Camp Lev Returns!
Libenu is delighted to share highlights from the second successful year of our Camp Lev extended overnight respite program, held from August 22-26 at Camp Redleaf in Ingelside, IL. Libenu welcomed 16 campers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), ranging in age from 4 to 22, as well as a group of Libenu’s residents who came up to camp for a Sunday BBQ and hayride. The campers had the chance to experience an exciting week filled with joy, laughter, and personal growth. Each day brought new adventures and memorable moments as campers enjoyed swimming, boating, crafts, zip lining, a petting zoo, and more.
This summer we had the privilege of celebrating a wonderful Shabbat together at camp. Campers and staff welcomed Shabbat in their own “shul”, with candle lighting, kiddush, joyful singing, dancing, and a festive oneg. A scavenger hunt, charades, storytelling, nature walks, and singing by the lake filled the day. Following havdalah on Saturday night, everyone enjoyed a lively melava malka that included music, delicious treats, and a night swim for the staff.
A key factor in ensuring the success of Camp Lev is our 1-to-1 staff-to-camper ratio, which enabled us to meet the unique needs of each individual. In addition to the devoted counselors, our team included three nurses who ensured that all medical needs were addressed promptly and effectively.
Camp Lev was designed to meet the pressing needs of families during the period between the end of summer camp and the beginning of school, one of the most stressful times of the year for parents of children with I/DD. Parents can have peace of mind that their children with disabilities are socializing and having fun in a safe, engaging, and nurturing setting while preparing their other children for a new school year. Camp Lev is a shining example of Libenu’s unwavering commitment to providing a lifetime of care and support for Jewish individuals with I/DD and their families.
Yasher koach to our extraordinary team members, Rivka Schaffel, Lev Respite Supervisor, Pessie Stern, Assistant Supervisor, Dina Baker, our Director of Programs, and Kaley Cohen, Libenu’s Nurse Administrator, as well as our dedicated staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this program a success. Special thanks to our nurses, Shira Charpentier, Michal Soloffe, and Marli Gutman for keeping everyone healthy and safe.
Kiki’s Korner
Mazel tov to Yakira Amster and her entire family on her Bat Mitzvah this past Shabbat! Heartfelt thanks to the friends and family of Jeremy and Rebecca Amster, who collected funds to create Kiki’s Korner in the new Lev Avigayil Libenu Center. Kiki’s Korner will be part of an accessible play area, featuring Yakira’s favorite activities that all of the children at Lev Respite will be able to enjoy for many years to come.
For more information about how you can enhance your simcha and support the Lev Avigayil Libenu Center contact Libenu’s Director of Development, David Ben-Arie: 847-213-0514 or David@Libenu.org.
Leading Edge Shared Leadership Alumni Forum
Dr. Shana Erenberg, Libenu’s CEO, attended the Leading Edge Shared Leadership Alumni Forum held in Atlanta, Georgia, from September 10-11. The conference focused on fostering collaboration, enhancing shared leadership between staff and board members, and navigating the complexities of nonprofit management in today’s world. It also provided valuable opportunities for networking with Jewish thought leaders and nonprofit executives from across the United States. The keynote speaker was Joshua Foer, founder of Sefaria, Lehrhaus, and Leviathan, a film and television production company that amplifies Jewish stories. A visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights underscored the need for community service, engagement, and inclusion that is central to Libenu’s mission and vision.
