(Courtesy of OHEL) Purim at OHEL was a whirlwind this year with costumes, mishloach manot and megillot!

It started with the Mashadi Carnival in Great Neck, who welcomed OHEL’s individuals for an early celebration of Purim!

The Purim spirit continued with the packaging of OHEL’s annual mishloach manot, with individuals in OHEL’s Bais Ezra Day Habilitation program making special packages highlighting the upcoming move to the new OHEL Jaffa Family Campus in Flatbush, Brooklyn.

The proceeds of these sales go directly to programs to provide employment training and build independent-living skills for adults with disabilities.

A spectacular costume contest took place at OHEL’s Kadimah, an innovative program that helps enable individuals with psychiatric disabilities to develop the skills and tools to live their lives to the fullest.

Throughout OHEL’s many residential programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and those with psychiatric disabilities, Purim day was filled with smiles, laughter, good food and friends!

Residents, both male and female, went to many locals shul to hear Megillat Esther, gave mishloach manot to their neighbors and attended local parties. Every residence had their own Seudat Purim and all enjoyed a wonderful day of festivities.

OHEL’s Adult Mental Health Services had their annual party at Menorah Hall to conclude the Purim celebrations. At the joyous party one individual remarked, “This party is really one of the highlights of the year!”