Yachad has provided numerous, meaningful opportunities to engage with the community over the past few months. Our inclusive social/recreational programming amongst members (clients) and their typically-developing peers continue to facilitate new friendships and strengthen long-standing bonds. This past February was North American Inclusion Month (NAIM), which consisted of “28 Days of Inclusion”, a campaign highlighting daily tips and strategies for shaping a more inclusive world. Each day in February, Yachad.org/NAIM featured new material on specific ways to develop an outlook that recognizes the unique strengths and abilities of each individual, as well as practical tips for interacting with those with disabilities.
In honor of NAIM, Yachad held several fun events in February. The Juniors division (ages 7-14) went to Nickel City, an interactive and exciting arcade, where members and peers engaged one another in healthy gaming competitions. At our office, we experienced an exciting ‘Minute-to-Win-It’ event – Yachad-style, of course. ‘Minute-to-Win-It’ is a series of relay race-type games where one or two people have only 60 seconds to complete a slightly difficult, yet amusing game. Our Seniors & Rayim divisions (ages 15-24 & 25+) enjoyed an amazing Shabbaton at Congregation KINS, where well over 100 members, peers, staff, and guests attended. The KINS staff and shul community were wonderful to work with and we are so grateful to be repeatedly welcomed back. The Seniors & Rayim had a closing NAIM event at ‘Play & Spin,’ a new arcade and go-cart facility; nearly 50 people attended.
Yachad’s 5th Biennial Hartman Family Midwest Shabbaton was in early March and it was an experience that all participants will not soon forget. Over 250 people attended, including members and their extended families, our renowned high school leadership board and peers, along with staff and friends from around the country. Yachad’s National staff also played a critical role in coordinating many of the weekend’s logistics. The ruach was moving and could be heard whether in davening, meals or sessions. Renowned Keynote speakers Dr. Rona Novick (“Family Dynamics: Remembering the Siblings and Your Spouse”) and Rabbi Yosef Shagalow (“Spirituality in the Family”) were well received. Other dynamic speakers included Rabbi Yosef Polstein, Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman and Avromie Adler. Participants also enjoyed separate swimming, meeting new people, the amenities of the well-appointed Doubletree by Hilton of Downers Grove and upgraded cuisine by Great Chicago. A concert by Nishma and Build-a-Bear workshop were highlights of our member and peer program. Our special thanks to National Yachad for their encouragement and assistance, as well the Hartman Family Foundation, for without their lead and visionary support, this event could not happen.
We rounded out March with back-to-back, post-Purim parties for our members and friends, hosted by Congregation Anshe Motele. The Juniors enjoyed grogger making and a costume contest, while the Seniors & Rayim had a ball, playing lip-sync battle! More than 50 people participated.
Pesach preparations haven’t slowed us down, as we had our first-ever Guys “Sunday-ton” (pronounced Sunday-tone) in the beginning of April. This inclusive program was created by our high school board members, in response to limited calendar opportunities for events. Participants enjoyed a trip to Windy City Fieldhouse, where we played basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The day was rounded out at Milt’s BBQ for the Perplexed, where we enjoyed an early dinner. This past Sunday, our Rayim division traveled to meet with students at the University of Chicago Hillel, JLIC program. Everyone enjoyed a pizza dinner and played a fun, round-robin game of ‘Getting to Know You.’ We look forward to developing this new partnership, as a great time was had by all!
To learn more about Yachad and why YOU belong, visit Yachad.org/Chicago, call 844-4-YACHAD or send a note to [email protected]. #BecauseEveryoneBelongs
