I wanted to share a wonderful resource that we connected with this week. OPWDD has partnered with the Center for Discovery to open a new hospital called "The Children's Specialty Hospital in Rock Hill". 

The Center for Discovery in Rock Hill, NY (Sullivan County) has been providing care for children with autism and other developmental and medical needs for many years. Until recently it had a school, a residential school, adult programming, and medical and clinical care such as a therapy and psychiatry. They've also done some groundbreaking work such as their "Food is Medicine" program, which works on incorporating diet and nutrition as a way of helping our people with special needs get the best outcomes. 

Recently OPWDD has partnered with the Center for Discovery program to open up a specialized hospital/ treatment center for people with special needs. This will provide specialized short-term inpatient care for children with complex disabilities such as autism, addressing health, medical, and behavioral concerns and reducing the need for long-term residential placements.

How will the Specialty Hospital do that? 

Children get admitted to the hospital with one or more life interfering issues that prevent them from being a wholesome part of the community. Some of these challenges might include GI issues, sleep issues, behavioral issues, seizures, or other issues. 

At the hospital, an entire clinical team will get to know your child. They will work to resolve the issues, with a combination of therapeutic and clinical approaches. Your child's stay may be from a few weeks to a few months. While they provide intense therapy and medical stabilization, they will also work to prepare your child to return to your home and community, and help transition your child back when your child is ready.  

We are hopeful that this will be a groundbreaking change to our community, giving our children with complex special needs the medical care that they need in an environment that understands and treats their special needs as well. 

For questions about the Children's Specialty Hospital, feel free to reach out to our Yahalom office. 

Purim



Here at Yahalom, we are working on two projects to make Purim beautiful for all of our families. We're thinking of you! Look out for our notice as well as our Yahalom Guide to Purim for Special Needs in our next edition of News from Yahalom. 

Sibs Bowling Event (Five Towns)

YahalomNY recently organized a memorable bowling event at Woodmere Lanes for siblings of children with special needs. The evening featured bowling, dancing, delicious food, and a strong sense of community.

Siblings of children with special needs often face unique challenges, including feeling overlooked and taking on caregiving roles at a young age. YahalomNY’s event gave these siblings a chance to be celebrated and appreciated.

The event was sponsored by Hamaspik and People Care, with representatives joining the festivities. One parent shared, “My kids had the best time! My daughter even asked if I ever wished for a sibling with special needs so I could attend these events.”

Thanks to the volunteers from TMM and MAY for helping out!

Thank you to Hamaspik and to Peoplecare for sponsoring our events.

Volunteer Appreciation Event (Five Towns)

We had an awesome Volunteer Appreciation Night on Motzei Shabbos, February 8th. The evening was filled with warmth and gratitude. Our volunteers enjoyed a delicious Meleva Malka, an inspiring speech by Mrs. Chayala Teitelbaum, and an engaging workshop.



A big thank you to the Gold Family for graciously hosting this wonderful event!

A special thank you as well to Bella Rubin for her dedication in spearheading our volunteer program and for organizing such a memorable evening.

Early Intervention Team Meetings

During early intervention, you can request monthly team meeting, where the therapists are paid to meet all together with you to collaborate on your child's progress.

- Esther, Brooklyn

Thinking about You



We are constantly thinking about all our amazing Yahalom mothers and what more we can do. This week, we were thinking about the possibility of opening some sort of parent support program: a parent match program, a parent mentor program, or in person support groups that would run on a steady base. We would love to hear what you think. Please respond to this email with which you would prefer, or if you have a different idea, we would love to hear.

Shabbos Program (Midwood)

Exciting News: New Shabbos Bnos Program in Midwood!

Yaldeinu Respite is thrilled to announce the opening of a new Shabbos Bnos in the East 30’s and Ave N area of Midwood!

Program Details:

• Time: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
• Escorts: Children will be escorted to and from the program.

This program offers a wonderful opportunity for children to enjoy a fun and enriching Shabbos afternoon.

For more information or any questions, please contact: The Yaldeinu Agency at 718-305-7137 #248

Stars at Gesher Summer Program (Five Towns)

Introducing "Stars at Gesher" for boys ages 7-12; and "Little Stars" for boys ages 5-6. This specialty daycamp is here to help boys with high functioning autism or other similar challenges have an amazing summer!

The structure they need, the fun they deserve.

• Once in a Lifetime Experiences; from car company visits to airport tours and beyond.
• Strengthen sports skills: focused on learning how to play, not just winning
• Social skills growth: tailored for those who could use a little extra support
• Clinical supervision + low staff to camper ration to ensure every child has a fun, supportive, and growth filled summer.
• Boost confidence: helping your child shine and feel proud
• Our own campus, a place where we can dream bigger and designed entirely around our children's needs
• STEM activities
• Davening, learning, swimming, lunch, and much more

For more information, contact info@starsny.org or 516-210-6041.

Tafkid Purim Festival

Tafkid invites children and adults with disabilities and their families, group homes, special education schools, and Sunday programs to the Tafkid Purim Festival!

Sunday, March 9th, 2025, from 12-6 PM

At: The Palace, 780 McDonald Ave Brooklyn NY

Face Paint, Wax hands, Carnival games, photobooth, Balloon Sculpting, slot cars, pizza, nosh, inflatables

Music by Beri Weber, Uncle Moishy, Shloime Dachs, Yisroel Wulliger, Yoni Z, Michoel Pruzansky, Shloime Dachs, Yumi Lowy, Dovid Pearlman

No reservation required.

Response to Zebras and Unciorns

Click below to read a beautiful article from Esther in response to last week's article.

If you have a writing you would like to share, email yahalomny@agudah.org.