There are so many individuals who together as one (b’yachad) make Yachad NJ the success it is today. Let’s celebrate this magnificent organization together on Monday, March 20 at 7 p.m. at Ahavath Torah in Englewood.

Those who have watched this OU-sponsored organization expand its services into a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Teaneck have identified it as a true jewel that shines brightly throughout our New Jersey community. Families with children with special needs get so much out of the program and its caring and dedicated staff and volunteers.

Monday night’s gala will also mark the fifth anniversary of the Mendel Balk Yachad Center, which was made possible through the generosity and vision of Ariela Balk-Esquenazi of Englewood. The Mendel Balk Yachad Center is a “home-away-from-home” experience and operates for Yachad members every weeknight from 4-7 p.m.. Each night offers a different selection of activities, staffed by a variety of truly sensitive and fun-loving volunteers. The lives of Yachad families have been so beautifully augmented by Yachad’s Mendel Balk Center that if it didn’t exist, we think it would have to be invented.

Raquel (Rocky) Selevan, the Yachad New Jersey director; Larry Rein, the New Jersey development director; and Chani Herrmann, the associate director of Yachad Community Engagement, have truly created a dynamic program that is extremely responsive to individual and family needs.

We are particularly joyful that the Gorelick family will be honored at the gala, because Eli Gorelick is a much-valued employee of The Jewish Link, here at our offices in Teaneck. We are very happy that we are able to participate in Yachad’s job placement program and we look forward to the Gorelick family’s honor. Please come out to thank the dedicated honorees, staff and volunteers of this special organization. We look forward to seeing you on Monday night.

To register, go to www.yachad.org/njgala