(Courtesy of Makor) Of Hillel the Elder’s three-part, oft-quoted life lesson, arguably the words most often cited by students are “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” While important, Hillel’s remaining sentiments—“When I am only for myself, what am I?” “And if not now, when?”—are perhaps more crucial when striving to live a life of giving.
The immediacy of bettering the quality of life for their special-needs residents is the dedicated mission of Makor Disability Services (Women’s League Community Residences, founded by the legendary Jeanne Warman) and its Makor Mothers Committee. On Sunday, December 19 at 11a.m., Makor will host its second Festive Women’s Brunch at Makor’s future headquarters (formerly The Buzz), 1402 Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn. For only a $54 couvert, attendees will enhance the lives of Makor residents and give ever-greater peace of mind to their loved ones. And contributions of $100 or more entitle one to receive the acclaimed book “More Than Special” by Makor Mothers Committee member Ahava Ehrenpreis, whose dear son Saadya, a”h—a Makor resident and student at the Makor College Experience—was a fatal victim of COVID-19.
The Brunch’s guest speaker is 20-year educator and motivational speaker Jackie Bitton, mashgicha ruchanit of Ateres Naava seminary and Bnos Bina, and dean of students at BCA High School for Girls. Her international reputation as an inspirational speaker is geared to women and girls of all Jewish backgrounds and ages.
The day’s hostesses, Makor Moms, give their hearts and endless financial efforts toward countless services on behalf of its special-needs residents. The Moms play an integral role in Makor’s 32 residential programs for children, teens and adults, and assist in featuring early intervention services, an autism center for therapeutic services, community and day habilitation services, respite programs, and care management.
Additionally, Makor Moms are active in financially aiding the Makor College Experience at Yeshiva University and the CBR-supported employment program. These educational and work endeavors permit qualified Makor residents to transition into a mainstream environment. Due to its success, Makor is one of only four New York State service providers to be designated a Compass agency for excellence and innovation.
On their work to help strengthen the agency’s ability to increase the residents’ quality of life and their own ability to bond over their mutual challenges, Makor Mom Iris Chomsky said, “Makor Moms try to help with raising funds, but also enjoy being able to discuss ideas and concerns with moms in the same situation who truly understand.”
Answering Hillel’s call, Makor Moms are not only for themselves but primarily for their special-needs loved ones. And they are answering the call of caring and advocating for those loved ones right now.
To attend the brunch make a reservation at 718-853-0900 ext 301 or visit www.makords.org.
