PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS CURIOUS ABOUT THE EXCITEMENT THAT SURROUNDS CARE AND THEY WONDER WHAT MAKES THIS ORGANIZATION SO UNIQUE AND SPECIAL. WHAT IS IT THAT DRAWS HUNDREDS OF PARENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN TO CARE? WHAT MAKES THEM ONE-OF-A-KIND AND WHAT DIFFERENTIATES CARE FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT CATER TO CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?
WHAT IS THE CARE DIFFERENCE?
To understand the answer is to learn about the need. Driven by parents who understand the challenges and impacts of a special child, CARE supports and provides programs for special children as well as guidance and support to the entire family as they navigate life with a special needs child. CARE for Special Children empowers parents as they cope with their struggle and CARE advisors are by their side along their journey, so they never feel alone. Connecting them with vital services, therapies, schools and specialists, it has become a lifeline to the special needs community.
While CARE may be renown for arranging memorable events and gatherings for children with special needs and their families, their mission extends far beyond that. CARE is dedicated to being a pillar of strength for families, guiding them through life’s challenges and celebrating their triumphs together. CARE is a supportive and caring community for children and families living with special needs children.
“CARE is there for you like a family, with professionalism and privacy,” said Sara Horowitz director at CARE. Our team of compassionate CARE advisors form the heart and soul of our organization. Our advisors are not only professionals, but also friends who understand the unique needs and experiences of families with special needs children. With unwavering dedication, our advisors stand by the families, holding their hands through every step of their journey.” In addition, CARE organizes special events for parents and families so they can connect with others and feel understood, as well as providing in house social workers and clinics to support parents and children.
From the moment a new family joins CARE, they are warmly embraced into CARE’s tight-knit community. They receive a welcome packet with information, treats for the family and a delivery of fresh flowers for Shabbat, all as a welcome gift. In 2023, CARE welcomed over 65 new families.
At the initial in-depth meeting, the parents meet with the CARE team, including Meyer and Victoria Safdieh, founders of CARE. Meyer and Victoria have been blessed with children that have their own unique challenges and needs and they understand the challenges that arise in navigating life with a child with special needs. The meeting culminates with CARE creating a plan of action and a full care plan for the child and the entire family.
The next crucial step that makes CARE so unique is “Implementation with Love.” As families find themselves at a crossroad, uncertain of the proper path to take, CARE connects them with the right resources, advocacy and support so they receive continued guidance and love throughout their journey. Their assigned CARE advisor works closely with them to understand their specific needs and challenges. Whether it’s finding the perfect school that caters to their child’s needs, setting a child up with CARE’s in house therapists, or even providing an encouraging pick-me-up package during difficult times, CARE is there for them in every way possible. “When it comes to an organization being there for their families, and providing overall comprehensive support, CARE is unparalleled,” said Meyer Safdieh.
A GLIMPSE INTO A DAY AT THE CARE CENTER
Throughout the day, CARE advisors call to check in with families and be sure that all the services and programs that CARE has arranged for them are working efficiently and well. During one check in, a mom mentioned that her mainstream child needed emotional support due to the impacts of the child with special needs. The advisor arranged for the sibling to meet with CARE’s in house therapist specializing in “Sibling Support.” The child now comes for weekly therapy sessions and has been flourishing! In total to date, 1,500+ siblings have benefited from CARE’s sibling programs and therapy!
Another CARE advisor is busy arranging a mom’s support group, when an emergency occurs and the advisor is notified that one of the children with special needs was just admitted to the hospital. She immediately jumped into action and reassured the family that everything would be ok. The advisor arranged for a CARE representative to meet with the parents and doctors to discuss a plan of action, while dedicated volunteers and delicious dinners were organized and sent to the family back home.
In another area of the CARE center, birthday bags are being filled with gifts and balloons and ready to be delivered to special needs children on their birthdays. In 2023 CARE delivered over 200 birthday bags as part of their birthday program!
Bing! A text comes into the CARE phone: “I want to thank you because I see dramatic improvements in my son since he started CARE’s therapy program! It did more for Ben than we could have ever imagined!” Scrolling through the phone, there are countless heartwarming messages from parents:
“I feel honored to be part of CARE parents events.”
”The yoga class changed my life!”
“I love watching my daughter smile and laugh at CARE programs.”
“You really made me cry. It’s so special how you can be there in a matter of minutes and know exactly what to do. It means a lot!”
CARE’s efforts are not merely a work of heart; CARE is heart! Families find comfort knowing they have a trusted team looking out for them and their children and they experience a sense of belonging within the CARE community, utilizing CARE’s programs and events as opportunities to connect, share and find solace in the company of others who truly understand their journey.
To date, with the support of our incredible community, CARE has welcomed close to 600 families, ensuring that no family walks alone on their journey. All are invited to utilize the many opportunities to join with CARE in making a difference in the lives of the extraordinary children and their families and to make a lasting and powerful impact. More information can be found at careforspecial.org.
