A class of four- year-olds are up on stage performing for their mothers. The Mommies are entranced, each one glowing with pride as they dab at the tears of joy that well up in their eyes. In their hearts there arises t’fIla (PRAYER)after t’fila. V’harev na, Hashem. Please! Please help my Yankele, my Shimmele, my Avemele to grow to be a yorei Shomayim (religious Jew).
The children? They look like melachim (angels). Each one the same. But they are not the same. Some have traversed a long, difficult journey to reach this point.
A four-year-old child came to Ezer Mizion’s Children’s Division with motor delays and selective mutism. A professional evaluation revealed that the motor challenge is what damaged his self-confidence and his ability of verbal expression. Through a combination of therapy in the therapy room, inviting friends from the preschool, and going out with them to the developmental park and the playground, we worked simultaneously on the motor aspect and the emotional aspect. As the motor ability improved, his self-confidence grew and the selective mutism gradually receded. The improvement was so great that at the end-of-year party in Gan, beyond all expectations, he dared to get up on stage before a large audience and sing his small heart out along with all the other children. We cannot imagine the joy of his Mommy as she recalls the mountain her tiny pre-schooler had climbed to reach the summit of joining his peers on a public stage.
A long and difficult journey indeed.
The Children’s Division provides a response for children who are developmentally delayed. Paramedical therapies such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, emotional therapy, parental guidance, group therapy, and readiness for first grade complete the program.
Every girl and boy in our program has a unique story, and it is our privilege to be part of meaningful and moving moments in their developmental journey.
A child over the age of two came to us not yet walking, without any evident medical cause. The Ezer Mizion team determined via a professional evaluation that fear of falling was the primary obstacle holding her back. Sensitive, specialized therapy liberated her from this concern and she started walking. It was a thrilling moment for parents and the Ezer Mizion staff.
The secret of our success lies in our winning staff: veteran caregivers who all believe in each child and will do everything to advance him.
Journeys. Often rappelling up to the highest mountain tops, their hands held by those who care.
