Chai Lifeline recently announced the generous dedication of its national i-Shine program at the organization’s December 4 Evening of Unity event in New York City. Designed to meet the unique needs of elementary and middle school-aged children living with illness or loss in their families, i-Shine provides afterschool programming in a supervised, nurturing, and fun environment. The program pairs young participants with local high school-aged mentors and counselors who provide homework assistance and tutoring, play games, and engage in sports and other recreational activities. Dinner, snacks, and transportation are provided.
i-Shine afterschool programming does not just offer a physical space but a haven where children can find solace, companionship, and understanding. Through a carefully crafted curriculum, it aims to provide emotional support and a wide range of activities. The dedicated volunteers behind the program understand the unique needs and challenges these children face, and their unwavering dedication ensures that every child feels seen, heard, and supported. In recent months, i-Shine across the country offered fall programs and Chanukah parties to hundreds of children.
More than 800 children take part in i-Shine programs across the U.S., including the Five Towns, Los Angeles, Teaneck, Baltimore, Chicago, Brooklyn, Westchester/Riverdale, Lakewood, Boca Raton, Miami, Phoenix, and Monroe
Esther and Nelson Goodman and their family, from Lawrence, NY, have been actively involved with Chai Lifeline for over 30 years, including having their children serve as Camp Simcha counselors. “i-Shine programming supports the entire family impacted by illness, crisis and loss,” said Mr. Nelson Goodman. “We feel aligned with this initiative and are proud to contribute to its growth and service to countless individuals across the country.”
“Chai Lifeline has been able to grow over the years, thanks to families like the Goodmans,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “Their commitment to making a positive impact shows that we are all interconnected, and by supporting one another, we strengthen the Jewish community overall.”
To learn more about i-Shine, visit www.chailifeline.org/ishine.
