News

Passing the Baton

JSDD News
Leadership
Staff
WAE Center News

Big Changes – Passing the Baton to Harry Klein, Acting Director Thursday March 3rd, the WAE Center gathered to bid farewell to Aubrie George in her role as Director. Aubrie is taking a step back from the directorship and will remain connected to the WAE Center, both professionally and personally. Members, staff, and families gathered in the WAE Center tradition of presenting work, thoughts, and words about Aubrie and her 8-year tenure with the WAE. Stepping into the void, is Harry Klein who is the Acting Director, WAE Center. Harry began his work at the WAE Center ten years ago as the Art Studio Manager. He has become fully versed in the philosophy and methodologies that help each member to […]

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Fiber Arts Program Coming to the WAE Center

JSDD News
WAE Center News

  Objective The creation of a Fiber Arts program at the WAE Center is underway. We have had a history of working with fiber by hosting weaving, quilting, sewing, dyeing, knitting and crochet classes for the past several years. Recently, with the gift of a floor loom, The WAE Center has received the push to grow and develop this substantial and enriching program for our members. Benefits The art of weaving has long been acknowledged to have therapeutic and creative benefits. Hand/eye coordination, focusing, problem-solving, sequencing, and creative thinking are just some of the prevocational skills infused into this practice.  Weaving is a quiet, calming activity in which our members can develop and express their creative ideas. A Gift of […]

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Zoom Shabbat- Friday February 11, 2022

JSDD News

Shabbat celebrations began this week by singing songs in both Hebrew and English. Rachel said the blessings over the candles. Daniel and Todd joined together to lead the blessings over the grape juice and the challah. Daniel was eager to share that the best part of his week was creating kindness cards with his job coach. He gave an example of one of the cards where he wrote, “believe in yourself.” Rachel shared that the best part of her week was attending Zoom classes. She really loves the virtual cooking classes. The torah portion this week Tetzaveh G-d decided Aaron and his sons should be priests. G-d tells Aaron about the clothing the priests should wear and instructs how to […]

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Zoom Shabbat- Friday, February 4, 2022

JSDD News

Everyone jumped right into the Shabbat this week by singing Hava Nagila¸ a celebratory song that translates to “let us rejoice.” This song made Daniel especially happy, and he shared his excitement about seeing his dad and spending time with him this weekend. Hannah and Rachel joined together for the blessing over the candles. Mark, Todd and Daniel recited the prayers for the grape juice and challah. The torah portion this week, “Terumah”, Moses is given the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. G-d instructed the building of the Michkan (house of G-d). It was told that the house of worship should include an ark, curtains, and a menorah. Hagit, the Judaic Coordinator taught that in Judaism the most important and […]

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Sam & Ellen Weinstock – JDAIM: Inclusion in Action

JSDD News
WAE Center News

Written by: Ellen and Sam Weinstock for Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month.  February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) when Jewish organizations join to raise awareness and foster acceptance and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. In recognition of JDAIM, we want to spotlight how JSDD’s WAE Center fulfills this mission and has opened many doors for our son, Steven. Think back to the early days of the COVID pandemic when you were socially isolated. These were tough times, and they give one an opportunity to understand what life is like for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.   People with special needs are often physically and socially isolated from their communities. We had long been searching for […]

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