Sandler Family Kehilla Center

SANDLER FAMILY KEHILLA CENTER

Ages: 5-21 years
We offer a variety of recreational programs that are designed to promote socialization and build independence at Sid Jacobson JCC, Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds, and throughout the community. Advanced registration is required. In-person assessment is required for new participants or any participant who has not attended a Sandler Family Kehilla Center program in the past year. 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 persons entering SJJCC who are over the eligible age of 12 are required to be fully vaccinated. 

All programs within the Center For People with Special Needs require an assessment to ensure proper placement. To schedule an assessment, contact Amanda Burns, LCSW, 516.484.1545 ext. 175, aburns@sjjcc.org.

KEHILLA AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Our after-school program is facilitated by experienced staff who help each participant reach their fullest potential both developmentally and interpersonally. Kehilla Youth After-School for ages 5-12, and Kehilla Teen After-School for ages 13-21, provide for opportunities for members to engage with their peers in age appropriate group activities and conversations.

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 YOUTH AFTER-SCHOOL
Ages: 5-12 years
Some of our weekly program’s offerings include:
• 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.
• Legos: Studies show that playing with Legos can stimulate multiple parts of the brain connected to fine motor skills, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Come expand your mind, and have a great time building whatever your imagination can conjure up.
• 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.
• And so much more!

KEHILLA TEEN AFTER-SCHOOL
Ages: 13-21 years
Some of our weekly program’s offerings include:
• Exercise: Join us as we get in shape, and have a blast doing so. Using a variety of techniques, participants can keep their blood pumping, and encourage their peers to be a strong as they can be.
• Karaoke: A Kehilla Teen After-School favorite! Come sing your heart out to your favorite songs, and feel like a rock star every day.
• Social Skill Building: Facilitated by a social worker, participants work on a range of important skills that can empower them to make friends, communicate with each other, and learn more about their peers.
• And so much more!

KEHILLA WEEKEND PROGRAMS
Extend the fun had during the week with our weekend programming facilitated by our seasoned staff. Kehilla Youth Weekends for ages 5-12, and Kehilla Teen Weekends for ages 13-21, are offered on select Saturdays 10:30am-2:30pm and Sundays, 11am-3pm. Funding available through OPWDD.

KEHILLA YOUTH WEEKENDS
Ages: 5-12 years
Some of our weekly program’s offerings include:
• 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 of songs you know and love, and maybe even help write some creative originals or your own.
• Cooking: What is that in the air? It’s the smell of fun and creativity as we whip up something delicious together. Come join us to learn some basic culinary skills like mixing, measuring, and so very much more.
• 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.
• And so much more!

KEHILLA TEEN WEEKENDS
Ages: 13-21 years
Some of our weekly program’s offerings include:
• 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.
• Cooking : What is that in the air? It’s the smell of fun and creativity as we whip up something delicious together. Come join us to learn some basic culinary skills like mixing, measuring, and so very much more.
• 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. Excitement awaits.
• And so much more!

KEHILLA ADVENTURES
Love going on trips during camp? Now you can have that fun throughout the year with our adventure program as we go on day trips on select weekends. Kehilla Youth Adventures for ages 5-12, and Kehilla Teen Adventures for ages 13-21, not only gives participants a chance to have fun at various destinations, but also provides opportunities to learn important life skills in real community settings. Lunch is not provided, please either bring a lunch or money to purchase at the destination. Drop off and pick up is at the JCC.

Ages: 13-21 years
Long Island Ducks
Saturday, May 14
10am-3pm
$45
Register

CAMP KEHILLA
Camp Kehilla, at Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Wheatley Heights, is designed to make the typical camp experience accessible to those with various special needs. Our approach allows for a customized summer for children with developmental disabilities, Autism spectrum disorder, and/or other neurodevelopmental conditions. By combining typical camp activities such as swimming, arts & crafts, and sports with evidence-based social facilitation techniques, campers have an opportunity to forge friendships and develop social skills in an environment that closely resembles that of a neurotypical setting. The flexible structure of camp promotes the ability for each camper’s individual strengths to flourish, which helps craft a personalized experience for everyone who attends.
Reimbursement available through Self-Direction

SHOOTING STARS
Learn to dribble, shoot, and score while working with a teen volunteer.

YOUTH
Ages: 5-12 years
8 Saturday sessions
December 4, December 18, January 8, February 12, March 12, April 2, May 7, and June 4
9:30-10:30am
$120