Fall 2014: “Nothing is impossible in work and life”. That simple
Transcription
Fall 2014: “Nothing is impossible in work and life”. That simple
[Insert AFSCCF logo] 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