Fostering Independence and Community
My journey at the Bender JCC began in 2018, when I started as a Kochavim
counselor. I did not know it then, but that summer set the foundation for the
work I do today. Spending each day with the campers and seeing their growth,
energy, and individuality showed me how meaningful the right support and structure
can be.
As I moved into new roles, I was fortunate to be guided by my mentor, Eva Cowen. Her constant reminder, “Not if we can do it, but how we can do it,” shaped the way I approach every challenge. Her perspective grounded me in problem-solving, patience, and the importance of designing programs that truly meet the needs of our participants.
One of the programs I am most proud to highlight is Real World Ready. It provides life skills, vocational training, leisure skills, and social skills instruction to teenagers and young adults with disabilities, ages 13 to 21. Lessons take place in a small group setting, which allows participants to receive individualized support as they build practical tools, confidence, and independence. Real World Ready prepares them for the everyday responsibilities and challenges they will encounter as they move into adulthood.
This commitment to fostering independence and community continues in Avodah, which is designed for our older Kochavim campers, ages 17 and up. Avodah helps participants navigate the transition from school to whatever comes next, whether that is entering the workforce,
learning to live independently, or stepping into leadership roles. The program provides
hands-on experiences that strengthen real-world skills, teamwork, and personal responsibility. Watching participants apply what they have learned and support each other is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
This year, we were proud to honor Izzy Triandafilou, one of the recipients of the JCC’s
Hyman M. and Phillip D. Perlo High School Athlete Award, at our annual Dinner of Champions.
Recognitions like Izzy’s highlight the talent and dedication of our young people and reflect the values we strive to nurture across all our programs.
Our Shavim program reinforces these same values of teamwork, sportsmanship,
perseverance, and leadership by encouraging participants to explore their
abilities and step outside their comfort zones. Through Shavim, participants build
athletic skills along with personal qualities that will serve them far beyond the playing field.
It is these values—and the powerful sense of community within Shavim—that inspired Izzy, a coach and the founder of a new inclusive soccer league, to create meaningful opportunities for others. As Izzy shared:
“I created a soccer league for kids with disabilities because of the impact my experience with Shavim had on me during my time in Israel. Every Friday morning, the camaraderie, joy, and inclusivity of Shavim practices filled me with happiness. The genuine greetings, whether verbal or through gestures, and the shared love for the game beat any differences.
However, when I returned home, I felt like something was missing; I wished for that sense of belonging and community. It became clear to me that everyone— regardless of ability—deserves the opportunity to play and enjoy soccer. That is why I founded this league with the belief in equality, inclusion, and the universal love for the beautiful game.”
Izzy’s journey demonstrates the ripple effect of Shavim’s mission—how the program’s spirit of inclusion and empowerment inspires leaders to create change well beyond our walls.
Across each of these programs, the philosophy remains the same: with the
right support, every individual can grow, lead, and succeed. I am grateful for the opportunity to witness that growth each day and to help shape programs that empower our participants to thrive.
