Shutaf’s Bogrim/Young Adult program is offering Ofir Karl new hope for a successful future. Ofir, who is 18, has significant learning disabilities. He recently transferred from an inclusion setting to a special education school where he’s finally made good friends.
Still, after-school activities remain hard to come by for the good-looking, blue-eyed boy. His mom Sigalit, reports that Shutaf’s program and training opportunities have helped Ofir blossom in new ways. Now an experienced staffer with Shutaf, Ofir works as a paid junior counselor at camp.
Ofir’s work is prized by the professional staff at Shutaf - they respect his work ethic and effectiveness with the campers. “Ofir is talented and focused,” reports Shutaf educational supervisor, Melina Natinson. “The children love him.” Ofir even made a personal donation to Shutaf and can’t wait to take part in Shutaf’s planned youth movement program to debut in the spring of ’09.
Shutaf has also been helpful to Ofir’s six-year-old brother, Shai, who attends a special education school far from home and has no friends in the neighborhood. He loves Shutaf and Sigalit is relieved to see both of her sons happy. “Shutaf is a lifesaver for our family. Ofir and Shai have fun at camp and get along better at home. Ofir uses the skills he’s learned as a counselor to resolve conflicts with his brother.”
Creating new social and employment opportunities for young adults with special needs is an important part of Shutaf’s mission. For Ofir, the real success is being valued as an integral part of the staff, receiving a paycheck and learning new skills – life is good.
