Special Needs Programs and Services 2017-2018

Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center

Helene & Roy Schwedelson

SPECIAL NEEDS

DEPARTMENT Embracing individuals with special needs and their families for more than 30 years.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES 2017-2018

Programs designed to enhance the lives of children, teens and adults with disabilities.

For more than 30 years, the Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department has been serving families who have children, teens and adults with special needs.

The department serves more than 500 families a year through over 20 programs for participants ages 3 - 50+ From sports to social groups to camps and more, our programs can be life-changing for our participants and their families. Additionally, via our Resource and Referral service, we assist more than 1,500 families each year, helping them navigate program options and services in our community.

We embrace all families regardless of race, religion or financial circumstances, with a goal of providing scholarships to families in need.

Our programs provide a high level of supervision from professionals and trained volunteers. Our caring staff returns year after year, offering continuity to our participants and creating a warm, family feeling throughout our programs.

Every family meets with our Program Director for a comprehensive intake meeting to ensure that each participant is ready to participate in any given program.

OUR STAFF

Ali Landman Special Needs Program Director 561-852-3269 alil@levisjcc.org 2

Erica Alster Special Needs Program Assistant 561-852-3263 ericaa@levisjcc.org

Lainie Tantleff Special Needs Administrator 561-852-3207 lainiet@levisjcc.org

To learn more about our programs, visit levisjcc.org/specialneeds

FIT & FUN SPORTS PROGRAM

PRE-K - 12TH GRADE

Fall 2017: Sundays, 12:30 - 2:00 pm Spring 2018: Sundays, 12:30 - 2:00 pm and 2:30 - 4:00 pm

Highly skilled coaches and teen volunteer buddies lead this innovative program for children and teens grades Pre-K through 12 (grouped by age/skill level).

Athletes will participate in group sports, practice skill training through obstacle courses and relay races as well as play basketball and soccer.

• Strength Training • Gain Flexibility & Agility • Improve Coordination

• Enhance Social Skills • Improve Endurance • Build Self-Confidence

FIT & FUN SPORTS PROGRAM TEEN VOLUNTEER Fall 2017: Sundays, 12:30 - 2:00 pm Spring 2018: Sundays, 12:30 - 2:00 pm and 2:30 - 4:00 pm

Earn up to 40 community service hours each year by assisting and teaching group sports to children with special needs.

FUN DRUM ENRICHMENT PROGRAM Spring 2018: Thursdays, 5:00 - 5:45 pm

Children ages 4-12 will enjoy a specialized drumming class during this six week after school enrichment class. This drumming program will enhance sensory skills. The instructor will introduce different types of drums to the children.

They will have the opportunity to learn to follow directions and take turns while they experiment with the instruments.

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AGES 4-12

PAUL MARKHOFF OTZAR SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM K - 12TH GRADE 2017-2018 School Year Sundays, 9:00 - 11:00 am

Otzar (Hebrew for “Treasure”) offers students in grades K-12, a Judaic educational experience, fostering enriched participation in Jewish life. Families who want their child to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah will have the opportunity to work in collaboration with local synagogues.

• Low Student-to-Staff Ratios • Family Education • Integration of Judaic art and music specialties to further complement the learning process

• Judaic Curriculum – Shabbat, Chanukah, Tu B’shevat, Purim, Passover, Tzedakah, Mitzvot and learning synagogue prayers

SATURDAY PLAY AT THE J

AGES 4+

Saturdays, once per month from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

This new program is designed to enable families to have respite time for themselves while their child is participating in a well supervised, structured, on-campus, camp-like program. Parents can enjoy the time relaxing, running errands or spend time with friends and family, with the comfort of knowing their child is being cared for in a nurturing environment.

• Sports and Fitness • Playground Time • KidFit Indoor Playground Playtime • Age Appropriate Games

To learn more about our programs, visit levisjcc.org/specialneeds 5

ALL ABOUT YOGA AGES 16+ Fall 2017: Wednesdays, 5:30 - 6:15 pm Spring 2018: Wednesdays, 5:30 - 6:15 pm

This 45 minute therapeutic yoga class is open to teens and adults who are able to participate independently. The instructor focuses on relaxation and calming techniques.

If a participant requires additional support, experienced buddies may be available to assist your child.

Our instructor is a certified yoga teacher.

She is experienced in teaching yoga to a variety of individuals, including children and teens with special needs.

SAVVY AGES 16+ Fall 2017: Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Spring 2018: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:00 pm

An innovative self-defense, self-awareness and safety program for teenage girls and adult women.

Participants will learn realistic and useful self-defense skills as well as social and emotional skills necessary to assert themselves in a variety of situations.

Self-defense classes will be taught by Matt Rosenberg, a certified Defensive Tactics Instructor. Denise Brody, LCSW, will facilitate discussions involving many social situations and safety.

MOVE & MINGLE ADULT FITNESS PROGRAM AGES 16+ Fall 2017: Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00 pm Spring 2018: Tuesdays, Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Adults 16+ learn about fitness equipment from personal trainers. Participants exercise at their own pace and meet new friends!

