BEINEINU NEWS & NOTES
February 22, 2018
INTERNATIONAL
Join Beineinu’s Formula Registry---Beineinu has created an international formula registry to assist families whose children use a special formula. These special order formulas are not typically stocked by local pharmacies or gmachs. A delayed delivery can be life-threatening to a child in need. We will list families who can donate a spare can if an emergency arises. If your child uses a non-standard formula such as Peptamin Jr, Elecare, Enfaport, Pediasure, Neocate, or any other special order formula, please contact
USA
NY ABLE Launched---NY ABLE allows qualified individuals with disabilities who are residents of NYS to save up to $14,000 a year in an ABLE account without jeopardizing their eligibility for federally-funded means tested benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. The funds in the account can be used for disability-related expenses that assist the beneficiary in increasing and/or maintaining his or her health, independence or quality of life. The maximum account limit for a NY ABLE account is $100,000. There is a $45 annual fee payable at $11.25 quarterly. If paper statements are selected, the fee increases to $13.75 per quarter ($55 annually). The NY ABLE program has a monthly maintenance fee of $2, which can be waived if the average daily balance is over $250 or by electing electronic statements at Fifth Third Bank. The annual investment fee is 0.40%. In addition to NY ABLE, there are 26 other states that have launched ABLE programs: Alabama, Alaska, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia. Most of these ABLE programs are open to eligible individuals nationwide. Please see www.ablenrc.org for details about these programs.
Caregiver Information And Support---Bergen County NJ is offering free, in-home education and support for caregivers. They will identify the needs and goals of the caregiver. It may include sessions with a physical, speech or occupational therapist, as well as a dietician or social worker. Eligible caregivers must be unpaid, at least 18 years old and actively engaged in the recipient’s care. Their care recipient must be a Bergen resident at least 60 years old who is diagnosed with a chronic disease or disability that requires a primary caregiver to perform activities of daily living. For information call Daniel Kotkin, 201 336-6504.
Post High School Transition Advocacy---Disability Rights New Jersey in Trenton provides transition advocacy for people with disabilities and their families. Their attorneys and staff can help when school districts do not properly provide mandated services to pupils that prepare them for life after high school. Transition services include planning for postsecondary education, employment and/or independent living. For information call 609-292-9742.
Special Needs Zumba---Fit With Friends is a Jewish zumba program geared to female special needs teens and adults. The program is perfect for Com Hab and group home activities. It takes place every Tuesday evening from 7:00-8:00 pm at 1609 Cortelyou Road in Brooklyn. For more information and reservations contact Henny at 917-789-2805.
Female Group Home Opening Available---Ohel Bais Ezra’s Residence in Kensington currently has an opening for two women. The residence is a two story home consisting of six double occupancy bedrooms. The women are in their late 30’s and above, are youthful and vibrant, and love being active in the community. The home also enjoys an array of onsite activities including art, drawing, cooking and dance. The women of the home benefit from a mixture of longstanding staff which contribute to a familial and warm home environment, and youthful staff who bring energy and excitement to daily activities. The women are given opportunities to pursue their interests, develop friendships and feel a sense of acceptance and belonging. They women participate in the local community, attending local shuls on Shabbos and maintain friendships with local community families. For more information, please contact 1-800-603-OHEL or email
Male Group Home Opening Available---Ohel Bais Ezra Avenue M residence located in the heart of Flatbush currently has an opening for one man. The residence is a 10 bed two story home consisting of 8 bedrooms, two of which are double occupancy. The men who live in the home range from 49 years old to 70 years old. Most of the men in the home are active in the community. The home also enjoys an array of on-site activities including art, drawing, cooking classes, game play, basketball, and computer usage. The men benefit from a mixture of both longstanding staff which contribute to a familial and warm home environment, and youthful staff who bring energy and excitement to daily activities. The men are given opportunities to pursue their interests, develop friendships and feel a sense of acceptance and belonging. They participate in the local community, attending local shuls and maintaining friendships with local families. Often the men are invited to neighbors’ homes for meals on the Sabbath and for Jewish holidays. The men are known for their annual barbecue celebration, where they invite their friends from the community as well as relatives and neighbors. The current vacancy is located on the second floor in a double occupancy room. The appropriate candidate needs to be ambulatory and willing to share a room with one of the other men. For more information, please contact 1-800-603-OHEL or email
ISRAEL
Employment Opportunities---ALUT’s vocational program for young adults with autism is looking for young people with autism, graduates of the educational system, who are interested in working as receptionist. These positions are appropriate for verbal people with no behavioral issues, who can come independently to the workplace, and are recognized in the Service for the Treatment of People with Autism. For more information contact Dana Sarur at Alut Jerusalem: