SHALVA, the Association for Mentally and Physically Challenged Children in Israel, is dedicated to providing quality care for individuals with disabilities, empowering their families, and promoting social tolerance. Non-denominational and free of charge, SHALVA’s programs range from infancy to adulthood and include family support components that enable parents to raise their child with special needs within the family framework. The organization’s advocacy initiatives, community events, and disability research continue to inspire a more inclusive Israeli society.
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25 Years of Hope: SHALVA’s Story Dear Friends, As SHALVA reaches its twenty-five year milestone, I cannot help but reflect on our meteoric development from a mom-and-pop organization to a leader in the field of disability care. These tremendous achievements have been made possible because of your partnership.
finger spelling in the palm of his hand and taught him his first word: shulchan, table. Malki remembered her promise and SHALVA was established with a handful of children. From its inception through the present, SHALVA fills a void in Israel’s social services structure. Our unique methodology caters to the individual development of the child with special needs, while simultaneously strengthening the fabric of the family. Thanks to our dear friends and supporters around the world, SHALVA witnessed extraordinary growth over the last 25 years. In 2014 alone, we have provided comprehensive disability services for over 500 individuals with special needs and provided Shalva - peace of mind, to their thousands of family members. Together we have changed lives.
SHALVA was founded by my wife, Malki and myself thirteen years after our infant son, Yossi was rendered blind and deaf, among other disabilities, after receiving a faulty vaccination. For eight years Yossi lived locked in his own world. The isolating and exhausting experience of caring for a child with severe disabilities took a tremendous toll on our family. Many professionals and friends suggested, with the best of intentions, that we place Yossi in an institution. Malki refused; she pledged to G-d that if He would help Yossi she would devote herself to helping other children with special needs and their families. Several years later, her prayers were answered when Shoshana Weinstock, a special educator who is deaf herself, penetrated Yossi’s wall of silence via Hebrew
While we recognize and are humbled by SHALVA’s immense success, it is but a spring board to the future; to help thousands more individuals with special needs and their families as we complete the construction of the SHALVA National Center, please G-d.
With heartfelt gratitude and friendship,
Kalman Samuels Founder and Chairman
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25 Years of Development: Current Programs
Me and My Mommy: From day one Me and My Mommy is a one-on-one therapy training program for infants from birth to eighteen months and their parents. Parents and infants travel from across Israel to experience the unique environment of warmth and acceptance. • Providing infants with immediate intervention during a period of critical growth • Enabling parents to become co-therapists in their child’s rehabilitative process • Supporting families who are experiencing the initial jolt of raising a child with special needs • Infants receive four hours of personal therapy sessions on a weekly basis; including: occupational, speech, physio, hydro, computer, and sensory awareness therapies as well as massage treatments.
200 babies and mothers 18 staff members 18,500 hours of therapy annually
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The smiles and optimism of the SHALVA staff are contagious and their care is genuine‌ It was while at SHALVA that my son began to walk, and all the staff cheered at his first steps. A SHALVA Mother
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Rehabilitative Day Care Center: Encouraging each child’s growth The Rehabilitative Day Care Center is a specialized, therapy-focused program for children ages 1-3 years old. Certified for children with intellectual impairments, physical disabilities, and communication disorders, the center incorporates an inclusion program for children with typical developmental patterns as well. The program follows an early intervention educational model that is designed to establish a foundation for future development. Our staff of educators and therapists operates an intensive regimen comprised of activities and eleven weekly personal and group therapy sessions. Parent involvement is a primary focus of the Rehabilitative Day Care Center program, which includes family support groups and educational seminars throughout the year.
35 toddlers 55 staff members 3 national service volunteers 10 volunteers 19,500 hours of therapy annually
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Our Didactic Toy Lending Library allows each child to bring home a therapeutic or cognitive learning toy, jointly selected by the therapists and parents at the culmination of bimonthly parent-child therapy sessions. The library serves a dual purpose: encouraging the children’s mastering of various developmental skills, and family participation. When played at home with parents and siblings, the library toys present an enriching bonding opportunity; offering a break-through channel of communication and family dynamic that allows the children to share school experiences with their families.
Inclusion Early Childhood Center: For a better future The Inclusion Early Childhood Center is an extension of the Rehabilitative Day Care Center, offering advanced programming for children ages 4-6. The program presents a unique educational environment where children with special needs and children with typical developmental patterns learn together and interact as equals. Designed to escort our participants through kindergarten, the curriculum prepares participants for inclusion in the mainstream educational system. In cooperation with the Ministry of Education, SHALVA operates a community inclusion program that enables participating children to attend their local preschools on a weekly basis, accompanied by a SHALVA special educator. Through the community inclusion program, children develop and exercise cognitive and communication solutions to unconventional social interactions. Moreover, the program creates a forum for SHALVA children and their parents to form friendships with other families in their neighborhood communities.