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To learn more about our programs, visit levisjcc.org/specialneeds

SCHWEDELSON YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL SCENE AGES 18-29

SCHWEDELSON SUNDAY SOCIAL SCENE AGES 30-50s

Sundays, 3-4 hours, varies depending on activity

Social groups for adults functioning at a high level of independence in community settings. Participants enjoy a variety of weekly activities as they meet new friends, enhance social relationships and cultivate vital life skills.

• Sporting events • Pool and beach events • Theater performances • Concerts and dances • Festivals in South Florida • Community service projects • Annual weekend trip to Orlando

PARENTS NIGHT OUT & KIDS NIGHT OUT Saturdays, once per month, 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Parents can enjoy a Saturday night out with 4 hours of respite while their children participate in our well-supervised program with a staffing ratio of 1 staff person for every 4 children. Children will have a fun-filled evening as they participate in crafts, storytime, games, snacks and much more!

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MARLEEN FORKAS CAMP KAVOD WINTER & SPRING BREAK CAMPS PRE-K - 12TH GRADE During Winter & Spring School breaks, children and teens can participate in a variety of activities in our on campus and off campus camps. Examples of on campus activities include special entertainment, music, arts & crafts, yoga, sports and more! Activities for off campus include daily field trips to science museums, movies, zoo and much more in community settings!

YEAR-ROUND PARENT & CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP SIBLING SUPPORT GROUP Facilitated by professionals at Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services.

Support group for parents and caregivers of school-age children with special needs, and a group for siblings (ages 6-13) of children with special needs. Join us and establish new connections, friendships and learn skills to help you and your children!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES There are many ways you can become involved with our Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department. Volunteers are needed for the Fit & Fun Sports Program, Marleen Forkas Camp Kavod and Paul Markhoff Otzar Sunday School.

To learn more about our programs, visit levisjcc.org/specialneeds 9

MARLEEN FORKAS CAMP KAVOD YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS PRE-K - 12TH GRADE THE PREMIER DAY CAMP FOR SPECIAL NEEDS IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Marleen Forkas Camp Kavod is a premier 8 week summer camp serving children and teens in grades Pre-K through 12th grade with special needs. As the largest special needs camp in Palm Beach County, with more than 150 participants in our year round camps, we are able to provide low staffing ratios (1:1 if needed) with highly credentialed and experienced staff so each child’s individual needs are met. We add new and innovative activities and field trips each year, and offer a myriad of inclusion opportunities on campus with the Levis JCC’s typical camp and off campus in community venues.

Activities are designed to enhance social, motor, language and other vital life skills that promote greater independence. Emphasis is placed on helping campers make new friends while having fun in a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment.

Dates & Times Four 2-week sessions; June 11 - August 3; 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Pre Care and Post Care available

Activities Include: • Music • Yoga • Swimming • Socials • Gymnastics • Fitness • Dance 10

• Zumba • Arts and Crafts • Drumming • Cooking • Science • KidFit • Magic

• Sensory Play • Ceramics • Woodworking • HEART Art • Community Based Field Trips

• Social Skills Immersion • Money Management Training • Sports • and more!

About our Programming We embrace campers with a wide range of disabilities, recognizing each child’s potential in all skill areas. Our goal is to provide a program that promotes each camper’s ability to achieve success. Campers are grouped by age, skill level, and camper readiness. Group placement is contingent on camper enrollment.

Facilities Each camp group has its own well-equipped home base room, as well as campus facilities which include a gymnasium, playgrounds, sports fields, auditorium, swimming pool and the Levis JCC Copanos KidFit Fitness and Play Center.

Our Philosophy and Staff We take great pride in providing a high level of supervision from professionals and trained volunteers. Staff returns year after year, providing campers with continuity in programming and expertise. All counselors and specialists participate in comprehensive training throughout the summer. All staff members undergo background clearance to ensure the highest level of safety for each child.

Ali Landman, Camp Director Heidi Cohen, Assistant Camp Director To learn more about our programs, visit levisjcc.org/specialneeds

INCLUSION

Weekly inclusion opportunities for all campers with their typical peers Full inclusion for campers who are developmentally ready for typical camp

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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS Helene & Roy Schwedelson Judy Levis Markhoff

Laurence W. Levine Foundation

Paul Markhoff*

Marleen Forkas

Barton and Shirley Weisman Foundation, Inc.

Pythian Youth Foundation

* of blessed memory

HOW TO REGISTER FIRST TIME PARTICIPANTS:

Please contact Ali Landman, Special Needs Program Director, at 561-852-3269 for an intake meeting.

RETURNING PARTICIPANTS:

Please complete the registration form and return it to the Schwedelson Special Needs Department. For more information, call 561-852-3207.

ADOLPH & ROSE LEVIS JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER HELENE & ROY SCHWEDELSON SPECIAL NEEDS DEPARTMENT 9801 DONNA KLEIN BLVD. • BOCA RATON, FLORIDA, 33428

levisjcc.org/specialneeds