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A Gift to Last A Lifetime
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Rick Horvitz and Erica Hartman-Horvitz.
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There are not enough words in the English language to fully capture the overwhelming gratitude we feel toward Rick Horvitz and Erica Hartman-Horvitz. Together they have made a $1,000,000 endowment commitment to support JFSA's YouthAbility program! The Horvitzes are passionate about helping children with special needs. "We care deeply about kids with disabilities and believe that society has a moral obligation to do as much as possible to help children, who through no fault of their own, are faced with some very tough obstacles," says Rick. Erica adds, "It is so inspirational to witness how far these kids can go with just the right support." Those of you who are familiar with YouthAbility know that consistent funding to support this program is almost impossible to obtain. In 2002, YouthAbility programs operated in 10 cities with funding from the Federal government. By 2005, most programs nationwide had closed. For years, the Cleveland program faced an uncertain future. Now our YouthAbility is the only such program existing, and the generous gift from the Horvitzes will provide ongoing support to sustain operations. YouthAbility participants are looking forward to meeting the Horvitzes and thanking them in person. We hope we will be able to express our appreciation adequately. I think the best way to thank them is to continue to dedicate ourselves to volunteerism and self-improvement. To Rick and Erica-the next time we clear a trail, create a mural, send a card, serve a meal, help an animal or assist others in any way-we will do it in your honor!
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 YouthAbility Mini-Foundation Each year, YouthAbility participants donate more than 7,500 hours of service to the community. This coming year, they will be donating more than just their time, they will also be donating money. YouthAbility participants have decided to create a minifoundation to support worthy causes. They have been saving all the tips from their lunch and challah deliveries. We just opened a bank account with $200 that was earned this summer. Tips range between 25 cents and a dollar-but participants are learning that little bits add up! The next step will be to research various charities to support. We have already learned about the work of animal shelters, a therapeutic riding center, education programs and homeless initiatives. Participants will make contributions throughout the year. In addition, participants will learn simple banking and accounting skills that will help them manage the account. |
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Your Trash is Our Treasure!
YouthAbility is collecting old vinyl records for various art projects. We will be making them into bowls, flowers and other fun stuff! Contact Heidi if you have some LPs or 45s you don't want.
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YouthAbility is having a fundraiser and fun-raiser...and you can be a part of the action. The Beatles-themed evening will take place at Temple Emanu El on Sunday, October 23rd. YouthAbility participants will have an opportunity to sing on stage with Beatles cover band "Revolution Pie". Please contact Heidi if you would like to help in any of the following ways:
· Be a part of the singing ensemble
· Create Beatles-themed decorations
· Volunteer on the day of the event
· Help sell raffle tickets
A big salute to Linda C. and her award-winning committee for their tireless effort in planning and organizing this event. Linda is an outstanding YouthAbility volunteer who helps with our lunch and challah delivery program every week. She unbelievably has taken on the enormous of task of also organizing this fundraiser. Many, many thanks for all of your inspiring work!
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Trip 2012 - The Land of Israel
Plans are underway for our 2012 trip. We will be traveling to Israel March 25th - April 3rd! The focus of our trip will be volunteering. We will perform our play several times, plant trees, volunteer at our sister-city of Beit Shean, and join other service projects. We will also have time for sight-seeing. If you are interested in learning more about the possibility of traveling with us as a participant or peer model/chaperone-please contact Heidi at 216-378-3434.
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