The program presents a unique educational environment where children of all abilities learn together and interact as equals.
22 children 15 staff members 2 national service volunteers 1 volunteer 10,450 hours of therapy annually
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After School Activity Center: Living to the fullest The After School Activity Center is a life-skills oriented, recreational program for children ages 6-21 with a variety of disabilities. Children and teens enjoy an array of recreational activities on a daily basis enveloped by an empowering and inclusive social network of peers. Participants arrive by bus from their respective schools for an enriching afternoon of personal and group therapy sessions as well as a host of creative social activities; like sports, drama, dance, and art. Each afternoon concludes with dinner prepared and served with the assistance of the participants. The program partners with local schools and youth groups in an enhanced effort to promote inclusion. The attending children often take part in various community events and advocacy initiatives. As members of the SHALVA band, basketball team, Bnei Mitzvah Project, and Jerusalem Marathon team; the After School Activity Center participants develop a broader sense of communal belonging.
220 youth 56 staff members 45 national service volunteers 183,000 hours of respite to family members annually 30,000 hours of therapy annually
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The combination of therapy and recreation encourages the participants’ personal development as well as their potential for social inclusion as they transition into adulthood.
Overnight and Weekend Respite: In good hands The Overnight and Weekend Respite program offers participants of the After School Activity Center the opportunity to attend weekly sleepovers and bimonthly weekend retreats. The Respite program provides participants with a forum to master independence and life skills in a realistic setting, while their families experience a valued and consistent respite period. Parents can feel secure knowing that their child is receiving love and care in a supervised environment while they focus on the needs of their other family members. In this structured environment, the children practice hygiene and grooming skills as well as the ability to share responsibilities and function within a routine. The weekend Shabbat programs offer a warm and inclusive environment where children with special needs and peers can connect through festive meals, interactive prayer services, and learning activities; an enriching experience for all.
Empowering our children to be independent and contributing members of society.
150 youth weekly 12 staff members 22 national service volunteers 22 volunteers 84,000 hours of respite to family
members annually
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Graduate Social Club: Forward to the future The Graduate Social Club is an evening program specifically fashioned to address increased vulnerability rates common to adult women with disabilities and to prevent related behavioral regressions in this new stage of life. Young women with a variety of disabilities, ages 21 and above, attend weekly recreational activities and group therapy sessions. The program is conducted in an empowering environment that encourages exposure to complex, real-life situations and teaches participants appropriate methods for coping with unexpected circumstances and unfamiliar behavioral norms. Under the guidance of a staff social worker and psychologist, the women discuss pertinent issues like normative behavior, safety, sexuality, self-image and oversensitivity. Assisted by an intimate staff, participants map out personal development goals with each participant; like building confidence, forming appropriate social connections, mastering home sharing skills, cultivating talents, and expanding personal boundaries. The Graduate Social Club supports the inclusion of adult women with disabilities as empowered and independent members of society.
19 participants 5 staff members 3 national service volunteers
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Family Support: Building stronger, happier families Supporting the families of children with special needs is a focal point of SHALVA’s multifaceted mission. All of SHALVA’s services are free of charge, thereby significantly easing the financial responsibilities of families who are struggling to raise a child with special needs. Moreover, the organization’s therapists and special educators conduct bi-weekly support groups and educational seminars on relevant topics for parents, grandparents, caretakers, and siblings. Through SHALVA’s programs and advocacy initiatives, parents watch their children blossom into capable, talented, and contributing personalities; full of life and joy. SHALVA’s caring staff and empowering environment give parents the hope and strength to cope with the challenges of raising a child with special needs within the family framework.
