APRIL 25 • 2024 | 13

Ariella Katz and Avital Ohana each have 
had memorable experiences with the 
people JARC serves, which included 
a Bingo night and a scavenger hunt 
around Hillel. They love the time they 
spend with their friends from JARC and 
shared that they have learned patience 
and understanding from their time 
together. 
Maine said, “My favorite part of 
working with JARC has been meeting 
new people and having conversations 
with them because I really enjoy 
socializing, and learning about people 
and what they enjoy.” 
Katz’s great uncle, Teddy, lived in a 
JARC home, and she loved visiting him 

and treasures the relationships she has 
built through the Hillel program. “My 
favorite part of the JARC-Hillel program 
is getting to meet new people who are so 
kind, caring, funny and also really happy 
people,” Katz said. 
Ohana, who has a cousin with a 
developmental disability, also sees the 
value in the program, sharing, “I think 
it’s very important to spend time with 
people with developmental disabilities 
and understand that they are just 
humans. It’s an experience that everyone 
should have.” 
All three students are interested in 
continuing to volunteer with JARC once 
the school year ends.

A BLESSING FOR ALL
Sarah Rosenstock says that the 
partnership has truly been a blessing 
for her daughter, Lily, who she has seen 
grown as a person as a result of the 
program. Rosenstock shares that in the 
times she has been able to observe her at 
JARC events, Lily, who is normally shy 
and reserved, is outgoing and laughing. 
Rosenstock says, “I attribute this 
behavior to her connection with Brooke, 
the person served by JARC whom Lily is 
paired with for the year.” 
Rosenstock explained that Lily and 
Brooke have built a deep connection over 
their shared interests, and Lily is always 
excited for the next time she is able to see 

TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT: A person 
served by JARC and a Hillel 
student enjoy bowling together. 
Hillel seventh-graders join ladies 
of the Samuels Home to do a craft 
together, 2000. Julie and Hillel 
student Lizzy Belsky paint pottery 
together. Hillel students visit a 
JARC home in 1991. 
BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: 
Several Hillel students and Regina 
Jutkiewicz and Mary Roy share a 
lane for bowling at a JARC event. 
Steve paints a piggybank with a 
Hillel student. Brooke and Hillel 
student Lily frost and decorate 
cookies together at a recent event.

continued on page 14

LESLIE BARON

