J-CHAI Launch Meeting a Success

Los Angeles, CA -- On Tues., March 29, Etta Israel Center held a meeting at The Jewish Federation to launch its new initiative, J-CHAI (Jewish Community Housing for Adult Independence). J-CHAI is a new way for adults with disabilities to become more independent, move out of their parent's home, and further integrate into the Jewish community. J-CHAI represents an unprecedented opportunity for Jews with disabilities, and their families and communities, to grow, share, learn, and flourish.

As one meeting participant noted, "From my own experience with the type of services that J-CHAI is offering I can tell you that it will change, for the better, the lives of its clients and their families."

Etta has already started interviewing potential applicants. Interest is high and people are very excited about this new opportunity for adult living.

To learn more:

View a slideshow of the meeting's PowerPoint presentation.

Go to "What is J-CHAI?"

Visit "Are you a J-CHAI candidate?"

Apply online.

Read Michelle Wolf's Jewish Journal blog: A long anticipated birth: J-CHAI: Jewish Community Housing for Adult Independence | Jews and Special

Etta Expands Social Media Presence

Earth, Universe -- Etta is now on Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr in addition to Facebook! Click the buttons below to follow, subscribe, or like Etta, and join the conversation! On our Twitter account, we Tweet upcoming news, important special ed announcements, what's going on at Etta and more. On YouTube, we already have a couple of videos including the inspiring introduction to our organization, "What is Etta Israel?" On Facebook, we let you know what's going on with Etta in more detail and also conduct polls and conversations. And on Flickr, you can view all the photos from Etta events!

Twitter YouTube Facebook Flickr

Purim Party Rocks!

The Etta Purim Party on March 20th was a huge success! Sixty to a hundred people attended at Bnai David for fantastic fun, including a grogger station where they made their very own noise machines! The party also included Megillah reading and reenactments, a Mishloach Manot station where you could make and give customized food baskets, and a Costume Contest runway show! Everyone who participated won -- there were so many great costumes. There was food, music, dancing and a good time was had by all! Here are some pictures (thank you Rafael Stein, Max's dad, for taking these!)... the rest are available at our Flickr account.

Hendeles Shabbaton

Los Angeles, CA -- A fabulous Shabbaton with a surprise Hawaiian theme was held April 8-9 at the Hendeles home. On Friday night, participants and counselors davaned (prayed) and then had a wonderful Shabbat dinner with lots of singing. The room was decorated with palm trees, leis and other Hawaiian decor. Shabbat day, the group davened at Kehillat Yavnah and then played Guess Who. Upon arriving back at the Hendeles' they played Wheel of Fortune and had lunch. Next up was a walk around the block for some fresh air and lots more singing! Everyone returned to the house for a very entertaining skit based on Pinocchio and Red Riding Hood. After some free time, the group had a blast with an activity called "Dessert Building." Using graham crackers, marshmallow fluff, sprinkles, and other treats, 3 teams competed to construct "Grandma's House." They named a winner and then everyone ate their candy houses. After Mincha and Shalosh Seudos (the day's "3rd meal"), the girls and boys split up. The girls had a Kumzitz (song circle) in a separate room and the boys davened Maariv. Shabbat ended with a beautiful Havdalah (leave-taking ceremony) by Jeremy Schechter accompanied by guitar, and a mini-concert.

One Mom wrote, "My daughter was beside herself with how great a time she had.  This was truly a gift...She can always count on her Etta Israel family to bring her joy, acceptance and strength."

See pictures of the Shabbaton on Flickr.

Pre-Pesach at Ner Shoshana

Bais Yaakov LA, CA -- Ner Shoshana will be having a special Passover program the week of April 11.  They are going on special outings such as lunch out, and a walk at the Grove. They'll celebrate with a pre-Pesach party as well! Everyone is excited to have this fun time doing leisure activity with their classmates.

World Autism Awareness Day is April 2

And coming up....

May 5 - Iranian-American Division Presentation "Preventing Teenage Drug & Alcohol Abuse"

May 13-14 - Shaarey Zedek Shabbaton

May 15 - Ner Shoshana Dessert Reception