Hand in Hand

A Unique Program for Children with Special Needs

Cantor Marcelo Gindlin, Director, MA in Music Therapy
Lisa Szilagyi, Co-Director, Special Education Teacher
Janet Hirsch Ettenger, Co-Director, BFA, RN

One of the biggest challenges for families of children with special needs is to find appropriate programs that provide the support they need as well as opportunities to learn new skills, socialize and have fun.  Many after school and camp programs are not set up for kids who have either physical or other special needs.

Establishing friendships with other children, both with and without special needs, can also be a challenge for our children. Hand In Hand will fill this need by creating activities that support these children and their families, in an atmosphere that is both safe and fun.  We will serve both children and young adults with special needs, age seven and above.

After School Program:
The after school program will offer activities such as music therapy, arts and crafts, play and structured social interaction with other children, both with and without special needs. The program will begin in the fall 2010. We will meet each Thursday from 4PM to 5:30PM which will include three main components: Music Therapy, Hands-on Activities and Community Service.

Buddy Program:
Making friends is essential to every child.  Our children with special needs often have few opportunities to create and maintain friendships. This program would pair children with special needs with their peers, to help them nurture friendships that will enrich their lives. The peers that participate in this program will receive specific training and guidance.

Program Highlight:
In addition to Music Therapy and Art Therapy, our Hand in Hand program will each offer this special workshop.

Community Service Workshop:
Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, makes us whole again.  When we reach out to others, we also reach within ourselves and grow as individuals and as a community. 

Our children with special needs will begin a journey of Community Service, Tikkun Olam, and create projects that benefit animals, the environment, and others in need of food, shelter, and education. In addition, we will establish a scholarship fund to benefit families in need of an extra helping hand.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program:
For our Jewish children who would like a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, we will also provide the opportunity to prepare for a creative and meaningful ceremony. Each Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony will be tailored to meet the individual needs of the child and the family.