of Children with spe KESHET AN- OPEN LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF KESHET May the New Year bring health, happiness, prosperity and the fulfillment of your dreams. As we begin the New Year it is time for reflection on the past, renewal of the present and commitment to the future. We are excited about the future of KESHET and you should be too. Making a difference in people's lives, at a time when they feel most hopeless and alone... this is the purpose of KESHET, Jewish Families of Children with Special Needs. KESHET is a nonprofit organization that serves families who have sons and daughters, of any age, with disabilities of any kind, ranging from mild learning disabilities to severe mental and physical disabilities. Disabilities do not discriminate between religion, race, sex or financial status. It directly affects 12-14% of the population and touches the lives of many more. KESHET is based on the belief that every Jewish person should be able to participate in the mainstream of Jewish life, regardless of disability. KESHET is the Hebrew word for RAINBOW... and it is our mission to provide families a much needed RAINBOW OF HOPE through support, educa- tion, networking and advocacy services. KESHET has been in existence for 4 years yet most of the Jewish Community has never heard of us. This is a prob- lem. When people discover the existence of KESHET, the response is always the same; "We didn't know that such a valuable organization existed." Our goal is to provide a support system and a sense of community for families. We accomplish this in many ways. KESHET provides Support and Networking, which provides a sense of community; Education and information a key to parent empowerment; and Advocacy. KESHET also provides sever- al of its own programming, including: • support groups • family holiday programs • social gatherings • informational speakers • a comprehensive newsletter Why are we so excited? In addition to continuing our ongoing activities, we are in the planning stages of a number of new initiatives such as; respite care and programs, sibling support, support for the extended family (grandparents) and developing relationships with other disability related organizations. Currently we are funded by a very important grant from the Max M. Fisher Community Foundation as well as minimal private donations. However, our grant expires at the end of the year and we must find other sources for funding. Like any non-profit organization we survive on community, charitable and corporate support. That is why we have written this letter — community awareness and support. We are committed to achieving the goals of KESHET and encourage your support in this endeavor. Hundreds of families rely upon us. Your contribution of any amount will help fulfill our mission to bring a RAINBOW of Hope to every Jewish family of children or adults with special needs. Next time you want to send a special message to your family members, friends and business associates, such as; "Mazel Toy," or "Thank You," or "I am So Sorry", send it with a KESHET Tribute. For each contribution, a beautiful KESHET tribute card will be sent, and all tributes are acknowledged in the KESHET Newsletter. Both you and the recipient of the Tribute cared will enjoy knowing that your contribution is helping KESHET continue to serve many Jewish families who have children with special needs. Thank you from the bottom of our r. Please send your tax deductible contribution to: KESHET, 30161 Southfield Road, Suite 302, Southfield, MI 48076. If you would like more information please phone (810) 258-9575. Thank you for your consideration, Chaya Leah Tinman Executive Director, Ronna Katzman, President, Judy Bluestein, Vice President, Howard Elman, Treasure, Judy Miller, Secretary, Ronelle Grier, Carol Kaczander, Leanie Gunsberg, Jerry Guttman, Don L. Rosenberg, Stephen Feldman, Gail Katz, Alicia Nelson, Sarah Bricker, Mindy Siegel, and lzzy Youngworth. Members of the Board of Directors IF I AM NOT FOR MYSELF, WHO WILL BE FOR ME? AND IF I AM ONLY FOR MYSELF, WHAT AM I? AND IF NOT NOW, WHEN? Your Contribution can make a difference! ❑ In memory of: ❑ In Honor of: ❑ Birthday ❑ Marriage ❑ Anniversary ❑ New Baby ❑ Graduation ❑ The Holidays ❑ Bar/Bat Mitzvah ❑ Thank You ❑ Speedy Recovery ❑ Other: KESHET thanks you for your generous contribution! How would you like the card signed? Please send Tribute card to or I have enclosed my contribution: ❑ Tribute or Contribution ❑ Tribute: $5 Name ❑ Chai: $18 Address ❑ 2 x Chai: $36 City/State Zip ❑ 4 x Chai: $72 ❑ 6 x Chai: $108 Donor's Name ❑ $500 Address ❑ $1,000 City/State Zip ❑ Other Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by current tax law. Please send you tax deductible Contribution to: KESHET, 30161 Southfield Road, Suite 302, Southfield, MI 48076. If you would like more information please phone (810) 258-9575.