On Monday, YahalomNJ hosted its biggest event thus far, drawing an overflow crowd of mothers of children with special needs to a special night out. Mothers gained valuable connections, meeting other mothers of children with the same diagnoses as their child and establishing relationships – an opportunity that only a Yahalom event can provide.
Attendees heard from Mrs. Shaindy Schorr, the principal of Bnos Esther Malka, who also has a child with special needs, about accepting the hardships of raising a child with special needs. Many were moved to tears by her words about the acceptance process and inspired by her personal story.
The event’s co-host, Mrs. Toby Tabak, spoke about the beginnings of Yahalom: “It is amazing how the Agudah saw this huge void in the chesed community and went above and beyond to fill the need for all of you here. I feel privileged to have been involved and so honored to be here amongst all of you incredible parents.”
YahalomNJ thanks Agudah board member Mr. Shloimy and Mindy Zeldes for opening their home to host the event.
Yahalom is already receiving an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from last night’s attendees. As one mother said, “The evening was beautiful, and I could tell how much time and effort went into making us mothers feel so special. Thank you, Yahalom, for always being here for us!”
“Since the beginning of Yahalom, our events have only grown bigger and bigger,” said Mrs. Chana Laniado, director of YahalomNJ. “We are so grateful to see how many families are gaining inspiration, connection, and chizuk from our work, and we are honored to be a part of the incredible families we have met.”
YahalomNJ, a division of Agudath Israel of America, was launched two years ago to provide resources and support to families of children with special needs. Following its success, Yahalom opened branches in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Maryland. Yahalom offers guidance and direction to parents, from helping them navigate government programs and school funding to organizing meals and support groups. YahalomNJ has serviced over 400 families, put out various directories to assist parents in making adequate connections, facilitated support groups for parents of children with special needs, and released guides to aid parents in specific parts of raising a child with special needs. YahalomNJ hosts men’s, women’s, and family events and educational workshops, and continues to expand its services to meet the needs of the families.