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Summer Camps: Unimagined opportunities During the summer vacation, 250 children with various disabilities, ages 6-21, attend SHALVA’s summer day and sleep away camps. Aside from the enjoyable experience, the camps ensure continued progress of developmental achievements during a period void of formal educational frameworks. Summer camps offer SHALVA families an exceptional and vital respite period for strengthening the family unit. The day camp takes place at the SHALVA headquarters throughout July and August; and the sleep away camp, at an off-site resort for one week. Both camps focus on developing social and communication skills; like friendship building, teamwork, and frustration management. In a relaxed yet stimulating setting, children engage in exceptionally special activities; such as jeep and airplane rides, water activities, horseback riding, organized sports, dance, arts and crafts, and performances by guest entertainers. The program supports inclusion in a twofold manner: by enhancing the social and independence skills of children with special needs, and by exposing those who meet the SHALVA camp at various vacation attractions to the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
250 children 30 staff members 45 national service volunteers 165 volunteers 29,750 hours of respite to family
members annually
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25 Years of Impact:
Social Advocacy and Engagement
Shalva Idol: A chance to shine This past June, over 150 of SHALVA’s children took to the stage at the Jerusalem Theater in the ninth annual SHALVA Idol performance. Before a packed audience of over 1,000 people, SHALVA’s children showcased their musical and vocal talents alongside famous Israeli artists from the “Israel Idol” television program. The SHALVA Idol performance is a unique forum for children with special needs to hone and express their creative skills while illustrating their immense potential as contributing members of society. The SHALVA Idol performance serves as a highlight of the After School Activity Center’s music therapy program. Through the performing arts, the children learn important social skills, like responsibility and team work, and develop personal character traits through confidence building workshops. SHALVA Idol is a chance for every child in the program to become a star: dancing, singing, or playing musical instruments in a truly empowering environment.
“Performing on stage makes me feel like I can fly” SHALVA Program Participant
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Shalva Band: Revealing talent The SHALVA Band consists of a select group of After School Activity Center participants who show particular interest and talent in musical performance. The performers learn to play a wide assortment of instruments to their liking. Through individual music lessons and group practices, the band is guided by a dedicated staff of music therapists and musicians. The SHALVA Band performs by special invitation at dignitary affairs, national events, and cultural venues throughout the year; leaving a lasting impression on diverse audiences. The band performs an extensive repertoire of songs alongside international choirs and Israeli pop-artists; embodying SHALVA’s inspirational messages of inclusion, acceptance, and hope. The SHALVA Band’s contagious charm and energy always makes for a memorable performance.
Empowering our children to shatter stereotypes and exceed their personal bests.
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Shalva - Hapoel Jerusalem Basketball Team: A community of equals The SHALVA Basketball team is part of the Hapoel Jerusalem National basketball association’s youth league. The basketball team is a forum for players to develop important motor skills, like coordination and stamina, as well as social skills that are essential for facilitating teamwork and performance. The valuable SHALVAHapoel Jerusalem partnership is based on a mutual appreciation for the social inclusion of individuals with disabilities. • Weekly practices led by a Hapoel Jerusalem coach • Games against basketball teams of teens with typical developmental patterns • Hapoel Jerusalem dedicates their annual Chanukah basketball game to SHALVA • SHALVA’s presence at the Hapoel games helps breach socio-cultural stigmas • Social inclusion and bonding over a common passion
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25 Years of Inclusion Team Shalva in the Jerusalem Marathon Team SHALVA is a diverse group of nearly 400 runners who travel from all over the world to Israel to participate in the Jerusalem Marathon in support of SHALVA. Along with international and local runners, the team is comprised of SHALVA’s children, families, and staff; who participate in the marathon’s community run which includes a disability track. The disability track is a SHALVA initiative and an asset unique in Israel to the Jerusalem Marathon. Following months of marathon training and fundraising for the SHALVA cause, the team members come together for a weekend of SHALVA facility tours, events, and the marathon itself. Running side by side in SHALVA running gear, SHALVA’s team of children with special needs and marathon runners represent a beautiful demonstration of a community that promotes health, inclusion, and celebration of life.
team SHALVA is a worldwide family that brings the joy of sport to people of all abilities.
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Bnei Mitzvah Twinning Project: Celebrating together
The Bnei Mitzvah Twinning Project is an opportunity for children of all abilities to share the excitement of celebrating their Bar/Bat Mitzva. Through personalized projects, children with typical development create an enhanced Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration for children with special needs; a meaningful experience for all. The Bnei Mitzvah project allows SHALVA’s children and families, who may be experiencing social marginalization, to celebrate this important milestone as part of an extended, supportive community.
With various volunteering and sponsorship opportunities; involving sports, dance, art, science, and Jewish experience; the Bnei Mitzvah Twinning Project matches Bar/ Bat Mitzvah teens from around the world with SHALVA teens based on similar interests. As in all SHALVA programs, Bnei Mitzvah participants are encouraged to discover and cultivate their passions to positively impact a greater cause. The Bnei Mitzvah Twinning Project is an exemplary expression of SHALVA’s pillar beliefs in the power of community, each child’s unique ability
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25 Years of Inspiration: Research and Education SHALVA’s International Academic Research Committee conducts ongoing research and ground breaking studies on issues pertaining to the special needs community. Under the guidance of Professor Malka Margalit and Professor Arie Rimmerman, the committee ensures that SHALVA’s therapy and educational programs are in constant development according to the most innovative research findings, and thus provide the most optimal care. Today SHALVA is opening new vistas in disability awareness and education, regularly hosting academic
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seminars for the broader community and professionals in the field; including special educators and supervisors of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services as well as social work and medical school students from universities throughout Israel. As in previous years, SHALVA and the Hadassah Medical Center continue to co-host the annual International Down Syndrome Day conference, attended by over 500 disability professionals. SHALVA’s Research and Study Institute, opening in the SHALVA National Center, will unprecedentedly advance disability research and its impact on Israel’s social services structure.
