Kulanu Center for Special Services

Kulanu is delighted to announce that, with the wide support of our community, it has finalized its agreements with the Seller, St. Joachim Parish of Cedarhurst, and is now in possession of its own building located in the heart of Cedarhurst, NY, at 620 Central Avenue.

The Kulanu Center for Special Services will serve hundreds of local families with special needs, bringing together under one roof educational, therapeutic, vocational, recreational, and social services to benefit individuals with disabilities, strengthen families and build an inclusive environment.

Although many of its classes are graciously hosted by HAFTR Middle and High schools, allowing for inclusive learning where appropriate, much of its operation has been located at its administrative offices at 68 Washington Avenue, and at Temple Beth El in Cedarhurst. The effects of the recession hit right here in Cedarhurst, NY , when Kulanu learned its rented space was in foreclosure and they would have no choice but to find a new home for its classes and offices. Simultaneously, due to unprecedented enrollment numbers for 2009-2010, Kulanu was faced with a dire shortage of classroom space, rented for the past number of years at Temple Beth El in Cedarhurst.

It became imperative to secure a school building where Kulanu would have the peace of mind knowing they had a permanent home for its programs, services, and offices.

The Kulanu Center for Special Services Floor Plans

Classroom Programs Programs for children who are profoundly disabled and require a sheltered learning environment. Functional Academic Programs Programs for young adults 18-21 to provide basic literacy math, travel, social and life skills. Inclusive Recreational Programs Job Placement & Job Coaching Premier Training Center Training for professional advancement in special education and related services.	Administrative & Professional Offices Keren Eliana Parent Advocacy & Resource Center (PARC) Includes an expanded library, toy lending program, parenting workshops and support groups for families. Vocational Programs Programs in the culinary arts, retail oerations, technology, office and business procedures, childcare, maintenance and facilities management. Teaches marketable work skills to those 18 years and older.	Teen Lounge Sensory Gym Hydro Therapy Pool Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Speech & Language Therapy Art Therapy Social Skills Training Life Skills Training Independant Living Skills

Directly off the lobby, Kulanu’s Keren Eliana Parent Advocacy and Resource Center, (P.A.R.C.), will be a welcoming hub, designed to support parents of newly diagnosed children, easing their pain, all the while providing professional counseling and networking opportunities.

Kulanu will provide an expansive range of services that will benefit ALL of the community’s children, explains Mark Honigsfeld, Chairman of Kulanu’s board.

“Our community has long been missing a community-wide recreation facility to host inclusive, meaningful and fun activities after-school and on weekends. With plans for a sensory gym, resource library and computer room, indoor therapy pool, auditorium, teen lounge, and commercial kitchen, the purchase of the Kulanu Center for Special Services will be an investment to serve ALL our children.”

Costs to purchase and renovate the Kulanu M’chayil el Chayil Building and Endowment Campaign is projected at $6,000,000. To date, over $3,000,000 has been pledged, beginning with a generous building dedication in memory of Abraham Scharf, A’H by the Scharf family.

Kulanu was created in February, 2000 in the hearts and minds of a committed group of Rabbinic and lay leaders, in the home of Lynda and Ben Brafman. Mr. Brafman reflects on this exciting milestone:

“At that time it was a concept and a dream. Today it is an extraordinary organization that has exceeded the wildest expectations of all who were there from the start. I salute the parents, the Kulanu and community leadership and all of the many volunteers who made this happen.”

The M’chayil El Chayil Building and Endowment Campaign honors Kulanu’s accomplishments and embraces our future by preparing for the needs of the growing population clamoring for services. The generous participation and support of the community makes all the difference in the lives of these individuals with special needs and their families and enriches those who volunteer at its many programs.

To discuss how you can become a part of this ambitious, exciting campaign, please contact Mindy Kofman Rosengarten, Director of Development, at 516 569-3083 x 102 or email Mindy@kulanukids.org or fill out the form below: