"When we walked through the front door, it immediately felt like family."

Sue Marusak is Mom to Gabe, a Kehillah participant for twelve years, who wants people to know about the JCC. "I don't even remember how we heard about Kehillah, but Gabe first started with the program as a six-year-old. He's 18 now."

Gabe participates in the Best Buddies program, and has also enjoyed summer Day Camp, Music with Rusty, and Adaptive Aquatics, which his mother especially appreciates. "He loves the water, but now we don't have to worry that he's going to be unsafe anymore because he has taken the Adaptive Aquatics classes."

Sue says too many kids with special needs sit home by themselves, are not engaged, and are lonely. "The other day we came for the Best Buddies program. Gabe met me afterward and as I watched him walk out with his two friends, I heard one of them say, 'Bye, Gabe!' They were all smiling and I could tell they felt good."

It feels good to their parents too, who congregate in the lobby seating area and chat during the programs. "We're supporting each other, too." Sue says she often refers people to the JCC and has to remind them that the location on the Longmeadow/Springfield line is especially convenient and that you don't need to be Jewish to take part in programs. "It's called the Jewish Community Center, but I'm not Jewish and the greeting I receive when I come in immediately makes me feel welcome. The kids feel that too."

Sue and her husband George find the caring, experienced staff help their son feel special. "They've made a difference in his life."

Join us for the CHEERS Block Party, a family-friendly celebration of the Kehillah program, taking place on Sunday, October 15, from 2:00 - 5:00 PM. Cost includes admission, activities, and all food: Batch Ice Cream, Disco Forno Pizza, Holyoke Hummus, The Kitchen, and Kosher hot dogs. Beer and wine will be available for additional purchase (ages 21+ only).

If your attendance to this event is limited by financial resources, please reach out to Dorothy Linder, Kehillah Director via email or by calling (413) 739-4715 x328.