club jcc in west orange

[Guest guest]

Leon & Toby man JCC

Ross Family Campus

760 Northfield Avenue

West Orange, NJ 07052

973-530-3400

www.jccmetrowest.org

Dolly Luwisch

Chair, Board of Trustees

Hopkins

Chief Executive Officer

Alan Feldman

Chief Operating Officer

Club JCC MetroWest

Special Needs Services

Issue 5 | January 2009

club jcc staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

our club jcc volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

children's jewish

education program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

what i love about the jcc . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

club jcc mini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

club jcc junior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

club jcc teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

club jcc adult . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

programs and events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

summer programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

.. To register for programs, call

973-530-3998 or email us at

specialneedsservices@....

.. An intake interview is required

prior to enrollment in programs.

.. All programs take place at

the Leon & Toby man

JCC in West Orange unless

otherwise noted.

important notes

A Community of Opportunity

inside this issue

Arthur Bergman's birthday celebration Volunteer Young with his

parents

message from the director

Dear Participants, Parents, Families, and Professionals,

So much is happening here at the JCC in our Special Needs Services

Department! Our

programs are in full swing and registration for our winter session (programs

beginning

February 1, 2009) is underway.

We are excited to inform you that this has been a banner year for us. We are

offering more

programs and services than ever and our success is due to the support of the

community and the generosity of our

many volunteers. We have over 20 volunteers assisting in our programs.

Please check out our volunteer list on the

inside cover of this newsletter. We always welcome more volunteers! One of

our teen volunteers, Young,

received the " Volunteer of the Year " Award this past June.

We have also been the very lucky recipients of generous support and

donations from members of our community.

Arthur Bergman celebrated a very special birthday here at the JCC this past

September. Arthur and his wife Lee

have been JCC members for 40 years. Their son Rusty, who had Down syndrome

and passed away in 2005, was one

of the first participants in Special Needs programs at the JCC. In lieu of

presents, the Bergmans asked that

donations be made to the JCC Special Needs Services Department in honor of

Arthur's birthday.

We thank all our participants, parents, families, colleagues, volunteers,

and the entire community for the generous

support you have provided. Without all of you, we would not be where we are

today. With your

continued support and contributions, we will continue to grow the Special

Needs

Services Department and provide new and innovative programs and

services to our participants and families.

Best,

2 | JCC MetroWest Special Needs Services

Reena Maman

Reena is the Program Coordinator for the

Children's Jewish Education Program on

Sundays. She comes to us with a BA from

Arcadia University. She has been trained in

Applied Behavior Analysis therapy and has

also taught Hebrew school at Mishkan Shalom in Philadelphia.

Most recently, Reena completed working as an Americorps VISTA

volunteer at a community center in Philadelphia. There she

organized and led several recreational and educational programs

for youth.

Rosborough

has been a music therapist for the past

15 years and works in our new Children's Jewish

Education Program on Sundays. She received

her Master of Arts at New York University,

writing her thesis on Adapted Instruments for

Special Needs Children. She is a member of the American Association

of Music Therapy. The special needs population is where she has found

her calling, helping to improve learning and self-esteem, as well as

reducing stress through the use of music.

Our part-time staff is made up of individuals who hold Masters level and

Bachelors level degrees

as well as paraprofessionals with experience in the Human Services field.

Reena Maman and

Rosborough are two members of our dedicated team.

our club jcc staff

Volunteers make the world go around! We thank

all of our committed and dedicated volunteers!

our club jcc volunteers

Adam Karp

Ferdman

Avi Cohen

na Acabou

Rinsky

Dammy Adeoti

Young

le Hitzig

Donna Raanan-Lerner

Ethan Mintz

Halah Hamzeh

Paro

Jenn Kohn

Feldman

Laurie Hitzig

Wenarsky

Max Burak

Fernandes

Hitzig

i Ben-Shimol

Zak

Sandi Lainer

Shayna Schor

Shira Kipnees

Stella Santos

Yonatan Kaplan

www.jccmetrowest.org . 973-530-3998 | 3

What I love

about the JCC

by Larissa Rocha-Skedgell

Ilove spending time with my

friends at the JCC's Club Adult

Sunday programs. We go to movies

and ball games. Sometimes we cook, swim, or have parties.

Swimming in the pool at the JCC is great and everyone is

very friendly.

I especially like seeing my former classmates, Zack and Adam,

who no longer go to school with me.

I also participate in the summer program where I get to take

fun trips almost every day. It is the best part of the summer.

I am very comfortable with Amy and Cary. They know me and

help me whenever I need it.

