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