Excerpt; Circle of Friends Evening of Recogntion Dinner June 3, 2009
...As young people we may not always recognize how experiences impact and influence our lives. And they certainly do. I believe Circle of Friends is one of those experiences that will most likely have an influence on our volunteers' lives in some way or another. I used my experience as a girl, when I sold candy as a fundraiser for my childhood friend Judy's disease, Dysautonomia. I was fortunate to attend a volunteer appreciation dinner similar (but not as beautifully decorated) as our Circle of Friends Volunteer Appreciation Dinner which I believe led me to where I am today...volunteering with and for children with special needs. As a youngster I recognized how helping others made me feel good which guided me toward my journey as a teacher and as a volunteer with children's causes.
Friday, June 19, 2009
From Our Parents, Diane Yormark
Closing Remarks Circle of Friends Evening of Recognition Dinner June 3, 2009
When Rebecca was born just 12 years ago, we knew within five minutes, something was wrong. Then just two short weeks into her young life, I sat across from a Geneticist at Yale who explained the chances for a child to get Hemihypertrophy is one in ten thousand, Not zero, but one. The first year was very hard. We walked around feeling as if a cloud was hanging over our heads. And as the years passed there were challenges. We would conquer one challenge and then move on to the next one. In more recent years as Rebecca grew, having friends was one of those challenges because she didn't have any friends. It was difficult to see ten girls lined up in a movie theater all laughing together.
But, every cloud has a silver lining...because we found Circle of Friends and Freida Hecht. And no, you don't say no to Freida. I don't remember how we came to find it, but Circle of Friends has made a tremendous difference in our daughter's life. And to all of the volunteers, we are so grateful for all your hard work and dedication. It means so very much to us and we thank you so sincerely. And remember, they don't call it Mitzvah for nothing.
And one more thing, if any of you haven't contributed yet and would like to, you will find pledge cards on your table.
Thank You!
When Rebecca was born just 12 years ago, we knew within five minutes, something was wrong. Then just two short weeks into her young life, I sat across from a Geneticist at Yale who explained the chances for a child to get Hemihypertrophy is one in ten thousand, Not zero, but one. The first year was very hard. We walked around feeling as if a cloud was hanging over our heads. And as the years passed there were challenges. We would conquer one challenge and then move on to the next one. In more recent years as Rebecca grew, having friends was one of those challenges because she didn't have any friends. It was difficult to see ten girls lined up in a movie theater all laughing together.
But, every cloud has a silver lining...because we found Circle of Friends and Freida Hecht. And no, you don't say no to Freida. I don't remember how we came to find it, but Circle of Friends has made a tremendous difference in our daughter's life. And to all of the volunteers, we are so grateful for all your hard work and dedication. It means so very much to us and we thank you so sincerely. And remember, they don't call it Mitzvah for nothing.
And one more thing, if any of you haven't contributed yet and would like to, you will find pledge cards on your table.
Thank You!
From Our Parents, Laurette Shrage
................................................
Circle of Friends Evening of Recognition Dinner, June 3, 2009
Laurette Shrage; Assistant Director of Special Education Elementary
level New Rochelle School District.
My name is Laurette Shrage and I am Jaclyn's mother. I was honored this evening to be invited by Freida to speak on behalf of parents with whom I share a mutual challenge.
Jaclyn is 23 years old and is diagnosed as Mentally Retarded with Autism. From the time Jackie was born it was clear to me that there was something wrong and that she and I would follow a different path in the world of mother/child. This path would be the lonely and challenging world of the handicapped child and adult. There were many concerns that needed to be addressed throughout the many years of raising Jackie. First it was when will she sit, when will she walk and then when will she talk. Needless to say she did sit and walk but we are still working on talking although she communicates in her own way. Her brother kept waiting for the day when she would be able to play with him just like other siblings did but that day never came. This was painful for me to watch and still is to this day. More concerns were How would she learn, and where would she go to school.
Jackie was born at a time when special education programs were in the early stages of evolution. Finally of all the worries the one that never seemed to have any solution was the one of would she ever have a friend and a social life. This theme continued through her entire childhood and into adult life. It was impossible for her to have anyone but a caregiver, teacher or parent for socialization. I am sure that many of you here now have had the same experience.
Finally, one day I miraculously found The Circle of Friends and met an amazing person, Freida Hecht. Circle of Friends and Freida have been a light at the end of the tunnel. Through her hard work and unrelenting dedication Jaclyn finally had a friend who would come to our house and spend time with her. Suddenly there was a place for Jackie to go on a Sunday to socialize with young people such as herself and have fun.
I speak from my heart and know that all parents who have the same worry for their child can only feel thankful for Freida Hecht and all the volunteers of Circle of Friends for giving so much of themselves. They are the shining lights and the warmth that friendship has to offer for all the children and adults who come to the circle. I know that our children's lives are that much richer because of the wonderful work of YACHAD.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I know that I speak for myself and suspect for all that are here today sharing this evening of recognition of the volunteers of this very Special Circle of Friends.
Circle of Friends Evening of Recognition Dinner, June 3, 2009
Laurette Shrage; Assistant Director of Special Education Elementary
level New Rochelle School District.
