Support Families with Special Needs in Palestine

Thanks to you, at the Homes, Fridays have become special days. That’s the day the Family Support groups meet to share support and ideas as to how best to help their impaired family member, how to cope with often unkind societal expectations, how to avoid burnout, how to manage the challenges of supporting other family members (often elderly parents) and how recognize and be recognized for  the value of what they do. These family support groups have been so helpful to the families of our residents that people caring for their impaired loved one at home have asked to be included.  The Homes has gladly started another group to accommodate them and in the future, may start a third.

Before the war, these groups generally met on site and then visited with their resident.  As reflected in their smiles, our residents delighted tin these special opportunities to get together with their family member.  Now, for reasons of safety and check posts, meetings, both-the family support ones and those of the families and their residents must be held on zoom.  All eagerly await the return to in-person meetings

Your gifts have enabled a staff member to follow through on the expressed needs, to provide transportation as needed, and purchase snacks for the meetings.  Because of your help, the participants leave each meeting feeling heard, supported, and refreshed.  On their behalf and on behalf of all our residents and families who participate, our deepest thanks.

After 20 years of caring for Salem, his family reluctantly acknowledged that none of their efforts at home seemed to improve his life.  Born severely developmentally disabled, he still could do nothing for himself—feed himself, move from one place to another, express his wishes other than by shouting and thrashing at whomever was trying to help him.   He was uncomfortable with anyone other than family and made that clear by shouting and thrashing.  Though small in height, he had become too heavy for his mother to lift him.  

In desperate hope, two years ago, his family brought him to the Homes. Encouraged by staff, he became accustomed to being with others and doing exercises in a group.  He now finds group sessions involving listening  to music and playing simple games a special delight.

In his individual physical therapy sessions, Salem has developed improved strength in his muscles so he can now sit comfortably for longer periods.  He has discovered that he can move his wheelchair wherever he wishes to go.  No more being in bed and looking at the walls for hours on end!  Now he has discovered a new perspective—seeing the world from a standing position and is learning to walk!   No more tantrums of frustration.  Thanks to our speech therapist, his speech is becoming clearer so others can understand and respond to his requests.

His family is ecstatic!  

Your generosity has made this possible.  Please continue to help us to expand the abilities and enhance the lives of the 47 people entrusted to us. 

On their behalf, THANK YOU!