Funders of Training for Special Needs Programs Staff Visit
Camp Ramah in New England

August 2011

In May 2011, the Neshamot Fund of UJA-Federation of NY in Westchester awarded a $25,000 grant to the National Ramah Commission (NRC) to support 2011-2012 training programs for staff members of our special needs programs. The funding will help to professionalize the training for Ramah staff and to facilitate the sharing of best practices across the Ramah Camping Movement.

(L to R, Shari Aronson; Liz Sommer; Ellen Thurm; Rabbi Mitch Cohen, National Ramah Director; Shayna Fel, NRC Special Needs Network Coordinator)

Last week, Shari Aronson, a leader of the Neshamot group, visited Camp Ramah in New England, along with Liz Sommer and Ellen Thurm, of UJA-Federation of NY in Westchester. The visitors spent time with the campers and staff of Ramah New England's Tikvah program, which serves teens ages 13-18 with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, neurological impairments, and physical challenges. The group also had the opportunity to visit with participants in the Tochnit HaAvodah vocational education program for 18-21 year-olds and the Post Voc Ed Program, which offers summer employment to a select group of Tikvah graduates.

After the visit, Ellen wrote, "Great camp....great staff...great day!! Thanks so much. On behalf of Neshamot, we are pleased to support the wonderful work of Camp Ramah."

"Great camp....great staff...great day!! Thanks so much. On behalf of Neshamot, we are pleased to support the wonderful work of Camp Ramah."

Ellen Thurm,
UJA-Federation of NY in Westchester