Celebrating our Diversity

Israel Elwyn is with ETTA.org and David Marcu.

21 hours ago

Last week, we had the privilege of taking part in a meaningful and inspiring professional visit to ETTA in Los Angeles as part of the Louis Levine Fellows Program, in memory of Lou Levine z”l.

During the visit, our team members met with ETTA staff, toured supported employment and supported living programs, and engaged in professional discussions about community inclusion, service development, and supporting people with disabilities in leading independent and meaningful lives.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity for mutual learning, sharing challenges and successes, and strengthening the relationship that has been developing between our organizations over the past two years. Our delegation was especially inspired by the creativity, sense of belonging, and the warm and meaningful relationships between staff and service recipients.

Naama Sompolinsky, Director of Supported Employment, shared that she was deeply impressed by the individualized support and the ability to make everyday life meaningful and connected to the community.
Racheli Kaplan, Recreational and Community Director in Israel Elwyn’s Supported Living Program, described the experience as an inspiring opportunity to see how shared values and vision are advanced in a different environment, and to return with new ideas for our continued work.

We are especially excited to continue this partnership and to welcome the ETTA delegation to Israel this coming June, a visit that will further strengthen the professional and personal connections between our organizations and communities.

Special thanks to Dr. Michael Held, Chief Executive Officer of ETTA and Executive Director of Cornerstone Housing for Adults with Disabilities, Scott Saliman, Chief Executive Officer of ETTA, Leah Schachter, Director of Volunteer Services & Special Events, and Josh Taff, Director of Community Relations, for their warm hospitality, openness, shared learning, and genuine commitment to this meaningful partnership 💙 ... See MoreSee Less

Israel Elwyn is with Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies and 2 others.

6 days ago

Israel Elwyn board member and officer, Jim Felton, was named a recipient of the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies Lay Leadership Award at the annual "PowerNET" conference of the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies in Toronto.

Jim, a long-time leader of Israel Elwyn's board, was nominated for fhis prestigious award by both Israel Elwyn and the Los Angeles-based ETTA organization, which Jim and his wife, Robin, have long supported.

Photos show Scott Saliman, ETTA.org CEO and David B. Marcu, IE President receiving the award on Jim's behalf from Reuben Rotman, NJHSA President and CEO. Also shown are Dr. Michael Held, ETTA and Cornerstone's Chief Executive Officer, Scott and David presenting the award to Jim at a dinner in LA. ... See MoreSee Less

Israel Elwyn

2 weeks ago

Small bonfires, lots of light 🔥💙

In our supported living program, we marked Lag BaOmer together with our service recipients, residents, national service volunteers, staff, and partners, in an evening filled with warmth, joy, and connection.

Our service recipients enjoyed fresh pita from the taboon (brick oven), a variety of spreads and toppings, and a drumming circle with Shimon from “Tof Tov,” who brought great rhythm and energy to the evening.

At the same time, at the “Beit Hanan” apartment, a shared bonfire gathering took place with our wonderful volunteers from the Jerusalem gap-year leadership program, including collecting wood, roasting marshmallows, casual conversations, and laughter around the fire.

Thank you to the participants of the Jerusalem program for their ongoing presence and partnership, to Dana Benavidor from the Beit Hanan team for her dedicated support, to Shimon from “Tof Tov,” and to all the staff, residents, and service recipients who took part in these special evenings.

Sometimes, the brightest light is found in the smallest moments, around a bonfire, within a circle, between people. ... See MoreSee Less