The missing piece

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He pointed out that Kulanu runs an after-Shabbat café program, On Common Ground Café, “providing entertainment and interaction. It’s a combination of café and outside activities,” he said. Kulanu also arranges trips, movies, bowling, city outings, athletic events, as well as some Sunday actitivies. He noted that it’s not on a steady basis; those interested should call for the schedule.

Kulanu is also starting a “supportive adult employment program for special needs people who have difficulty getting into the job market,” continued Cooper. “Kulanu will provide a job coach and guidance.”

The Kulanu building is currently open on Shabbat for an “inclusion activities group for children in the community,” Cooper pointed out. It’s held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Shabbat during the winter. “It’s for ages 4 to 15 and we are hoping all kinds of kids come. There are activities directors and shadows.”

“It’s totally true that after 21 their services plummet and they feel totally isolated,” he said. “We’re addressing that here, not just thinking about this — we’re doing it.”

For more information about Kulanu contact Amy Eisenberg at Kulanu (516) 569-3083 x138.

“Asperger’s prefer to be by themselves,” said Rabbi Horowitz, “but they have to engage the world. They have social communication issues. They are wired differently. He wants to be engaged. He has no friends. It’s difficult for Asperger’s autism people to make friends. There are no structured programs for Shabbat. He needs to find a circle; he needs one more piece in his life.”

To help form a group or to contact Rabbi Horowitz email at rabhh18@gmail.com.

Gayle Fremed at the JCC can be reached at 516 569-6733.

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