I am beyond excited to announce that I have partnered with the Israeli nonprofit organization Et La’asot to bring to fruition an initiative I have been dreaming about for many years.

Et La’asot is an extraordinary organization founded in 2006 that pairs high school student volunteers with children with disabilities across Israel and provides emotional and financial support to their families.

Today, the organization operates in five cities across the country, with more than 500 volunteers who work with hundreds of children with a range of disabilities through afternoon activities, Shabbat getaways, holidays, camps, and more, to empower children and support their families.

I developed the idea for this intitiative when my autistic son aged out of the educational system and suddenly found himself facing a reality shared by so many young adults with developmental or physical disabilities, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence: once school ends, the opportunities for meaningful social connection, community involvement, structure, and future pathways become painfully limited. 

Too often, these young adults are left navigating loneliness, isolation, and a lack of structure. Existing programs tend to focus either on individuals who require intensive support or on those who are fully independent and employable, leaving many people in between without appropriate opportunities or a sense of community. 

To address this issue, I created the model for Side by Side: Building Community, Together, and am pleased that Et La’asot has agreed to take this project under its wing and support and develop it with me. 

Side by Side is a community-based initiative that pairs young adults with disabilities with non-disabled student peers to build genuine friendships through shared experiences, volunteering, and meaningful social engagement. 

Together, participants will:

• Volunteer in community projects supporting the elderly, food distribution efforts, agriculture, animal care, and more

• Participate in social activities, trips, and group events

• Build authentic relationships rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose. 

The program supports participants with disabilities by building confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging, and by providing opportunities for community engagement. It also gives students chances to meet and form meaningful friendships with people different from themselves through shared activities.

Student participants will receive an academic grant for their involvement in the program. 

We are looking for strategic partners, collaborators, and donors who share our vision of a more inclusive, connected society. 

Initially, we would love to partner with:

• Universities and student organizations in Israel

• Community organizations seeking volunteers in the cities we operate

• Municipal and social service leaders

• Philanthropic partners and donors.

I hope that Side by Side will help create not only friendships and opportunities, but also build a community where everyone belongs and everyone benefits through doing good together. 

If this vision resonates with you, please reach out. I would love to connect!

Email: info@jackiedry.com