Next year I will have more free time and I am thinking of

joining more JCC programs.

children's jewish education program

ages 5-14 years

The vision of the Children's Jewish Education Program, formally known

as " Yaldeinu, " is to provide children with special needs a Judaic

curriculum that enables them to embrace Judaism throughout their

lifetime to the best of their individual abilities. The program teaches

holiday celebrations, Jewish values,

customs, Teifillot, Torah stories, and

Hebrew letter and word identification.

This program is provided through

a collaborative project with the

Professional Advisory Committee of

MetroWest, as well as MetroWest ABLE

and generous donations through

United Jewish Communities.

Now in full swing, we are currently

serving 13 children ages 8-15. We are

also thrilled that we are able to provide one-to-one supervision for

each child, either by JCC staff or by one of our many volunteers.

Club JCC Mini Friends

This social recreational program focuses on socialization and

communication skills through activities such as free swim, targeted

skill development activities and games, and arts & crafts.

Sunday Afternoons . 12:30pm-3:00pm

8 sessions . 2/1/09, 2/15/09, 3/15/09, 3/29/09, 4/19/09,

5/3/09, 5/17/09, 6/14/09

$200 Member/$240 Guest

4 | JCC MetroWest Special Needs Services

Club JCC Junior Friends

This social recreation program focuses on socialization and

communication skills through activities such as free swim,

arts & crafts, and targeted skill development games and activities.

Sunday Afternoons . 12:30-3:00pm

8 sessions . 2/1/09, 2/15/09, 3/15/09, 3/29/09, 4/19/09,

5/3/09, 5/17/09, 6/14/09

$200 Member/$240 Guest

Club JCC Junior Sports

This sports and recreation program is targeted to children diagnosed

with Asperger's Syndrome and ADD/ADHD. The children participate in

both basketball and martial art activities. Through participating in

these activities, the children learn and develop a comfort with sports

activities as well as appropriate socialization and communication skills.

Wednesday Afternoons . 4:00pm-6:00pm

15 sessions . 2/4, 2/11, 2/25, 3/4, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/22,

4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10

$450 Member/$525 Guest

ages 8-12 years

ages 5-8 years

club jcc junior

club jcc mini

" Bad Behavior " -or Something Else?

As Occupational Therapists we often see children with

struggles in their daily lives that are described as

oppositional or " bad behavior. " Does this child sound

familiar? Finicky eater, resistant to getting dressed, trouble sitting

still, grouchy at birthday parties and family gatherings, breaking

things easily, spilling things, bumping into others, too close, too

loud, too messy.Are they really bad children, or could it be

something else?

Often, it is something else, something called Sensory Processing

difficulties. During the past two decades there has been increased

understanding that some children (and adults) may be more

bothered by, or under reactive to, sensation. The resulting

behaviors may be similar to those described above.

Children learn about their bodies and the world around them

through their many sensory systems. The senses we usually think

of are touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste. There are also two

" hidden " senses that account for some of the more confusing

behaviors that can be disruptive in the classroom or at home.

These are proprioception and the vestibular senses. These two

senses affect how we move, increase our awareness of our bodies,

and help us have controlled and coordinated movement. When any

or all of these senses are not working " just right " the child can be

clumsy, jumpy, avoidant, and may manifest all sorts of challenging

behaviors. The behaviors are easy to see; the causes are much

more of a puzzle to figure out.

So, if you suspect your child may have some difficulties with

sensory processing, what can you do?

? Check the internet for websites with suggestions for

addressing sensory processing dysfunction.

? Consult with a pediatric occupational therapist to get a more in

depth sensory profile of your child. The therapist may be able to

provide a " sensory diet " and home and school accommodations

to help your child feel better.

? Read the many popular books providing a positive approach to

identifying and addressing sensory processing difficulties in

your child.

? Help family members and teachers re-define behaviors and

address them in a less punitive fashion. The child's behavior

may truly be driven by a sensory system that is on overdrive.

For more information, contact:

Laurie J. Kalb OT

Director, Pediatric Potentials of West Essex, LLC

154 South Livingston Avenue

Livingston, New Jersey, 07039

973-535-5010

www.pediatricpotentials.net

Club JCC Teen Sports

This sports and fitness program is targeted at teens diagnosed

with Asperger's Syndrome and ADD/ADHD. Through participating

in sports and fitness activities, teens will learn and develop a

comfort with sports activities, as well as appropriate socialization

and communication skills.

Mondays . 4:00pm-6:00pm

15 sessions . 2/2, 2/9, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30,

4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18

$450Member/$525 Guest

Teen Saturday Night

Teen Sunday Recreation

A social recreation program providing teens with special needs the

opportunity to participate in skill development activities in the

areas of community integration and orientation, community safety,

daily living skills communication, socially appropriate behaviors,

and interpersonal skills. Activities take place in the community, at

local restaurants, theaters, entertainment centers, etc.

