Spotlight on VOC-ED!

For over two decades, Camp Ramah in New England’s Tikvah Vocational Education Program has helped young adults with special needs build much-needed vocational and social skills in a supportive and inclusive Jewish environment.  Watch our staff members and program participants describe this valuable program:

Over the last two years, Camp Ramah has been actively developing a comprehensive curriculum that will bring its Tikvah vocational training to a higher level.  The revamped program, to be implemented in stages over several summers, will enable young people with disabilities to gain employment experience and training in a summer camp setting. 

We are excited about the strides that we have already taken:  with the guidance of experts in vocational education, we have completed a report to guide the redesign of the program; intensified training at camp work sites; developed a system to report on participants’ progress; and increased the integration among all members of the Ramah New England community, regardless of ability.  In addition, Tali Cohen recently joined our year-round staff in the new position of Director of Vocational Services.  Tali, Tikvah director Howard Blas, and other members of our staff are hard at work planning many significant upgrades to the program, which will be rolled out in kayitz (summer) 2014.  These will include the implementation of a more concrete goal-setting system; additional staffing for the program; and training for all staff on supervising and supporting individuals with special needs.

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation of Baltimore, Maryland has provided the lead grant to support this work.  Generous support for the vocational education program also has been provided by the Ruderman Family Foundation.

To learn more about the vocational education program, please contact Tali Cohen, Director of Vocational Services, at 781.702.5290 x231 or TaliC@campramahne.org.

To learn how you can support the Vocational Education Program or other aspects of our Tikvah Program for young Jews with special needs, please contact Rhonda Parker, Director of Development and Capital Campaign, at 781.702.5290 x225 orRhondaP@campramahne.org.