Building Belonging
Our community of belonging continues to grow! Many thanks to the established friends of Libenu who recommitted to supporting Libenu and invited so many new friends to be part of our labor of love. With our benefactors’ generous matching, our 36-hour #LiveLoveLibenu campaign exceeded its initial goal of $650,000 to cover essential expenses of Libenu’s round-the-clock residences and life-altering Lev Respite programs.
An additional $28,038 raised will go toward Libenu’s newest program, Lev Lilah, which was launched in November 2021 to offer an overnight respite program for preteens and teenagers. The participants in the first several Shabbatons had a great time and grew from the experience, and some of their parents have reported that they had a full night’s sleep for the first time in many years, as well as opportunities to give their other children a different kind of Shabbos.
Thank you to every single person who has contributed to helping Libenu provide belonging, self-sufficiency, and empowerment for the most vulnerable members of our community.
Advancing Accessibility
In another bid to foster belonging, Libenu CEO and Executive Director Shana Erenberg, PhD, presented at a hands-on workshop about making homes and buildings accessible for people with a variety of needs. The Exploration Station: Building a Better World provided young participants with information and guidance to engage in solving a design problem through experimentation with everyday materials to make their own structures.
The event took place at Lincolnwood Library as part of the 2022 Coming Together program, a local initiative to build knowledge and appreciation for the diversity represented in Lincolnwood, Skokie, Morton Grove, and Niles. This year, Coming Together is highlighting the voices, experiences, and talents of members of the disability community across Niles Township, as well as advocacy and support resources.
“This incredibly wonderful collaboration exceeded our expectations and dreams,” reflected Lincolnwood’s Youth and Teen Librarian Eti Berland, who cohosted the event along with Dr. Erenberg and Lincolnwood Library Early Literacy Specialist Ann Santori. “Dr. Erenberg’s insight, expertise, and guidance were instrumental to its success. We know that the conversations we began at this program will continue at home – and beyond.”
“We’re proud that Libenu is setting the gold standard in the field of disability support,” Dr. Erenberg said. “It’s wonderful to know that our leadership will help others create accessible spaces, far beyond the Libenu community of residential and respite clients.”
#LiveLoveLibenu’s Generous Online Campaign Matchers
Our matchers are our machers (they make magical things happen!)
Hearts of Gold
Miriam & Jon Friedman
Debbie & Robert Hartman
Champions
Lisa & Sidney Glenner
Eric Rothner
Chasi & Eli Davis
In Memory of Dr. Joel and Peshie Dennis, z”l
Friends of Lev
Visionaries
Ahuva & Nachy Shabat
Shaya Prager & Tzali Chopp
JoAnn & Steven Potashnick
Penina & Yussi Meystel
Rikki & Chaim Rajchenbach
Aviva & Mendy Berger
Steve Newman
Keryn & David Schreiber
Chaya & Asher Kohn
Dream Makers
Suri & Joey Stern
Ora & Maury Aaron
Bryna & David Grinblatt
Judy & Yaakov Rajchenbach
Aviva & Ami Robinson
Zisi & Dovid Seitler
Raphaela & Todd Stern
Chaili & Adam Glickman
Ruki & Marc Halpert
Chaya Tova & David Hartman
Esti & Benjy Israel
Sarita Kohn
Chana & Eli Kutoff – Lifescan Labs
Builders
Shana & Steve Erenberg
Naomi & Michael Nudell
Chana & Eli Webster
Chavi & Gary Ashman
Shooting Stars
Doreen & Moshe Mermelstein
Michal & Tannie Schnell
Rubin Law
Carole Groover & Bill Coleman
