It’s not easy being different – for children, for teens and for their families. Shutaf programs provide a place of acceptance in a world where children and teens with special needs often feel marginalized from the rest of society. For typically-developing children and teens, Shutaf’s inclusive programs help develop in them a sense of community and empathy for all as well as a sense of self-esteem and empowerment. These are beliefs and ideals that all people need in order to become active and compassionate citizens of an inclusive world.
How can a camp and after-school program create social change? Support and mentorship for all Shutaf participants is a cornerstone for helping each child make the most of their experience and see themselves as active, contributing members of a society based on fundamental Jewish values of equality and ethical living. Armed with the knowledge that the world is filled with people of all sorts, of all kinds of difference, of all kinds of abilities, Shutaf participants can help educate others about the need for a more inclusive world and more importantly how to make their own small steps to include in their lives.
Inclusion starts in the community – in the park, on your block, in your synagogue, in your neighborhood schools. Shutaf children and teens, educated and included together, can be special young leaders – imbued with a unique sense of empathy for difference, they can be the makers of change tomorrow.
