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m»*d. iP«Mr. ,y* .y . ' '• THE CENTER'S From Mike Lainoff Assistant Executive Director A Real Mitzva The Atlanta Jewish Community Center has many wonderful programs. Some programs are good, others are better, some services are vital, and some services are not only absolutely necessary to the families whom they serve, but are unduplicated in the entire metro Atlanta area. The Respite Care program for developmental^ dis abled children and youth is one of these services. Three years ago, prior to the starting of the Respite Care pro gram. 1 had a meeting with a woman who was widowed, and who had a severely developmentally disabled child. So severe was this child’s handicap that babysitters were unavailable and there was no family support to help with child care to give this mother any free time. She could not go shopping without bringing her dis abled child; she could not visit friends; she could not go to a movie; she was feeling helpless, trapped and alone. In discussing this problem with Robyn Berger, AJCC board member, I was informed that there were many parents, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who had a similar problem. Robyn convened a committee to study the problem, and a plan for offering a Respite Care program for devel opmentally disabled children at the Center’s rented facil ity on Long Island Drive was formed. Charges were established on a sliding fee basis, recognizing that most of the parents who needed the service had heavy medical expenses because of their disabled child; therefore very few people would be able to pay the full fee and would need scholarship assistance. Although only $4,000 was needed to support this pro gram for a full year, it was $4,000 the Center didn’t have. An appeal was made to the Governor’s Emergency Fund and $4,000 was granted the Center to start the program. In its second year of operation, the Center was funded by grants from the Metropolitan Atlanta Foundation, the First National Bank of Atlanta and private donations. Respite Care is offered twice a month beginning at 6 p m. on Friday and running through 6 p.m. on Sunday. A staff ol two full-time trained professionals serves a com plete complement of only four children because of the very special nature and severity of the handicaps of these children. I wish 1 could share with the readers of this column the agony in the voices of parents who call in desperation looking for respite and a place for their children. I wish 1 could share the many tearful telephone calls of thanks and blessings heaped on the Atlanta Jewish Community Center for providing this much-needed service. Those of us who are Atiantans should feel proud that our Jewish community offers this service; those who are members of the Atlanta Jewish Community Center, should feel especially proud that you are helping to sup port this program—a genuine and true mitzva! Insights into Israel’s Economy On March 18 at 8 p.m. the “Visit Israel Informed” Series will present Dr. Arthur Roll, the vice consul of Israel in Atlanta. Fie will share with the group a presenta tion on the economic history of Israel, its place in the world market and its potential for the future. Our moder- News from the Atlanta Jewish Community Center, Inc, ator will be Toby Steinberg, chairman of the Visit Israel Informed Series. The series is sponsored by the Israel Program Center Committee, Asher Benator. chairman. Have We Got a Singles EXPO for You Where can Jewish singles go to meet people with sim ilar interests? Try the second Atlanta Jewish Singles EXPO, spon sored by the Atlanta Jewish Community Center, March 28-March 30, at the Westin Peachtree Plaza. This unique weekend is designed to attract singles of all ages, all interests and backgrounds and from many areas outside ol Atlanta, including Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, and even as far north as Ohio. At EXPO, singles can rap with, learn from and meet other singles who may pique, chal lenge and agree or disagree with them. A huge exhibit hall will feature continuous displays and presentations especially designed for singles.offering everything from advice on investments to instruction on massage. In addition, 24 presentations—workshops, playshops and seminars (18 on Saturday and six on Sun day) led by professionals, offer a chance to learn. There will be Shabbat Services on Friday night and Saturday morning with other social functions through out the weekend, complete with kosher food. Why EXPO? Because EXPO will provide an oppor tunity for at least 2,000 Jewish singles to broaden their experiences by meeting others, to develop more Jewish awareness and to share ideas and skills with others. Come!!! Stay for an hour, the day, the night or the entire weekend!!! If finances are a problem, or for further information, call Patsy Goldberg, 875-7881. NOTE: The keynote speaker will be Mr. William Novak, nationally acclaimed writer who co-authored the best selling book, “Iacocca” and wrote the book, “The Great American Man Shortage.” Novak's topic will be, “I’m OK, You’d Better Be Perfect.” BULLETIN BOARD 273 Buckhead Ave Atlanta Changing Trends Don’t get caught with Spring and Summer garments in your closet that you won’t wear again! ^oney $$$ Bri n r^ ^ r. 4 > o. P.S.—WE PICK UP. TOO ‘ 261-2135 HRS. 10-5 M-Sat 10-7 Wed. We deliver more than just acar. © • •• • CERTIFIED MECHANICS • HUGE PARTS INVENTORY • PAINT AND BODY SHOP • LEASING DEPARTMENT (ALL MAKES & MODELS) • RENTAL CARS AVAILABLE • COURTEOUS PERSONNEL • ALL DEPARTMENTS OPEN SATURDAY SPREEN 4900 BUFORD HIGHWAY CHAMBLEE, GA 30341 458-8601 Since 1925, The Southern Israelite has brought the Jewish community in the South together. Its informative and concise coverage of international, national, and local news of importance to the Jewish community has garnered praise from readers and news professionals alike. The Southern Israelite examines the deeds, actions, and decisions that shape the course of the world and our individual lives. We help you stay in touch with the Jewish community. Join us this year. Start a tradition. Subscribe to The Southern Israelite Subscribe today! Send this coupon to: The Southern Israelite, P.O. Box 77388, Atlanta, Ga, 30357 Name _ Address City Zip If this is a gift subscription, please fill in your personal address below. Name — Address City State Zip This is: a gift (indicate occasion) both. -a subscription for myself 1 year, $23.00 2 years, $41.00 I have enclosed my check for $ PAGE 15 THE SOUTHERN ISRAELITE March 14, 1986