The heroes offering resources and referrals for kids with special needs

The heroic parents in the trenches charged with raising a special needs child can find themselves incredibly frustrated and isolated as they walk the road less traveled. But several dedicated organizations are determined to alleviate some of the challenges by consolidating resources and providing targeted referrals. Because at the end of the day, we’re really all in it together

“I

wish I would have called you sooner,” the woman on the phone to said Mrs. Chana Laniado, director of YahalomNJ, a division of Agudath Israel of America.

Her son, who has special needs, had graduated from school the previous year, and she’d been desperate to find him a new program but had no idea where to look. For months, her son sat at home, bored and lonely.

Then she heard about Yahalom, Agudah’s new division.

It took one phone call for Mrs. Laniado to match the mother with a program that was perfect for her son. Today, he’s out of the house and thriving.

Several years ago, this kind of targeted referral was a dream. Though the frum community boasts thousands of services and providers for people with special needs, navigating the maze of options can be a heavy burden. All too often, parents and caregivers are on their own.

But today, parents looking for resources for their children with special needs have several organizations to turn to. In the past three years alone, the frum community has seen the founding of Yahalom, REACH, and Ezreinu — and, united in their determination to connect people with the services they need, these organizations have exploded into hubs of guidance and support.