Sandler Family Kehilla Center

SANDLER FAMILY KEHILLA CENTER

For nearly three decades, the Sandler Family Kehilla Center has reimagined independence by empowering neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults ages 5-21 years, to reach their highest potential. Our programs are designed to provide socialization, recreation, and life-skill building while promoting independence and self-esteem throughout the year.

Advanced registration is required. All programs require an assessment to ensure proper placement. All programs are divided into groups based on age to ensure quality programming. All programs are subject to run based on minimum enrollment.

Sandler Family Kehilla Center programs are funded in part by Sheldon A. Sinett BASICS Fund and OPWDD.

All programs within the Center for People with Neurodiversity require an assessment to ensure proper placement. To schedule an assessment, contact Mallory Schiff, MSW, 516.484.1545 ext. 135, mschiff@sjjcc.org.

SIBSHOPS
Kid-friendly workshops where brothers and sisters of people with differing abilities can meet other siblings. These sessions offer opportunities to discuss common joys, challenges, and unique concerns.

Select Saturdays (Ages 8-12 and 13-17)
$130 members/$150 nonmembers
Register

KEHILLA YOUTH AND TEEN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Kehilla Youth After-School for ages 5-12, and Kehilla Teen After-School for ages 13-21, provides a safe, fun, and encouraging opportunity to socialize with peers while engaging in age-appropriate enrichments such as art, science, exercise, karaoke, group games, and homework help!

Programs are held Monday-Friday 2:30pm-5:30pm at our East Hills campus. Extended hours may be available during school vacation weeks. Complimentary busing is available from the Herricks and Roslyn School District. Funding available through OPWDD

KEHILLA WEEKEND PROGRAMS
We provide the opportunity to connect with camp friends throughout the year. Our weekend programming simulates the fun had at camp in every session! Funding is available through OPWDD.

Select Saturdays
11am-4pm

KEHILLA VACATION PROGRAMS
Our vacation programs offer full days of fun, connection, and enrichment during select school holiday breaks. Participants enjoy a variety of activities that reflect the spirit of Kehilla, all led by our dedicated staff. It’s a great way to stay connected to the Kehilla community when camp is out of session. Funding is available through OPWDD.

Sandler Family Kehilla Center offers a range of enrichment activities as part of its after-school, weekend, and vacation programs, including the following:

Art: Come express yourself on paper, canvas, and any other materials we can find. You don’t have to be Picasso to have fun and create something incredible; you just need to bring your imagination.
Sensory: Using tactile sensory toys such as bubble poppers, Play Doh, and more, participants have an opportunity to let it all out by getting their hands right into the action. Feel free to get a little messy.
Exercise: Get in shape and have a blast doing so. Using various techniques, participants can keep their blood pumping and encourage their peers to be as strong as possible.
Karaoke: Sing your heart out to your favorite songs, and feel like a rock star daily.
Social Skill Building: Facilitated by a social worker, participants work on a range of important skills that empower them to make friends, communicate with each other, and learn more about their peers.
Music: Do you sing? Play? Or just like to listen? If the answer is yes, then this activity is right for you. Enjoy the soothing sounds you know and love, and maybe even help write some creative originals of your own.
Group Games: What’s your game of choice? Is it Scrabble? Bingo? Battleship? In our group, the answer is simply “yes.” Any game, any time, we’re here to challenge each other and ourselves
And so much more!
Movement with Zing!: Empowers children around the world to feel their very best through movement, mindset, and play.
Music Therapy with Once Upon a Song:Offers participants a chance to express themselves through music games, singing, basic instrumentation, and more — all in a fun, improvisational musical experience!

KEHILLA TEEN INCLUSION NIGHT
Ages: 12-15 years and 16-21 years
Join us for a night of youth empowerment in collaboration with the Debra & James Buslik/ Tracy & David Levy Teen Service Center. Engage in a night of games, dinner, and making new friends.

Wednesdays, 5:30pm-7pm

CAMP KEHILLA
For more than three decades, Camp Kehilla at the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Wheatley Heights has been known as the best summer camp experience for campers with varying abilities. Camp Kehilla is designed to provide a typical camp experience that is flexible, accessible, and personalized by age, abilities, and interests for all campers. Every camp day is filled with exciting and adaptive activities such as swimming, sports, science, art, music, sensory, drama, and so much more. Kehilla campers will also participate in multiple special events such as a carnival, color run, an interactive circus, alongside weekly field trips! Summer culminates with the exciting week-long Kehilla Olympics. Our compassionate, creative, and knowledgeable staff encourages and supports our campers in making lasting friendships and reaching their maximum level of independence.
Reimbursement available through Self-Direction