Fall 2014: “Nothing is impossible in work and life”. That simple

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Fall 2014: “Nothing is impossible in work and life”.
That simple statement describes
Manal Al Ayassa’s approach to her demanding role as
the Director of Programs at the Spafford Children’s Center.
Manal was recruited to the Spafford Children Center 25 years ago; she began by assisting the
psychologist as a teacher and speech therapist. Recognizing Manal’s potential and commitment, SCC
helped her, through financial support and adapting her work schedule, to acquire a BA degree in
Education from Bethlehem University. Now she
oversees the work of the professional staff in the
educational, therapeutic, and cultural programs
serving children and their mothers.
In describing the work of the Spafford Children’s
Center, Manal explains that the teachers,
therapists, and counselors work as a team. After
a thorough assessment, a 3-month service plan is
developed for each child based on his or her
specific needs. In regular team meetings, each
child’s progress is reviewed and other activities
which might be beneficial are considered. A staff
person may also visit the child’s school and
teacher to develop communication and
coordination to better meet the needs of the child.
Manal emphasizes that the work with each child always begins with the mother. They often come with
a sense of hopelessness and the act of asking for help can open up emotions. Initial individual counseling
and learning that assistance is available frequently lessens their anxiety. Group sessions with other
mothers on child development follow, with the goal of helping the women develop the parenting skills
they need to manage difficult child behavior in the
home and to reinforce the treatment that their child is
receiving. They are also encouraged to participate in
other courses to further their own education and
strengthen their self-assurance.
Manal speaks with deep feeling about the mothers,
many of whom have never had an opportunity to
socialize with other women outside the home. The
Center sponsors day long trips to cultural and
recreational sites, allowing the mothers a break from
their responsibilities as well as a chance to engage with
the other women while enjoying simple pleasures. To keep the course offerings responsive to the real
needs of the mothers, Manal makes sure that each course ends with a party during which the mothers are
asked to evaluate the course and offer ideas for future
courses that they would find helpful.
Manal feels very fortunate to work in such a beautiful
location steeped in history. She notes that the Spafford
Children’s Center is unique in Jerusalem, providing
comprehensive services to poor children and their
families, many of whom live in desperate conditions
with no place to study or play. Opportunities such as
the children’s summer camps and the mothers’ outings
offer a much needed break from otherwise bleak
circumstances.
While at heart an optimist, Manal also knows that
there are many challenges and financial constraints to
continuing the courses for more than 600 children each year. Manal feels that the Center would benefit
greatly and could expand services with more resources. The external challenges are numerous. The
Center’s location in the Old City of Jerusalem means that, as a result of political unrest, sometimes
children, parents, and staff cannot get to the Center. Missed sessions disrupt the critical continuity of
lessons and treatment. But for Manal, “anything is possible….” Her skilled, compassionate, and
dedicated leadership is essential to the daily operations of the Spafford Children’s Center.
A Message from the Chairman of AFSCCF
It is my sincere hope that everyone reading this newsletter has taken the time to prepare a will
ensuring that your material possessions will be distributed according to your wishes at the time
of your death. It is also important to periodically review your will particularly related to
charitable bequests as charities can change names or even dissolve altogether over a period of
years. If it has been awhile since you reviewed your will, this fall may be a good time to do so. I
also hope that you will consider making a bequest to the American Friends of the Spafford
Children's Center. The recent violence in the region will adversely affect the lives of
Palestinian children for the foreseeable future, and we need all the funds we can muster in
order to continue our support of their health and well-being in the critical years ahead.
With thanks for your consideration.
The Very Rev. David duPlantier, Chair
If you would like more information about AFSCCF or the Spafford Children’s Center, visit
our Facebook page or write to us at [email protected]. You can use PayPal to make a taxdeductible donation at: www.spaffordcenter.org or send a check to:
American Friends of the Spafford Children’s Center Fund
c/o The Very Rev. David duPlantier
2037 South Carrollton Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
The Very Rev. David duPlantier, Chair
Wendy Whiting Blome, PhD, Secretary/Treasurer