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!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Volunteer Voices
Fellowship Awardees; Samantha Goltzer & Samantha Joustra - Westport, CT
Staples High School Graduating Class 2007
I’ve been a member of Beth Israel of Westport/Norwalk, for five years and a couple of years ago Freida Hecht introduced me to the new and fledgling Circle of Friends program. I called my friend Sam and asked if she would be interested in it, too. Now, two and a half years later, Sam and I stand before you to talk about our experiences with our new best friend Brian. When we tell people of our community service, the reaction we always get is, “Oh, that’ll look great for college!” That wasn’t what we were thinking about going into this program, and that hasn’t changed over the past two years.
The “Home with Friends” part of the program has allowed us to spend a little bit of time each week with Brian. We make the twenty minute drive to Brain’s house each Sunday to be greeted with an enthusiastic smile and a hug. But we barely have time for long greetings before Brian leads to us the playroom. Whether it’s a game of Cariboo or a music session with drums and the keyboard, Brian keeps us busy. He knows exactly what he wants to do and shows us eagerly. If we get lucky with the weather, we can almost always be found outside on the swing set or on the trampoline. Some games have come and go but that trampoline has remained a staple of our time together since the first day Sam and I met Brian.
Over the past two and a half years, Sam and I have been able to watch Brian grow and progress in his learning in incredible, meaningful ways. He recognizes us as soon as he sees us, and he knows his identification cards better than we do! He even says “hi” and “bye” to us, which really makes us feel great. Being with Brian isn’t a duty or a responsibility; it’s something we look forward to each and every week.
The other part of this program is the monthly Sunday Circle and Teen Scene where we get to interact with special friends we may not have had the chance to meet otherwise. We do arts and crafts, music, sports, and my personal favorite, snack time. It’s incredible to see how our friends not only help us learn, but they help each other. Last week we played a group game of volleyball and I was truly blown away by the teamwork and respect each child displayed. It’s true that we volunteers have as much to learn, if not more, from our friends as they do from us. Sam and I are lucky that we get to form a personal bond with Brian while getting to know other unique, amazing personalities. Each friend brings something special to the table.
As we move on from this chapter of our lives to the next, it’s impossible to avoid thinking about how much this opportunity has shaped our characters and made us better people. Circle of Friends teaches acceptance, selflessness, and giving the greatest gift of all—friendship.
Volunteer Voices
Fellowship Award; Laura Kassen, Westport, CT
Staples High School Graduate 2008
Staples High School Graduate 2008
I began participating in Circle of Friends four years ago after a phone call from Frieda Hecht. She told me about this new organization she was starting, one to match student volunteers with children having special needs-- and I told her I would like to volunteer.
A few weeks later, I had my first visit with Becky. I think we were both nervous about meeting one another. I was 14 at the time, and Becky was 9. I’m a pretty reserved person, and I wasn’t sure what our common ground would be—but the first visit went all right. After a few more visits we grew more comfortable with each other’s company. I came to know what Becky liked to do, and what she didn’t like to do. I remember drawing pictures of flowers on a cold day in December with Becky and talking about how we wished it were warmer out—and then we could talk about all the things we wished for. Some activities we enjoyed doing were playing dress up, reading, dancing, singing and playing with Becky’s dolls. We especially liked to cook or bake together—to cooperate on a project and to get it done brought us both a lot of satisfaction.
Being able to become friends with Becky has been a very rewarding experience for both of us. After my weekly visits I would always reflect on our time together. We have a very special relationship and it is sometimes difficult to find words to describe what Circle of Friends and Becky have given me. Becky has taught me many things that not many people my age can relate to. I admire so many of her qualities and she is truly an amazing daughter, sister and friend.
I would like to congratulate the other volunteers for all their hard work, I know that sometimes it can be difficult, but in the end the experience is valuable beyond words.
I’d also like to thank Frieda for all her hard work. She is an inspiration and I think she also deserves to be recognized this evening.
Charity begins at home. It’s not what you do in life… it’s what you do for others.
Andrea Greenberg, Westport, CT
Hi, I’m Andrea Greenberg and I’d like to bring another perspective to Circle of Friends as a mother of two teenage boys who have volunteered in the program over the past 3 years.
“Charity begins at home.” “It’s not what you do in life….. it’s what you do for others.”
These are philosophies that I have taught to my children. When I was first approached by Freida to see if my boys were interested in volunteering I immediately thought “sure, I think my boys could definitely help out with your program. I think they would enjoy helping other children in the community with special needs.”
I felt that in a community where children’s lives are so privileged and center primarily around them that it would be a good idea to have them think about and help out someone else.
It has resulted in so much more. Instead of what they thought would be helping out a less fortunate child they have found out how much they have really helped themselves. They have gained an appreciation of life as a teenager that they would never have realized without this program. Things that they had always taken for granted before was no longer the case. They now take a moment before they ever complain about school, friends, or not being good at something.
Unlike other activities when they say “Do I have to go?” “Can I skip just this week?” They never question going. They understand how important it is when their special friend, who cannot even speak, waits for them by the door and smiles from ear to ear when he sees them. They appreciate how tough it is for Brian every single day of his life. They would never think of disappointing him. There is no amount of education that could ever teach my children what they have learned through this program.
I am so proud to be a member in this Jewish community because of what Jewish organizations have accomplished. Funding for this organization would not solely benefit the special needs children but the teen volunteers who participate in it. I think you’ll agree that this organization is one that the Jewish community would be proud to call their own!!
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