I’ve got great news! My newest initiative, in partnership with the NPO Et La’asot, has received initial funding from several generous donors, and we are moving from planning to launching our pilot program in Netanya, Israel.
Side by Side is a new community-based initiative designed to create opportunities for connection, belonging, and meaningful engagement for young adults with disabilities and their non-disabled peers.
For many young adults with disabilities, the transition out of the educational system can bring a significant reduction in opportunities for social connection, community involvement, and meaningful participation. Too often, this stage of life is marked by isolation, limited social networks, and a lack of inclusive frameworks that foster belonging and growth.
“Side by Side: Building Community, Together” was created to address this need through a simple yet powerful idea: strong communities are built when people work, learn, and contribute together.
The program brings together young adults with disabilities, university students, and other young adults from the broader community to participate in meaningful volunteer and social activities, such as:
- Supporting older adults through community service projects.
- Assisting with food distribution initiatives.
- Participating in agricultural and environmental projects.
- Helping care for animals.
- Joining social gatherings, trips, and community events
- Creating and leading projects that benefit the wider community.
Through these shared experiences, participants will build authentic relationships based on mutual respect, equality, partnership, and a shared sense of purpose.
The program will empower young adults with disabilities by strengthening their confidence, sense of belonging, and community engagement. At the same time, it will provide students and young adults with opportunities to develop leadership skills, broaden their perspectives, and form meaningful friendships.
As part of the initiative, participating students will receive academic scholarships in recognition of their contribution to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
One of our donors generously gifted us with a donation of $10,000- and gave us a challenge that I would like to ask YOU to help us meet:
THEY WILL MATCH EVERY DONATION UP TO ANOTHER $10,000!
Can you help us meet our goal? Every donation, big or small, will help us pair more students with peers with disabilities. Together, they will join forces to volunteer in the community!
Click here to donate and support our project!!!
In addition, we invite universities, colleges, municipalities, community organizations, foundations, and social service providers to partner with us in creating a community where every person has a place, a role, and an opportunity to contribute.
In addition, here’s a copy of the flyer in Hebrew. Please share it with students who might be interested in participating!