25 Years of Achievement: Awards and Recognition SHALVA is the proud recipient of the ISO 9001:2008 recognition and certification for compliance with the highest international standards of quality management. SHALVA is one of only six non-profit organizations to receive Midot’s Seal of Outstanding Effectiveness; the only to do so in the field of special needs. Each of SHALVA’s programs are respectively recipients of the Israeli government’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Health’s highly regarded recognition.
Shalva accolades throughout the years: • • • • • • • • • • • •
President of Israel’s Prize for Excellence Mayor of Jerusalem’s Award for Exceptional Service Jerusalem’s Award of Distinction for National Service Volunteers Israel Association of Social Workers Award for SHALVA’s contributions in the area of Social Work with Special Needs Children Recognition of Excellence from Homesh – Division of Rehabilitation Professionals within the Social Workers Association Winner of the Ministry of Education Outstanding Volunteer Award Shalem Foundation Award as “Israel’s Most Unique Program for the Mentally Challenged” Knesset Speaker’s Quality of Life Prize for Leadership & Public Excellence Amindav National Service Award for Excellence Shalem Foundation Award Ruderman Prize for Disability Inclusion Jerusalem Foundation Teddy Kollek Prize
Reuven Rivlin, President of Israel
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
Shimon Peres, Former President of Israel
Nir Barkat, Mayor of Jerusalem
Tzipi Livni, Minister of Justice
Dan Shapiro, USA Ambassador to Israel
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25 Years of Giving:
Volunteers and Visitors In addition to an abundance of professional expertise that places SHALVA at the forefront of disability care, it is the dedicated and loving commitment of hundreds of volunteers that completes SHALVA’s ideology of inclusiveness and ensures excellence of operation. Enabling an average 1:1.8 staff to participant ratio, several SHALVA programs heavily rely on trained volunteers to ensure effective programming and proper supervision. Beyond the weekly commitment of our regular volunteers, SHALVA appreciates the hundreds of individuals who contribute their time at SHALVA throughout the year. IDF military units, corporate institutions, and visitors from communities around the world come to experience firsthand the importance of SHALVA’s work. SHALVA’s professional and volunteer staffs are also complimented by exceptional National Service volunteers
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who undergo an extensive application process to work at SHALVA. Every year SHALVA welcomes hundreds of visitors to tour the organization’s impressive facilities and experience its heartwarming spirit. University students, and youth groups from across the globe make SHALVA a meaningful component of their trips to Israel. By meeting with SHALVA’s children and staff, visitors are exposed to SHALVA’s unique and uplifting approach to special needs; a world of hope, joy, and unconditional love. The thousands of volunteers and visitors who enter SHALVA’s doors every year serve as ambassadors of SHALVA’s unique message. As they continue along their life journeys and upon returning to their home communities, SHALVA’s volunteers and visitors play a key role in breaching attitudinal barriers and promoting the inclusion of individuals with special needs.
25 Years of Commitment: Budget* Operating Revenue
Operating Expenses
Added value of volunteers: This value is based on hours worked at the Israeli minimum wage. In order to not overstate both our annual fundraising and expenditures Israeli accounting conventions require that we reflect this same non-cash value in our financial statements as both a revenue and expense. This results in a net zero impact on our financial operations. *Unaudited
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25 Years of Vision:
The SHALVA National Center
The SHALVA National Center is positioned to be an international leader in innovative program development, inclusion opportunities, and optimal care for individuals with disabilities. The SHALVA National Center, construction to be concluded in late 2015, is located at the entrance to Jerusalem, directly adjacent to the new Route 16 highway. The location was purposefully chosen by the Jerusalem Municipality for SHALVA to be the welcoming face of the nation’s capital, as it represents Israel’s strides toward innovation, inclusion, and social change. The SHALVA National Center will allow for the expansion of SHALVA’s programs and a 400% increase in beneficiaries. The 200,000 square foot campus will include: • Dozens of leading-edge educational and therapeutic facilities • Family counseling unit • Sports center • 400 seat auditorium • Over six acres of inclusive parks presenting a unique setting where children of all abilities can play and grow together • Research and Study Institute offering conferences for professionals, therapy training courses, and vocational training for adults with disabilities and their employers
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The SHALVA National Center will enable SHALVA to serve thousands more individuals with special needs.
