We invite you to join C.L.I.C.K., (C)enter for (L)earning and (I)nclusion in the (C)ommunity and (K)ehillah in Jerusalem, a pioneering Day Center for autistic young adults. C.L.I.C.K strives to change perceptions and raise expectations of those who, like our grown children, are defined as having low-functioning autism. As youngsters, our beloved children could not communicate, get dressed or eat by themselves. Following years of intensive work, they have made amazing progress. They can now communicate with an iPad, surf the internet, go food shopping, cook, walk dogs, and even use carpentry tools!
As parents, we worry about our children’s future. We are therefore setting up an innovative Day Center for this new generation of people with autism, which will open in September. From the hub, which will contain a room for group learning, a computer corner, a kitchenette and bathroom, the members will embark upon a range of activities within the community: productive work such as walking dogs, carpentry and picking fruit along with leisure activities such as sports, art and photography.
This ground-breaking program can serve as a model for other programs for the inclusion of people with disabilities in society, both in and outside of Israel. Indeed, we hope that it will be replicated worldwide. Although we come from diverse Jewish backgrounds (Orthodox, liberal and secular) as well as varied socio-economic circumstances, we are united in the desire to help our children be part of society.
The Israeli government funds a basic day program but not setting up a new program or the extra investment such a unique program requires. Donations will fund renovations, activities, professional guidance in establishing this Center, and extra staff hours for a program facilitating inclusion into the community. As parents, we have committed ourselves to donating a significant amount of money but this is not enough – we need your help and partnership to realize this goal!
The principle behind this program is based on Jewish values, as enunciated by Maimonides, that the highest degree of charity – above which there is no higher – is that which helps another to become self-supporting. In our case, the highest degree of charity is that which enables those with autism to establish themselves as productive members of society.
Please help us fulfill this dream!
Here is a moving post from an Israeli donor to the project:
“My name is Yotam. I am the same age and graduated from the same high school as those who will be starting the Day Center. When I was in elementary school, my classmates and I were very connected to the children in the special ed class – we would often talk about them. I always knew that you are doing sacred work and I am happy to contribute a modest amount to this amazing project (since I am in the IDF, I unfortunately don’t have many resources) and these amazing young people. Thank you and continue doing good.”
Shalom to all our supporters,
We greatly appreciate your support for our campaign.
We have now reached over 25% of our goal (almost $7,000) in 8 days!!!
Please ask your local synagogue to feature the campaign in their bulletin. Share it on facebook, twitter, whatsapp, etc.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of these young adults and making the world a better place for all.
Shalom to all our supporters,
We greatly appreciate your support for our campaign.
Now that we have reached over 20% of our goal (over $5,300) in only one week, we are opening up our campaign to the general public. In Israel we have already raised almost $19,000. We want to try to at least match this amount in our US campaign so as to enable a significant educational program for the coming year.
Please ask your local synagogue to feature the campaign in their bulletin. Share it on facebook, twitter, whatsapp, etc.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of these young adults and making the world a better place for all.