“YOU ARE NOT ALONE,” THESE ARE THE COMPASSIONATE WORDS PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS HEAR WHEN THEY MEET WITH CARE. NO LONGER ALONE. NO LONGER ISOLATED AND CONFUSED. THIS IS THE MISSION OF CARE AND IT EXECUTES THIS MISSION IN A PLETHORA OF WAYS.
CARE’s initiatives focus on the child with special needs and their families, “connecting-the-dots” and guiding them with the resources they need to function and thrive as a family. Upon meeting with the CARE team, families receive a clearly explained comprehensive list of government services, an array of therapeutic modalities, and a list of different special education programs, all tailor made to their child. There are options for extra support in the classroom, mental health services, as well as physical aid with daily activities. In addition, CARE offers a connection to a community of families with struggles like theirs and a year-round calendar of social events that help everyone recharge and reconnect. CARE is dedicated to improving the quality of life of a child with special needs as well as their parents and siblings.
CARE has created a strong global partnership working closely with hundreds of institutions to connect, support, and advocate on behalf of over 450 families with special needs children, with a wide range of partners, institutions, agencies and special education schools to ensure that every child living with special needs receives the opportunity to flourish.
CARE EVENTS
“At CARE, we believe that the child with special needs and every family member deserves a boost to help them get through their daily struggles. That’s why our events are aimed at being wholesome and fun—never anything less,” says Sara Horowitz, director at CARE. Our events are designed to be both informative and enjoyable and the perfect opportunity for the child with special needs, siblings and parents to bond with friends and make new ones, all who share similar struggles.
Over the last few months, CARE planned and organized several major events with the help of dedicated volunteers and gracious donors. Whether it was a parent event, community event, siblings or special needs event, the energy was palpable as many strong bonds were formed and foundational life lessons absorbed.
Over 3,000 community members attended the Annual CARE DAY event on July 4th led by Abie Saka. It was a time when the community joined together to support the special needs community. It was a free event open to all and included baseball tournaments, rides, carnival games, barbecue, autograph signing and photo op with Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, a Chinese auction, exotic foods and endless fun for all!
The sisters of children with special needs got treated like royalty as they were pampered with shimmery makeup and glittery stars at our Girls Make Over Party graciously hosted by Daniel and Grace Serouya in July. The girls enjoyed a CARE Salon where each princess got her hair, makeup and nails professionally done, followed by a photo shoot and jewelry making.
The sisters of children with special needs got treated like royalty as they were pampered with shimmery makeup and glittery stars at our Girls Make Over Party graciously hosted by Daniel and Grace Serouya in July. The girls enjoyed a CARE Salon where each princess got her hair, makeup and nails professionally done, followed by a photo shoot and jewelry making.
Community members and donors were engaged at the beautiful Friday morning Fundraiser Event at the home of Harry and Alice Adjmi. This featured inspirational words from Harry and Alice, as well as Rabbi Eli Mansour, Rabbi David Ozeri and Barbara Sutton—a mother who spoke about her challenges in dealing with a child with special needs.
The most adorable 7th grade girls from Yeshivah of Flatbush were passionate about raising money for a great cause like CARE. They arranged a Puppy Event where children with special needs got to swim, interact and play with cute little puppies alongside a pizza bar, ice cream bar, and tasty buffet. Each 7th grader was paired with a special needs child to understand the needs of children with disabilities. They then presented CARE with a check for $2,000 that they raised throughout the summer.
We provided a “wow” experience by transforming the backyard of Soli and Sheryl Mizrahi for our Parents Epic Night Out. Parents enjoyed connecting and inspiring each other while “the modern mentalist,” Kevin Nicholas, entertained them with impressive mind reading tricks. Meyer Safdieh, founder of CARE, delivered words of hizzuk (encouragement) for parents and provided them with the necessary confidence they need to deal with the unique challenges they face.
The excitement in the air was tangible as siblings of children with special needs enjoyed an End-of-the-Summer Siblings Event loaded with high energy fun. From a magic show to bubble show, splatter paint and lavish lunch, it was a perfect day where siblings got to dance it out, laugh and feel special too. So much time and energy are spent on the child with special needs that the siblings may feel “left out.” CARE’s siblings’ events ensure that they get that extra bit of attention that they need.
CARE events create the perfect environment for families of children with special needs and promote friendship and positivity—all while having an unforgettable time!
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
The need for CARE is expanding as the phones don’t stop ringing; parents call reaching out for help as new challenges arise within their families. CARE is hiring additional loving and sensitive CARE advisors to hold the hands of parents and transform lives in our community.
Looking ahead as the winter nears, CARE has arranged a full schedule of after school programs for children with special needs and their siblings at their newly renovated and brightly designed CARE center at 1977 Coney Island Avenue.
If you need CARE’s assistance, or you would like to partner with CARE in making a life changing difference to hundreds of families living with special needs, call 718.975.7171 or email info@careforspecial.org.
