On Tuesday evening, YahalomNY, a division of Agudath Israel dedicated to supporting families with children with special needs, hosted a networking event for fathers of children with special needs. The theme of the evening was “Why Reinvent the Wheel?” – a message to the over 50 fathers who attended that as fathers with similar experiences, we can learn from each other. The event provided a much-needed platform for fathers to network, seek encouragement, and find inspiration in the company of those who understand their unique challenges.
Rav Yisroel Majeski, Rabbi of Kehillas Lev Simcha in Los Angeles, spoke to the attendees, blending wisdom and humor to offer the fathers a new perspective on the challenges they face. Professionals with expertise with children with special needs were on hand throughout the event to provide insights and answers, underscoring Yahalom’s dedication to equipping parents with the education and resources they need to navigate their unique challenges. Throughout the event, Don Stern’s singing and Mendy Mertz’s music was a soothing backdrop.
“The event was much more than I could have hoped for,” said one father. “Just to see how many people attended reinforced that as hard as we may find raising a child with special needs, we are not alone.”
“This event really brought out the message of what YahalomNY is all about,” said Miss Tova Wacholder, director of YahalomNY. “The fathers know that Yahalom is there for them, and they are there for each other.”
YahalomNY thanks all the fathers who attended the inaugural event, creating a support system and sharing knowledge and hope. YahalomNY also thanks Moshe Fruchter for emceeing, the Heimlich family for graciously hosting the event, and founder of Highway of Hope Yehuda Gelman for attending.
YahalomNY is headed by Miss Tova Wacholder. To contact Miss Wacholder, please call 212-747-8763×324 or [email protected].