Saturday Nights . 6:00pm -9:00pm

5 sessions . 2/7, 3/7, 4/4, 5/2, 6/6

$275 Member/$300 Guest

Sunday Afternoons . 1:00pm-4:00pm

6 sessions . 2/8, 2/22, 3/22, 4/5, 4/26, 5/31

$270 members/$300 Guest

ages 13-18 years

www.jccmetrowest.org . 973-530-3998 | 5

ATTENTION PARENTS-

Do You Know How a Vocational

Evaluation Fits into Your Child's IEP?

Every student with special needs is required to have a yearly IEP

meeting with the child study team. One of the components of a

complete IEP is a transition plan for your child. One of the ways

to obtain all the necessary information to create the school-to-career

transition plan is for your child to partake in a short-term vocational

evaluation. This will give you, your child, and the school information

on how to plan for the future-be it going onto higher education or

investigating career options.

A short-term, 3 day vocational evaluation enables students,

parents, and the school transition team to identify realistic

vocational options and employment goals leading to competitive

integrated employment. The vocational evaluation consists of

computerized tools along with paper and pencil activities that

include aptitude and achievement tests, interest inventories,

and hands-on work samples.

A vocational evaluation helps to identify aptitudes, skills, interests,

work values, worker traits, and transferrable skills. This process

facilitates the formation of a more effective IEP and transition plan

and provides specific recommendations for vocational exploration.

A vocational evaluation during high school can help to provide a

seamless transition upon graduation from public school. Your child

study team can explain this process to you and help you determine

if a vocational evaluation would be of benefit to your high school

aged child. It may give you a new perspective on how to meet the

educational and vocational needs of your child and help her/him

realize their full potential as they mature into adulthood.

For more information, contact:

A. Klein

Coordinator of Rehabilitation Services

Jewish Vocational Services

973-674-6330

club jcc teen

Club JCC Adult Saturday

A night out on the town!

Club JCC Adult Sunday Rec

A Sunday out with friends!

Adults participate in life skills activities that focus on communication,

daily living skills, money management, community integration,

community safety, and interpersonal skills. Activities take place in the

community, at local restaurants, theaters and entertainment centers.

Saturday Nights . 6:00pm-9:00pm

5 sessions . 2/28, 3/28, 4/18, 5/16, 6/13

$275 Member/$325 Guest

Sunday Afternoons . 1:00pm -4:00pm

8 sessions . 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, 3/22, 4/5, 4/26, 5/31

$360 Member/$400 Guest

Club JCC Guys Night Out

Get together with just the guys and participate in life skill

development activities focusing on daily living skills, nutrition,

health, cooking, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Monday Nights . 6:00pm -8:00pm

17 session . 2/2, 2/9, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30,

4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 6/1, 6/8

$425 Member/$510 Guest

Girls Night Out

Get together with the girls and participate in skill development

activities in the area of daily living skills, nutrition & health, cooking,

communication, and interpersonal skills.

Tuesday Nights . 6:00pm -8:00pm

17 sessions . 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7,

4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9

$425 Member/$510 Guest

Circle of Friends

A social skills and life skills program providing adult individuals with

special needs the opportunity to participate in skill development

activities in the areas of cooking, health, nutrition, daily living skills,

communication, socially appropriate behaviors, and interpersonal skills.

Wednesday Evenings . 6:00pm -8:00pm

8 sessions . 2/4, 3/4, 3/18, 4/1, 4/22, 5/6, 5/20, 6/3

$200 Member/$240 Guest

Club JCC Tuesdays and Fridays

A life skills program providing adult individuals with special needs the

opportunity to participate in skill development activities in the areas

of fitness, health, nutrition, daily living skills, communication,

interpersonal skills, community safety, and volunteer activities.

Tuesdays . 9:00am-2:00pm

17 Sessions . 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7,

4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9

$1,275 member/ $1,360 Guest

Fridays . 9:00am-2:00pm

15 Sessions . 2/6, 2/13, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3,

4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 6/5, 6/12

$1,125 Member/$1,200 Guest

Special Needs Dances

$11 Member/$12 Guest

6:00pm-8:00pm

Beach Party Sunday . March 8

Let's Luau! Sunday . May 3

JCC MetroWest is proud to serve as an approved Real Life Choices Provider

through the New Jersey Developmental Disabilities Division.

6 | JCC MetroWest Special Needs Services

ages 18 and up

club jcc adult

Do you have concerns about your toddler's

milestone achievements?

Join us for a " Mommy and Me " toddler program that address concerns

you may have regarding your toddler. Please contact Amy Sigona if

you would like to participate in a pilot project to begin this spring.

