The Jerusalem Post - Guide to Charity & Nonprofits

The Haifa Center for Children with Learning Disabilities

"Ronni's reading! He put together the words on the cornflakes box,"
cried Ronni's mother. Ten-year old Ronni couldn't read. His family had given up all hope of him ever learning. The Haifa Center for Children with Learning Disabilities did not give up hope. Thanks to dedicated staff and an individual tailored intervention program, Ronni learned to read.
Living with a learning disabled child can be stressful. With the aid of professional staff, Ronni's family learned to accept and encourage him every step along the way. Together they mingled cheers with tears when Ronni read his first words.
Dealing with Learning Disabilities Nearly 1 out of every 10 children suffers from some form of learning disability.
Learning disabilities occur in many forms: visual, auditory, motor control, communication, logic etc. frequently accompanied by behavioral difficulties and emotional disturbances.
Often these children are segregated by the community, isolated in school, frustrated in their family units and mocked by peers.
The fact is with the right kind of intervention learning disabled children can flower just like any other children.
Each child is a "world unto himself."
The Center treats over 80 children who suffer from learning disabilities and are of average or above average intelligence.
A multi-disciplinary team of speech, physical, occupational, art, drama and music therapists coupled with math and reading specialists provide a comprehensive therapeutic educational program for each child.
Facilities include a Snoezelen Room, a Life Skills Environment, specially designed outdoor play equipment etc.
The Center's unique holistic approach incorporates family therapy sessions (for parents, siblings and in some cases, grandparents, too) and ongoing contact with the child's regular school teachers. Early detection programs and public awareness campaigns are instrumental in helping prevent the development of more serious learning disorders and keeps the community aware of the Center's vital programs and caring environment.
"We need your help"
The Haifa Center for Children with Learning Disabilities, a non-profit organization founded in 1990, provides vital educational therapeutic services to help these children reach their potential. We receive some financial support from the Government, but it is not enough. Because of the extensive individual attention, expenses are high. Parents can afford only nominal fees.
Our first goal is to cover the costs of therapeutic help so all the children can continue to flourish. We could be doing more. Many children in the immediate region could benefit from the Center's resources. As a non-profit organization (amutah), we value your contributions.
With your help, learning disabled children can achieve their potential.

Tammy's Story
Tammy's Story
At age 8, Tammy is struggling to be accepted by her peers. Her learning problems are compounded by her social problems. Her teachers at the Center know that reading, writing and arithmetic are important, but more so are self-image, self-confidence and self-esteem.
"The goldfish got lost in the big ocean," Tammy began. "Looking for their way home, they see a big whale crying. He, too, is lost and asks the two little fish to help him find his Mommy and Daddy."
Tammy knows what it is to be alone, scorned by classmates. Together the two goldfish help the big whale find his parents. That's what help and friendship is all about.
When Tammy drew this picture, her therapist knew it was a big stride forward.

The Haifa Center for Children with Learning Disabilities

	"Ronni's reading! He put together the words on the cornflakes box," cried Ronni's mother. Ten-year old Ronni couldn't read. His family had given up all hope of him ever learning. The Haifa Center for Children with Learning Disabilities did not give up hope. Thanks to dedicated staff and an individual tailored intervention program, Ronni learned to read. Living with a learning disabled child can be stressful. With the aid of professional staff, Ronni's family learned to accept and encourage him every step along the way. Together they mingled cheers with tears when Ronni read his first words. Nearly 1 out of every 10 children suffers from some form of learning disability. Learning disabilities occur in many forms: visual, auditory, motor control, communication, logic etc. frequently accompanied by behavioral difficulties and emotional disturbances. Often these children are segregated by the community, isolated in school, frustrated in their family units and mocked by peers. The fact is with the right kind of intervention learning disabled children can flower just like any other children. Each child is a "world unto himself." The Center treats over 80 children who suffer from learning disabilities and are of average or above average intelligence. A multi-disciplinary team of speech, physical, occupational, art, drama and music therapists coupled with math and reading specialists provide a comprehensive therapeutic educational program for each child. Facilities include a Snoezelen Room, a Life Skills Environment, specially designed outdoor play equipment etc. The Center's unique holistic approach incorporates family therapy sessions (for parents, siblings and in some cases, grandparents, too) and ongoing contact with the child's regular school teachers. Early detection programs and public awareness campaigns are instrumental in helping prevent the development of more serious learning disorders and keeps the community aware of the Center's vital programs and caring environment. "We need your help" The Haifa Center for Children with Learning Disabilities, a non-profit organization founded in 1990, provides vital educational therapeutic services to help these children reach their potential. We receive some financial support from the Government, but it is not enough. Because of the extensive individual attention, expenses are high. Parents can afford only nominal fees. Our first goal is to cover the costs of therapeutic help so all the children can continue to flourish. We could be doing more. Many children in the immediate region could benefit from the Center's resources. As a non-profit organization (amutah), we value your contributions. With your help, learning disabled children can achieve their potential. Tammy's Story At age 8, Tammy is struggling to be accepted by her peers. Her learning problems are compounded by her social problems. Her teachers at the Center know that reading, writing and arithmetic are important, but more so are self-image, self-confidence and self-esteem. "The goldfish got lost in the big ocean," Tammy began. "Looking for their way home, they see a big whale crying. He, too, is lost and asks the two little fish to help him find his Mommy and Daddy." Tammy knows what it is to be alone, scorned by classmates. Together the two goldfish help the big whale find his parents. That's what help and friendship is all about. When Tammy drew this picture, her therapist knew it was a big stride forward.