During a month in which we are enjoined over and over to engage in teshuva, teffila and tzedakah, we no doubt have deliberated seriously about where our tzedakah dollars are best utilized. According to the Rambam, one of the highest forms of tzedakah is that which enables the recipient to conduct a proud and productive life. This mission has been successfully undertaken by the Jewish Association for the Developmentally Disabled, known to us as J-ADD, for the past 25 years. Currently 60 residents and 250 families are assisted in achieving just such pride and productivity.
Within residences throughout Bergen County including Teaneck, Bergenfield, Leonia, Elmwood Park and Washington Township, J-ADD provides independent living situations for 60 clients. Their lives follow the patterns of regular lifestyles and provide them with dignity and purpose. Sometimes missing, however, are the richness and ritual of their Jewish lives. In steps J-ADD to provide those services that will replicate those they may have left behind. Shabbat food and meals are prepared, arrangements are made for shul attendance within walking distance or by transport if necessary, and participation in local holiday and communal activities is arranged. Residents are often well integrated into their local Jewish communities and are invited to local homes for Shabbat and Yom Tov dinners.
Individuals who live at home with their families are provided with respite services by J-ADD. These involve in-home support for the individual and the caregivers, 20 hours of respite service per month, accessibility to recreational facilities in the community, cash reimbursements for caregivers and vouchers for private respite.
In keeping with their mission of productivity, vocational training and counseling are provided, as well as assistance in procuring meaningful employment through skills training and referrals. Even while on the job, J-ADD actively provides individuals with effective and sustainable employment strategies.
Of all of J-ADD’s activities, Flowers for J-ADD probably stands out as the most comprehensive of all in terms of providing a win-win situation for all involved. Housed in one of the local group homes, Flowers for J-ADD has as its mission providing beautiful holiday and special-event floral arrangements to the community, utilizing the handiwork of their clients. Special training is provided to 16 individuals in floral selection, care, color coordination, placement and packaging.
Very recently, a donation of refrigerators was made to J-ADD by two magnanimous donors, Yuddin’s Appliances and the Blass family, which lifted the onus of running back and forth to an outside garage with the flowers. In viewing their website, it becomes obvious that the floral arrangements prepared by J-ADD clients match those in retail stores and in addition provide a dignified and well-earned paycheck to their creators.
Our community wins as well. Many shuls adorn their Yom Tov bimahs with flowers prepared by J-ADD. Their chuppahs have graced wedding halls, and Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations have added color and cheer to their venues with J-ADD flowers. According to Stephanie Shapiro, Flowers for J-ADD Coordinator as well as Community Outreach Coordinator, “Often the Bar/Bat Mitzvah will asked to be photographed with the J-ADD ‘florist’ for a memorable keepsake. What an act of kindness and chesed to enhance a simcha!”
As proceeds from Flowers J-ADD go back into the project for salaries and materials, no profit is accrued to the organization. The one major fundraiser for the year is the upcoming Walk for J-ADD, which will be held on Sunday, October 30, at Van Saun Park in Paramus, at Pavilion C. Sign-in begins at 10 a.m. followed by an exciting program of entertainment including a carnival, games and prizes, refreshments and musical presentations. After the ribbon-cutting the picturesque walk around Van Saun Park will begin. Participants can pre-arrange sponsorships per mile or other distances or simply join the walkers and sponsor to their desire and ability. “All the proceeds of the Walk will go to creating Jewish surroundings for our residents within which they can continue leading the ‘heimishe’ lives they came from. We are providing them with pride and quality of life,” said Shapiro.
In her role as Community Outreach Coordinator, Shapiro arranges special activities for residents as well as Respite clients through yoga, paint night and other activities. Among her other outreach projects, she organizes an annual Northern New Jersey Conference for caregivers to apprise them of the services available to them throughout the community as well as assist them with their daily responsibilities as primary caregivers.
Shapiro urges, “In considering acts of tzedaka and chesed in which to become involved and involve our families, why not start off the New Year with the J-ADD Walk. The fun-filled activities and lovely nature trails will be an enjoyable family adventure and your contributions to J-ADD will allow over 300 developmentally disabled individuals to live their lives with Jewish pride and dignity.”
By Pearl Markovitz
For further information about J-ADD’s services and to order flowers for all occasions, go to their website at J-ADD.org or contact Stephanie Shapiro at [email protected].
