At the end of a long dirt road departing from Gori, a small war-ravaged town in Georgia’s countryside, Lela, 22, awaits her visitors excitedly. She has put on her nice blouse, only necklace, and brightest smile. For this young woman who suffers from partial paralysis and spends the majority of her days in her crumbling home, this visit is the highlight of her week.
At age 25, Vera is one of the youngest JDC homecare workers assisting needy Jewish elderly in all of the former Soviet Union (FSU), but her compassion and determination belie her age. “My work gives me an amazing opportunity to get to know different people with different backgrounds. It is very rewarding, and I am happy to be able to help every person I meet,” she says.
When Sofia R., 54, first learned her only son had an autistic disorder, she gave up her job as a computer programmer to focus on his education. Despite his high IQ, his behaviorial issues kept him from being accepted to kindergarten or primary school—and there was no special educational framework for him anywhere in Moscow.
Marina is an only child. She shares a rundown two-room flat in Minsk, Belarus with her parents, both of whom are disabled and struggle to subsist on a monthly pension. The Jewish community has been this family’s lifeline since Marina was a young girl. In addition to providing her with basic food and medicines, JDC has enabled Marina to attend Jewish camp, participate in Hillel activities, and attend myriad programs at the local JDC-supported Jewish Community Center (JCC).
After her husband’s tragic death, 56-year-old Hanna was left to care for her six children and elderly mother alone. Find out how JDC’s social relief services in Hungary secured this family’s day-to-day survival.
Nataliya is a single mom struggling to support her son with cerebral palsy. Find out how JDC brought this desperate family relief—and a sweet surprise—this Rosh Hashanah.
This summer, thousands of young Jews across Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union are coming together to explore their Jewish identities—many for the first time. From Belarus to Bulgaria, take a virtual tour of JDC’s acclaimed camp programs.
For Vladimir and Irina, parenting two young children with debilitating illnesses is a daily struggle. Learn how JDC’s family integration camp connected them to new resources and renewed their strength.
When Haled discovered his son Muhammad was born with severe mental and physical impairments, he felt angry, guilty, and afraid he wouldn’t be able to connect and communicate with his child. Learn how JDC helped this struggling dad in Israel see the joy in his son’s smile.
In time for disabilities awareness month, meet people who have been empowered by JDC's global programs for the mentally and physically disabled.