My name is Laurette Shrage and I am Jaclyn's mother. I was honored this evening to be invited by Freida to speak on behalf of parents with whom I share a mutual challenge.
Jaclyn is 23 years old and is diagnosed as Mentally Retarded with Autism. From the time Jackie was born it was clear to me that there was something wrong and that she and I would follow a different path in the world of mother/child. This path would be the lonely and challenging world of the handicapped child and adult. There were many concerns that needed to be addressed throughout the many years of raising Jackie. First it was when will she sit, when will she walk and then when will she talk. Needless to say she did sit and walk but we are still working on talking although she communicates in her own way. Her brother kept waiting for the day when she would be able to play with him just like other siblings did but that day never came. This was painful for me to watch and still is to this day. More concerns were How would she learn, and where would she go to school.
Jackie was born at a time when special education programs were in the early stages of evolution. Finally of all the worries the one that never seemed to have any solution was the one of would she ever have a friend and a social life. This theme continued through her entire childhood and into adult life. It was impossible for her to have anyone but a caregiver, teacher or parent for socialization. I am sure that many of you here now have had the same experience.
Finally, one day I miraculously found The Circle of Friends and met an amazing person, Freida Hecht. Circle of Friends and Freida have been a light at the end of the tunnel. Through her hard work and unrelenting dedication Jaclyn finally had a friend who would come to our house and spend time with her. Suddenly there was a place for Jackie to go on a Sunday to socialize with young people such as herself and have fun.
I speak from my heart and know that all parents who have the same worry for their child can only feel thankful for Freida Hecht and all the volunteers of Circle of Friends for giving so much of themselves. They are the shining lights and the warmth that friendship has to offer for all the children and adults who come to the circle. I know that our children's lives are that much richer because of the wonderful work of YACHAD.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I know that I speak for myself and suspect for all that are here today sharing this evening of recognition of the volunteers of this very Special Circle of Friends.
Volunteer Voices, Tory Brown & Amanda Platte
Staples H.S. Senior Fellowship Awardees; Tory Brown & Amanda Platte; President of the Staples HS Key Club
Circle of friends has been an amazing opportunity for both of us, one that we will definitely miss next year at school. We first heard of the program as freshmen through Key Club, a community service club at our school. We signed up clueless to the impact it would have on us and Freida matched us up with Evan.
Our First day with Evan was a totally new experience and we were nervous about how to act, what to do and whether or not we were the right kids to be doing this program. But we were pleasantly surprised that every fear and or doubt left our minds within minutes of meeting him. Whether it was playing Uno in the basement, playing in the yard,creating art projects or just talking to Evan about his adventures in school that week, there was never a dull moment.
We soon realized that when we were with Evan, we didn't have to worry . For an hour each week our problems with school, friends and work didn't matter. When we were with Evan we had not a care in the world, whether it was laughing, talking or listening to his favorite band we knew Evan loved us and he always would. He didn't care what we were wearing, what car we drove, or even if we didn't have enough time to shower before coming to his house. Evan was our friend through anything and anytime, this is a trait that he quickly taught the two of us.
In doing this program, we initially thought that we were doing good for someone else and that was all. But throughout the four years spent with Evan, he has done just as much, if not more for us. We have learned patience, understanding and compassion from him, life lessons that we can forever be grateful for.
This past week was out last time with Evan in the program, due to summer jobs, finals and time restraints, but it will definitely not be the last time we see Evan. He has done so much for us and we want to thank The Circle of Friends for this amazing opportunity and friendship we have made and that we will keep in our hearts forever. Thank You!
Circle of friends has been an amazing opportunity for both of us, one that we will definitely miss next year at school. We first heard of the program as freshmen through Key Club, a community service club at our school. We signed up clueless to the impact it would have on us and Freida matched us up with Evan.
Our First day with Evan was a totally new experience and we were nervous about how to act, what to do and whether or not we were the right kids to be doing this program. But we were pleasantly surprised that every fear and or doubt left our minds within minutes of meeting him. Whether it was playing Uno in the basement, playing in the yard,creating art projects or just talking to Evan about his adventures in school that week, there was never a dull moment.
We soon realized that when we were with Evan, we didn't have to worry . For an hour each week our problems with school, friends and work didn't matter. When we were with Evan we had not a care in the world, whether it was laughing, talking or listening to his favorite band we knew Evan loved us and he always would. He didn't care what we were wearing, what car we drove, or even if we didn't have enough time to shower before coming to his house. Evan was our friend through anything and anytime, this is a trait that he quickly taught the two of us.
In doing this program, we initially thought that we were doing good for someone else and that was all. But throughout the four years spent with Evan, he has done just as much, if not more for us. We have learned patience, understanding and compassion from him, life lessons that we can forever be grateful for.
This past week was out last time with Evan in the program, due to summer jobs, finals and time restraints, but it will definitely not be the last time we see Evan. He has done so much for us and we want to thank The Circle of Friends for this amazing opportunity and friendship we have made and that we will keep in our hearts forever. Thank You!
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