OUR STORY
My Aunt Debbie has Down Syndrome and lives in a group home, under the great care of Jewish Foundation for Group Homes (JFGH). My mom and I visited Debbie on a rainy day during the pandemic. Debbie sat in the entryway of the house, and asked me when the virus would be gone. She wanted to leave the house and go do things. The isolation caused by the pandemic is another side effect not widely discussed, particularly for those who are more vulnerable and who rely on others to be active. I was inspired to do something for Debbie and her other housemates. Debbie loves to dance. We would plan a dance party.
Our first event with Debbie and her housemates was a “rock n roll” dance party. Debbie asked me if I was bringing snacks, since it was a party after all. (She followed up with multiple phone calls reminding me to drop off chips before the big event).
Here we are, at the first Virtual Hand event! Six JFGH group homes participated! Debbie absolutely loved it, and even requested a Michael Jackson song!
The pandemic hit the disabled community extra hard. However, Debbie has been able to exercise, have fun and interact with others through a variety of virtual classes and activities.
My goal is to offer these kinds of programs to Debbie’s home and other group homes in our area, in collaboration with JFGH.
THE LITTLE THINGS MATTER THE MOST!
This is my favorite photo of Debbie, holding up her most cherished holiday gift - a king sized chocolate bar. What I realized is that Debbie values the small joys in life. Small acts of shared interaction and connection are a way to bring joy to Debbie and to enhance the lives of other disabled adults.