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25 Years of Leadership: AMERICAN FRIENDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Director Leo Klein Co-Presidents Norm Alpert Carol Levin Co-Chairs of the Board Nathan Low Leon Wagner
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CANADIAN FRIENDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Vice President Adam Chill Treasurer Yoni Leifer Secretary Jacques Semmelman
Chair of the Board of Emeritus Hillel Weinberger
Executive Committee Raanan Agus Mitchell Presser Daniel Schwartz Ari Storch Dov Wiener
Board of Directors Nicole Agus Jane Alpert Ludwig Bravmann Harry Freund Jay Goldsmith Ishaia Gol Lois Hager Mordechai Hager Debbie Jonas Howard Jonas Nathan Kahn Sandy Kahn George Karfunkel Lisa Low Basya Lowinger Andrew Lowinger
Tina Machnikoff Matthew Maryles Ruth Mazurek Nachman Mazurek Lauren Presser Gabrielle Propp Tommy Rosenthal Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald Debbie Schwartz Yossi Segal Jack Silver Ruth Slade Michael Slade Vera Spira Soli Spira James Tisch
Executive Director Johanna Brooks President Lenny Rothschild President Emeritus Jerry Kushner Board of Directors Gordon Diamond Esty Edell Eli Grossman Renee Lieberman Brucyne Sud Mery Volcovich
International Academic Research Committee Chairperson Malka Margalit, PhD Members Jake Burack, PhD Michael Guralnick, PhD Arie Rimmerman, PhD/DSW Melvyn I. Semmel, EdD, FAPA, FAAMR
BRITISH FRIENDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chief Executive Gaby Hirsch President Debbie Besorai Trustees John Corre Howard Goldring Ronen Kannor Honorary Patrons Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis Esther Wachsman Patrons Lauren and Keith Breslauer Barbara and Mick Davis Debbie and John Frenkel Ari Krieger Louise and Hilton Nathanson Bianca and Stuart Roden Michelle and Bob Shemtob
ISRAELI FRIENDS OF SHALVA Chairperson Ehud Savion Board of Directors Miri Donin Ofer Feinstein Sefi Mei-Zahav
Osnat Michaeli Chaim Taib
“Every time I meet members of SHALVA’s staff, volunteers, and the extended SHALVA family I come to understand what is love, what is endless dedication, what is giving. And for this I thank you.“ Reuven Rivlin, President of Israel “I wish to acknowledge the remarkable work of the SHALVA organization and the invaluable role this organization has played in Israel’s development.” Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel “You not only inspire the children and the families that you work with, but you serve as an inspiration for all of us who wish to make Jerusalem and Israel a better place for generations to come.” Nir Barkat, Mayor of Jerusalem “At SHALVA, there is a spirit of warmth and friendship, love and brotherhood which cannot be manufactured. It comes from the very bottom of their hearts and from the very bottom of their souls.” Rep. Tom Lantos (obm), Former U.S. Congressman, California
“SHALVA is one of the most inspiring organizations, giving hope to the weakest link of our society.“ Dan Shapiro, USA Ambassador to Israel
“All those who criticize Israel should come to SHALVA and witness the other side of Israel. The most noble, loving, and caring Israel. I am proud to be part of this Israel.” Shimon Peres, Former President of Israel “The State of Israel is blessed with the sacred work that SHALVA does. I am proud to be well acquainted with your tremendous work.” Tzipi Livni, Minister of Justice “You have my most heartfelt admiration as you confront the challenge of ensuring that no child be turned away from receiving SHALVA services. I take great pride in all you’ve accomplished.” M.K. Isaac Herzog, Former Minister of Social Affairs and Social Services “SHALVA spearheaded social change in the caring and development of a child with special needs and their families.” Malka Margalit, PhD, Vice President International Academy of Research in Learning Disabilities, Tel Aviv University “SHALVA’s children do not differentiate between Muslim and Jew, black and white, rich or poor. They differentiate between those who care and those who don’t. Your center is at the gates of heaven and being close to the children and your center transcended my human frailties.” Amid Ismail, BDS, MPH, MBA, DRPH Dean, Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry Temple University, Philadelphia
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25 Years of Milestones:
For 25 years SHALVA has empowered children with special needs & their families to live a life of love, hope, & dignity.
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