Jewish Family Service’s Chaverim and Simcha groups offer social, recreation and religious programs for local Jewish adults with various physical, emotional and/or developmental disabilities. Each of these groups meets monthly and provides members with an opportunity to connect with other members of the Tidewater Jewish community, enrich their friendships and further develop their Jewish identity.
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, members enjoyed an early start to celebrating Purim with a private baking lesson and dinner at Café M in Norfolk near the Virginia Zoo. The owner, Missy Kennett, kindly opened her café and invited the group in for a private, fun-filled time of baking, eating, and socializing.
The evening began with making festive Hamantashen from scratch and learning how to measure, mix, fold, and fill these special Purim cookies. While the cookies baked in the café’s ovens, the group’s flour-covered members enjoyed a light meal of homemade pizza and drinks.
When sampling their delicious, warm, handcrafted cookies, the participants shared stories about Purim. Everyone went home with a bag of Hamantashen.
Maryann Kettyle, JFS case manager, says, “The generosity of Missy Kennett was amazing! The smiles and laughter throughout the evening were infectious and it was a pleasure to be welcomed into an environment that was so inclusive and embracing.”
Venues, agencies, and organizations that are welcoming and inviting to these social groups area always needed. The JFS Special Needs program relies on the support of community donations, discounted rates, free tickets, and gift cards for restaurants, movies, and bowling.
For more information, contact Maryann Kettyle, JFS special needs case manager, at 459-4640 or MKettyle@jfshamptonroads.org.
Jewish Family Service is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.