Temple Beth Sholom Special Needs Network was organized as an outreach and support for both the family and the member with special needs. We provide assistance with inclusion for members to participate in all spiritual, educational, celebratory and life event activities at the synagogue. We are concerned with acceptance and appreciate differences. We provide special needs awareness to synagogue members through education, communication, and a positive attitude.
The Special Needs Network assists with resources and referrals. Our group includes many people who are also professionals dealing with special needs such as psychologists/lawyers/social workers. These professionals have been helpful in providing guidance and advocacy with the secular community school systems.
Meetings are usually held every other month during religious school hours. Activities are planned to include the entire family throughout the year. Some of our family activities include a Chanukah Potluck luncheon/gift wrapping & donations to homeless shelters, Shabbat services and dinner, a family Passover seder, a summer BBQ/swim event, and a Mitzvah Day Program.
Annual Special Needs Network Chanukah Event
For the past several years the TBS Special Needs Network group has come together as a group to provide gift items to the H.I.S House, Homeless Intervention Shelter for the holidays. H.I.S House provides transitional shelter to families and individuals who are homeless but have the motivation and capability with assistance, to regain self-sufficiency. Residents stay up to 4 to 6 months while they develop a source of permanent income and save money for housing. We have planned this event for Sunday, December 11, 2011.
It is very heartwarming to be part of the gift giving and see the grateful and excited faces of the children and adults of this shelter.
Please view the list of the families currently in the H.I.S. House. It would be wonderful if you could choose an adult or child or both to buy specific gifts. You are welcome to purchase for as many as you would like.
If you are unable to shop for the gifts, please consider a monetary donation and we will take care of the shopping for you.
Please let us know if there is a specific resident of the shelter that you would like to buy for. You can send inquiries/questions to weissgott2@aol.com or sandanmom@aol.com.
Please help us to make this program an incredible success!
