DRS Students & OHEL Day Hab Individuals Pack Mishloach Manos at the OHEL Gifts @ Work Program 

Over 50 students from DRS high school recently joined men and women from the OHEL Bais Ezra Day Habilitation Program. Students and individuals with disabilities spent an enjoyable morning packaging several hundred mishloach manos as part of OHEL’s Gifts @ Work Program.

This unique Gifts @ Work program provides skill building, job training and a stipend for individuals with disabilities. Mishloach manos are packaged individually based on orders from community members who recognize that this is a “real” with “real” benefits to OHEL’s individuals and a great Purim package to share with family and friends. The program offers a sense of dignity and accomplishment to OHEL’s individuals. It is a fun program that employs individuals with disabilities while at the same time allowing community members to visit the OHEL Day Hab Center, learn about OHEL’s programs, jointly package the mishloach manos and then purchase meaningful gifts for family and friends. Mishloach Manos packages are filled with useful gifts such as a blanket, tumblers, and delicious cookies and nosh.  

DRS, Investors Bank, Mutual of America and girls from Bergen County have all participated in packing Mishloach Manos. The DRS boys enjoyed working alongside OHEL individuals and they also led Day Hab participants in Tu B’Shvat games and songs. “It was a great way to learn about OHEL programs, interact with adults with disabilities and also have a great time. I’m glad to have met Yoni, Miriam, Danny and seen their Day Hab Program and work alongside them” said Mordy, a senior at DRS. It was both a bonding and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

For more information about OHEL’s Gifts at Work program, and to order your mishloach manos now, please visit www.ohelgiftsatwork.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 effectively manage disability, surmount everyday challenges, heal from trauma, and manage with strength and dignity during times of crises.