(Courtesy of Ohel) With an Israeli flag waving proudly in his hand, Yosef Taubes left the Ohel office in Teaneck to enter the El Al terminal at Newark International Airport. His goal was to give chizuk to the soldiers flying to Israel. Without knowing all the horrible details of the war, Yosef understood that the soldiers were going to fight to protect the State of Israel and our people.

With a smile on his face, Yosef offered the soldiers, doctors, volunteers, those returning to Israel, police officers and airport workers, drinks, fruits and snacks. He even assisted families with their luggage as they had extra duffel bags filled with supplies for the soldiers.

As Yosef walked from one person to the next, he thanked each person for their support. He was amazed, as each person responded to him with recognition and appreciation for his gift of support, thoughtfulness and empowerment.

What makes Yosef’s story different from many others?

Yosef is a young man with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. He is one the individuals who participate in Ohel’s pre-vocational program, which focuses on communication, socialization, proper etiquette, reliability and responsibility. Ohel’s staff works with the unique abilities of each participant to prepare them for the employment that best matches their interests and skills. Ohel’s person-centered training helps to ensure its participants’ satisfaction and success on the job.

Ohel arranged for Yosef to be interviewed for a job as part of the cafeteria staff at a local hospital. He was awarded the job and travels independently to and from work, proudly wearing his uniform and badge. Yosef receives daily compliments from the staff on his job performance.

Ohel’s pre-vocational skills are transferable to many other social settings, as exemplified in Yosef’s interactions and exchanges at the airport. The Ohel team is very proud of Yosef and his successes.