Navigating the Maze-

A Guide for Special Needs Parents on Qualifying Your

Special Needs Child for Government Aid, Preserving

Eligibility, and Meeting Future Housing, Guardianship,

and Other Needs

People with special needs can look to government programs for help

with housing, employment, day programs, and medical care ONLY IF

their parents take the right steps to protect eligibility. Attorney

Lawrence Friedman and financial advisor Rubin will show you

how to protect your disabled son or daughter with special needs in

regard to estate and financial planning, wills, trusts, guardianships,

and more. Sponsored by Merrill Lynch.

Wednesday, March 18 . 7:00pm

Parenting for the 21st Century-

1st Annual Parenting Conference

Sunday, March 29 . 8:30am-1:00pm

Lautenberg Family JCC . Whippany, NJ

For more information, contact Dana Lichtenberg at 973-929-2936

(dlichtenberg@...)

Kids Extravaganza

The Kids Extravaganza children's program includes a lavish brunch,

a parade of favorite children's characters, carnival attractions, live

shows, face painting, art projects, goody bags, and much more!!

Tickets in advance are $18 per child and $5 per adult. For more

information, call the Kids Extravaganza hotline at 973-530-3520.

March 1, 2009 . 11:00am -2:00pm

Adaptive Aquatics Swim Lessons

11 Lessons for $264

Members Only

Contact a at 973-530-3430

Special Needs Personal Training

$35 Per Session

Members Only

Contact Amy Sigona for more information.

www.jccmetrowest.org . 973-530-3998 | 7

.. Sensory Integration

.. Handwriting

.. Fine Motor

.. Perceptual

.. Sound Therapies

.. Interactive Metronome

Gross Motor . Strengthening . Orthotic Management

Providing Occupational Therapy in our

State-of-the-Art Facility for over 15 years

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Multi-sensory Keyboarding . Inspiration/Organization

COMPUTER CAMPUS

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

WINDSOR PLAZA . 154 SOUTH LIVINGSTON AVE . LIVINGSTON NJ

973.535.5010

Individualized

Programs

Provided by

Experienced

and

NJ Licensed

Therapists

..

LAURIE J. KALB

DIRECTOR

programs & events

Club JCC Summer

This program is designed for children ages 5-10 years old who attend

an extended school year program. The program provides a shortened

indoor summer camp experience. Activities include swimming,

playtime, and arts & crafts.

June 22-August 14

Monday-Friday . 3:00pm-5:00pm

$1,100 Member/ $1,200 Guest

Camp Friends at Camp Deeny Riback

The goal of the Camp Friends program is to provide children with

special needs an opportunity to actively participate in summer camp

along with their typically developing peers. As part of the program,

each child is provided with a one-to-one shadow counselor to support

the camper so he/she can participate successfully in daily camp

activities to the best of his/her ability.

June 22-August 14

** 4 and 8 week options only

** limited enrollment

** interview and evaluation required for admission to program.

Teen Tracks Travel

Daily travel program for teens and young adults ages 13-21. Our teens

spend their day in the local community as well as many interesting

locations in the NJ/NY metropolitan area. Trips include New York City

museums and attractions, the Jersey shore, summer fairs, and more.

August 3 -August 28

4, 3, 2, 1 week options available

4 weeks $2,500 Member/$2,900 Guest

3 weeks $2,025 Member/$2,325 Guest

2 weeks $1,450 Member/ $1,650 Guest

1 week $725 Member/$825 Guest

** Maximum enrollment is eight participants**

** Intake interview is required for admissions**

Club JCC MetroWest

Special Needs Services

JCC MetroWest

760 Northfield Avenue

West Orange, NJ 07052

www.jccmetrowest.org

Issue 5 | January 2009

JCC MetroWest is a beneficiary agency of United Jewish Communities of

MetroWest New Jersey.

Summer is just around the corner! We will once

again be offering our longstanding special needs

summer programs.

summer programs 2009

Subject: CLUB JCC JANUARY 2009 NEWSLETTER

Dear Participants, Parents and Professionals,

Happy New Year and welcome to our 3rd Edition of our Newsletter (attached).

It is also on our website at www.jccmetrowest.org.

We will be mailing it hopefully the week of 1/12/09.

Please note one minor change in our schedule for Teen Sat Night. Teen Sat

Night will take place on 2/14/09 instead of the posted 2/7/09.

If you haven't signed up for any programs for Feb - June yet, please take a

look at our programs. The newsletter also includes details about our summer

programs on the back page.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Best Regards,

Amy Sigona

Director, Special Needs Services

JCC MetroWest

Leon & Toby man JCC, West Orange

Lautenberg Family JCC, Whippany

Phone 973-530-3478 I Fax 973-463-3949

asigona@... I www.jccmetrowest.org