This section has been put together to acquaint new parents with various community resources.

These have been put together by older parents based on their experiences. If you have additional material
you feel may be helpful to other new parents please click here to send to us for addition to this page.





Parents of pre-school and school aged Jewish children meet to share information and support. Parents with older children
can advise others and talk from their experience, and all share some positive and challenging moments and their solutions that
worked and those that did not. So info sharing and a supportive and caring Jewish enviroment
Plan to meet once a term. The last meeting was focussed on transition and getting to meet and greet
Click here to mail Felicia and Michelle about Integration the Young Access Group


The Posh Opp Shoppe is situated at 1226 Glenhuntly Road, (corner of Grange Road). The shop is operated by
the Melbourne Jewish Orphan and Children's Aid Society.
It raises funds to support the integration of children in our Jewish day schools. The shop offers opportunities for both parents
and secondary students to assist as volunteers in a number of capacities. If you wish to help or make donations contact Rosalie
Silverstein on 9572 2248 or 0438 368260


Jewish Care is the leading Jewish community support agency and operates a range of recreational activities as well as a respite
house for children and teenagers with a disability. Jewish Care can also assist with locating a volunteer to assist your family. For further
information or to become a volunteer yourself, please call the intake team on 8517 5999 or click For More Info


Bnei Akiva is a world wide religious Zionist youth movement which meets on a Shabbat afternoon. It is flourishing in Melbourne with an
average 250 to 300 chanichim (participants) every week. Shevet Yuval is the new group for all abilities. It allows chanichim to experience
the same atmosphere of Jewish connection, learning and Zionism. Led by passionate madrichim the chanichim enjoy a variety of fun
activities designed to enrich their lives in this uniquely Jewish atmosphere. In addition to weekly meetings there are occasional functions
and special events. These are inclusive events and allow for all abilities to come together and enjoy a Shabbaton or a program for a festival.
If you would like any more information please contact Ayelet Ben-Danan on 0412227750 or Click here to mail Bnei


BreakAways is an email chat group for Jewish families who have a member of the family with Special Needs (younger than 65),for Jewish
people with Special Needs and others who are interested.
To join the group, Click here For More Info or Click here to mail Elisheva Picker or phone 9505 3050


The Friendship Circle extends a helping hand to families who have children with special needs and involves them in a full range of social and
ethnic experiences. The Circle's unique formula introduces teenage volunteers to the children and their families, and through the shared
experiences, all are enriched. The teenage volunteer learns the value of giving, and cherishes the experience of making a difference in a child's
life. The child's family gets a needed respite and the pleasure of seeing their child become a part of the community circle. The Friendship Circle
is made up of five parts: volunteers,children, parents, staff, and supporters. The true beauty of the Circle is how we all link together to form a
seamless circle of friendship. To find out more contact Mordy Engel – 9527 1666


Maccabi Victoria is now running an all abilities basketball group. At present there is a practice one night a week at Wesley Elsternwick
or at Bialik College. In the group players are 15 and over but a younger group would be established if there were the numbers.
Likewise they are looking into an all abilities group in some of the other team sports including soccer, lawn bowls and table tennis.
To find out more please contact Deena Goldbloom on 0411 596 750 or Click here to mail for details


Integration Co-ordinator: Sharon Goodhardt Tel: 0418 378 187 Email: Click here to mail Sharon about Integration Program
P O Box 1098, Caulfield North, VIC 3161



Supporting Siblings:When a Brother or a Sister has a Disibility or a Chronic Illness

There's No Such Thing as a Silly Question. A Practical Guide for Families Living with Chronic Illness, Disibility,
Mental Illness or a Life Threatening Condition

Through The Maze: A Guide to Benefits and Services for Families of Children with a Disability

Parent To Parent. Raising Your Child With Special Needs



Many other useful links are available on our site at: Community Disability Resources