winter and Spring Camp: When school is not in session, campers participate in winter and spring camps. Pre-K to 12th grade+
• Fit and Fun Program – Highly skilled personal trainers and teen volunteer buddies lead this innovative program. Athletes participate in strength training, gain flexibility and agility, improve coordination and endurance, enhance social skills, and build self-confidence. Ages 3 to 22+
• After School Enrichment – Participants will enjoy fun-filled afternoons of activities designed to engage and enrich their after-school hours while helping them build skills and socialize with peers. Skilled and caring staff oversee activities that include fitness, ponies, yoga, homework help, art, science, fun with food, dance and so much more. Ages 3 to 22+
• Paul Markhoff Otzar Sunday School – Otzar (Hebrew for “Treasure”) offers students in grades K-12, a Judaic educational experience, fostering enriched participation in Jewish life. Families who want their child to become a bar/bat mitzvah will have the opportunity to work in collaboration with local synagogues. K to 12th grade
• Parents’ Night Out And Kids’ Night Out – Parents can enjoy a Saturday night out with 4 hours of respite while their children participate in our well-supervised program with a staffing ratio of 1 staff person for every 4 children. Children will participate in crafts, games, snacks and much more!
• Schwedelson Young Adult Social Scene And Schwedelson Sunday Social Scene (Year-Round) – Adults functioning at a high level of independence enjoy a variety of weekly activities, make new friends, enhance social relationships and cultivate vital life skills. Ages 18 to 29 and 30 to 50+
• Project L.I.F.E. (Learning. Independence. Friendship. Experiences.) – A life-skills day program for adults with special needs who have aged out or are no longer attending high school. While not quite ready for vocational training or to work at a job independently, they are ready to expand their life skills, enhance their social interaction, and explore new opportunities. Ages 18 to 30+
• Move & Mingle Adult Fitness Program – Personal trainers teach participants about fitness equipment and workouts. Ages 16+
SAVVY – An innovative self-defense, safety and self-awareness program for teenage girls and adult women. Ages 16+
• Year-Round Parent And Caregiver Support Group Sibling Support Group – Facilitated by professionals at Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services. For further information about the Schwedelson Special Needs Department programs, please visit http://www.levisjcc.org.
