Zachary Fendrick accepts his award certificate for being an exceptional volunteer from Rabbi Laibel Schapiro and Elana Marcus.
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June 23, 2009
With myriad new technologies and social networking websites popping up daily, you might think that most kids today barely have a free minute to do anything else. But a group of teenagers in Monmouth County have been doing their best to flip that notion on its head; for the last year they have spent time creating powerful bonds with special-needs children through the “Hand in Hand” program.
Those teens were honored for their work and dedication to the program at a banquet held at An American Bistro in Long Branch on June 8. More than 150 community members attended to pay tribute to the young people.
“Hand in Hand” was founded in 2006 at the Chabad of the Shore in West End. Through the program, teens in Monmouth County serve as buddies and mentors to children with, among other conditions, autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.
Rabbi Laibel Schapiro, the synagogue’s religious leader, said that individuals who are recognized for contributions generally are older people who have had time to build a record of achievement. “These people may be young in age, but they have accomplished a lot as well,” Shapiro said. “These special young men and women have a great deal of self-worth and bring friendship and happiness to children who need it most.”
The rabbi kicked off the night’s festivities by thanking the teenage volunteers, letting them know the impact they have on the lives of the youngsters they develop relationships with.
“You volunteers are the highlight of these children’s day, week, and year,” said Shapiro. “What a mitzva you have all performed; you are all true heroes.”
Following the rabbi’s remarks, Harrison, eight, one of the youngsters who benefits from the program, read to those assembled his thoughts on spending time with his Hand in Hand buddies, Sam Waters, 16, and Zachary Fendrick, 15, both of Rumson-Fair Haven.
“They are fun to play with, and I like playing hide and seek with them because they are easy to find,” Harrison said. “When I am with them, I feel happy — and thank you for playing with me.”
Jerry and Aimee Ostrov of Long Branch display their appreciation award for their support of Hand in Hand.
Harrison’s parents told the crowd how much they appreciated what Zach and Sam do for their son, noting that he engages in activities with the two teens that he wouldn’t do with his own parents. Taking part in the Hand in Hand program, they said, enabled Harrison to experience friendship for the first time.
They expressed their gratification at seeing “Jewish teenagers with such big hearts” giving back to the community.
Other parents of special-needs children spoke to the audience, echoing the pride expressed by Shapiro for the work of the volunteers.
Another parent of one of the Hand-in-Hand told the gathering, “These volunteers are mensches, and I want my children to follow in the footsteps of those in this room.”
Sam said that through their Hand-in-Hand experience, he and the other volunteers simply enjoy spending time with the kids and helping them in any way they can.
“Harrison is just so happy when we hang out,” Sam said. “I think I look forward to it just as much as he does.”
Zach agreed with Sam, saying, “It may seem like a cliche, but I feel like we are definitely making a difference in his life.”
For more information about Hand in Hand, visit www.hhnj.org or call 732-229-2424.
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