New Sibling Program -starts on Oct. 5th - Click here for a flyer

New support groups are forming for Moms and Grandparents call the HaMercaz warmline toll free at 1-866-287-8030 for details
 
A Support Group in Farsi for Iranian Parents of Children with Special Needs is offered through the Iranian Division of Etta Israel Center and Hamercaz . It  meets at Nessah Synagogue,142 S. Rexford Dr., Beverly Hills, CA. Cost is $10.00/family. Please call Dalia at (818) 985-3882, ext. 221 for more information.

Hamercaz Ongoing Programs

Chaverim, a program of Jewish Family Service, is a membership social club for intellectually and developmentally disabled adults, ages 18+.  Our program includes social and recreational activities, outings, Jewish studies and b’nai mitzvah opportunities, Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations. At Chaverim, the members enjoy and participate in activities that are available to non-disabled adults. They make friends, sometimes lifelong friendships, and they know they have a place to belong. People whose disabilities limit their ability to interact socially find acceptance and even become more socially adept. There are smiles on the faces of everyone at Chaverim. For more information, visit http://www.chaverimjfsla.org or call (818) 464-3360.

Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters ‘Bigs for Sibs’ program and Family Friends of Jewish Family Service offer volunteer mentors and matches for siblings of children with special needs as well as children with special needs. Call HaMercaz for referral information.

Jewish Free Loan Association Presents
the Children with Special Needs Loan Program
The Jewish Free Loan Association, which has been offering interest-free loans to people of all faiths in the Los Angeles community for over a century, is now presenting the Children with Special Needs Loan Program. This program offers interest-free loans to help families care for a child with special needs, assisting families with dealing with health crises and financial problems caused by unexpected expenses. The Children with Special Needs Loan Program includes loans for diagnostic expenses, funding to purchase specialized vehicles, home improvement for medical necessity, assistive technology and durable medical equipment needs, and funding for behavioral supports, shadows or inclusion specialists. The program can assist with interest-free loans of up to $10,000 per family. To apply call (323) 761-8830 to schedule an appointment with a loan analyst.

Articles and Publicity
Read about HaMercaz in the Jewish Journal
Read about the Opening the Gates Community Dialogue on Inclusion event