New OHEL Event for Adult Siblings of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Exciting Trivia Evening Drawing Siblings From Across Tri-State Area 

While having a sibling with a disability can be a rewarding and gratifying experience, with many lessons to be learnt, it can also be isolating. People may treat the sibling differently, and they are often put in situations not many people can understand or relate to.

Over the past few years, the Family Services Division of OHEL Bais Ezra has developed their incredible Sibshops program, for children who have a sibling with a developmental disability. This past November, at OHEL’s 44th Annual Gala, OHEL debuted their sibling video, and the overwhelmingly positive response gave insight into the needs of adult siblings. OHEL is now excited to be planning a ground breaking event for these individuals, and on Saturday night, February 8, OHEL Bais Ezra will be hosting an evening of trivia, fun, and friendships for adult siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities.

OHEL does not only help individuals with special needs, but focuses on the unique needs of their siblings as well. OHEL’s evening of trivia will give these siblings of individuals with special needs a night to hang out, bond, and to enjoy the company of friends.

Alyse Applebaum, an OHEL Bais Ezra Area Coordinator involved in the upcoming event, said “Our hope is to develop a strong and meaningful relationship with the siblings, and for them to build relationships with each other in a relaxing environment. We hope that this upcoming trivia night is the first of many adult sibling events”.

For more information about the event, please contact Azriel Steiner, at 718-686-3492, or email azriel_steiner@ohelfamily.org

Since 1969, OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services has served as a dependable haven of individual and family support, helping people of all ages surmount everyday challenges, heal from trauma, and manage with strength and dignity during times of crises. Driven by service excellence, OHEL’s professional staff meet the myriad social service needs of the general community, while at the same time providing culturally-sensitive services to the Jewish community, including Yiddish, Hebrew and Russian speakers. Through highly-rated foster care, developmental disability, mental health, and other programs and services, OHEL provides supportive housing, treatment, care coordination, education, outreach and much more to elevate lives and strengthen individuals and communities in New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, Florida, California and worldwide on the web. David Mandel is the CEO of OHEL.