OHEL Sibshops will now be coming to Clifton-Passaic, NJ. Two dynamic local Jewish organizations, OHEL and the JFS, are partnering to successfully bring sibshops to the community. Sibshops is a unique program of lively groups of fun, support, and inspiration for siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities.

The groundbreaking Sibshops program enables children and teens with siblings who have a developmental disability to first and foremost have a fun and lively time, while at the same time sharing their concerns and feelings amongst their peers, and developing wonderful friendships.

Sibshops features innovative activities as well as discussion activities. Sibshoppers are free to share their feelings (positive, negative, or in between) in an environment that is accepting and non-judgmental. Sibshops are a great place for participants to form friendships and make lasting bonds. It is also a place where they can have their questions answered and learn more about their siblings, different disabilities, and what the future holds.

The Passaic-Clifton Sibshops group will be co-led by facilitators from OHEL and JFS, who were both trained by Don Meyer, the creator of the Sibshops model. The first New Jersey groups will take place on Sunday, May 10, and Sunday, June 14, at 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at JFS of Clifton Passaic, located at 925 Allwood Rd., 2nd floor, in Clifton, NJ.

For more information, please contact Leah Elyakin, OHEL NJ Sibshops coordinator, 862-686-7205 or Suzanne Miller, Director Parent Resource Center at JFS, 973-777-7638, or email [email protected].