Rostov Hesed Welfare Center Provides Meaningful Care to Family with Disabled Child

When Aron was born his young parents were ecstatic about welcoming their first child into the world. But their joy soon gave way to sadness when they learned that Aron suffered from children's Cerebral Palsy, a malformation of the infant's brain.

Despite this birth defect, Aron developed into a communicative, kind and inquisitive little boy. He shows interest in many different things and activities, and particularly enjoys being with people. His parents bring him to the JDC-sponsored Hesed Social Welfare Center to interact with other Jewish youngsters and stimulate his social skills.

The psychologist at the Hesed and the coordinator of the Mazel Tov program worked out a special individualized program to enhance Aron's sensory motor functions. With their help, he has learned to paint, makes crafts, and interact with other kids. Now five years old, Aron actively participates in all the individual and group activities organized by the Hesed's Children’s Initiative and the Mazel Tov program coordinators.

Aron's parents, currently expecting their second child, came to Hesed to borrow a baby carriage. They brought Aron with them, and he reveled in the task of choosing the best stroller for his future sibling.

In addition to the loans of baby equipment that the family receives from the Hesed, Aron receives clothing and shoes through the Deitsky SOS initiative. As part of its programming, the Hesed also supplies the family with monthly food packages and traditional holiday deliveries that they otherwise could not afford.