Max was 6 years old when his sister was diagnosed with leukemia. Abruptly, his life changed. Doctors’ appointments, treatments, and care became the family’s focus, and like many siblings of children with a serious illness, Max sometimes got lost in the shuffle. Then i-Shine swooped in.

i-Shine Teaneck is an innovative and unique program developed by Chai Lifeline for children living with illness or loss in their homes. The Teaneck branch, which started its second year last month, provides crucial emotional support and friendship for Bergen County children who have a seriously ill sibling or parent, or who have experienced a death in the family. The expansion to our backyard was spearheaded by three local women, Michal Zahtz, Deena Kaszovitz and Gila Weinstein, who saw the benefits and realized the need for an after-school program in our area.

“Healthy children often suffer in silence when a sibling is ill or when they are bereaved of someone in the immediately family,” explained Rabbi Simcha Scholar, executive vice president of Chai Lifeline. “After school programs like i-Shine give children like Max structure and support at a critical point in their day and their lives.”

Max’s mom, Margaret Levy, said the program has affected the entire family’s well-being. “It’s so well-run that it takes away from my worry rather than adding stress to an already stressful situation. The people who organize it are wonderful. They genuinely care and go above and beyond. Max loves it… the food, the attention, the carnivals… it really achieves what it’s called. He felt like he was getting something positive associated with his sister’s illness.”

i-Shine is geared toward elementary and middle school children. It is offered free of charge to parents, which makes the substantial community volunteer presence even more important. Twice a week, volunteer drivers bring Max and his i-Shine friends from area day schools to Yeshiva Noam, which has donated space to the program. High school volunteers offer one-on-one homework assistance and test preparation, engage the kids in fun games and activities, and provide snacks and dinner.

“i-Shine showers very vulnerable children with special attention, friendship, and positive reinforcement. Staff members are experts in bringing out smiles and laughter and exciting recreational activities for children,” remarked Rabbi Ari Zahtz, the program coordinator. “It gives children living in difficult circumstances the chance to make important peer friendships, and gives parents who can’t be home after school much-needed peace of mind.”

“It’s a lifesaver,” commented parent Judah Isaacs. “I lost my wife in February of 2012 and i-Shine started in Teaneck the next school year. My kids formed very close attachments to their teenage volunteers… the program has given my children the opportunity to have something to look forward to while giving me comfort that my kids are taken care of when I can’t be there. I’m very grateful that i-Shine has come to Bergen County. For us, it’s simply priceless. It’s the gold standard.”

As for Max, his mother noticed the change right away. “i-Shine has made a sad situation not as sad. Max mostly enjoyed hanging out with the high school volunteers and playing hockey. He came home with a smile ear to ear, feeling like a million bucks.”

A model of community cooperation.

i-Shine is unique in another way: it’s truly a cooperative program in an environment where few organizations work together. Bergen County’s Jewish day schools, including the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, Yeshivat Noam, Yeshivat He’Atid and The Moriah School are actively involved with Chai Lifeline, working together to build the program and help these children. And with the many, many volunteers who have come forward to lend hands and hearts, it also offers the community an opportunity to come together to pitch in and help those who can truly benefit from the attention of individuals and groups that really want to make a difference in the lives of others.

The program originally started in the Five Towns and has since spread to Brooklyn, Toronto, and Chicago. The Teaneck program is dedicated in memory of Ilana Michal Schwartz, a local (and much-missed) resident and Camp Simcha camper.

By Lisa Matkowsky