Weekend Retreat

Yated’s Nofshonim (Weekend Retreat) Expansion Program

The Need
Down’s syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that causes developmental delays, mental retardation as well as physical
and motor challenges. Children and adults with Down’s syndrome are capable of learning, living independent lives and
integrating into society to varying degrees. While overcoming society’s prejudices and indifference, an increasing number
of adults with Down’s syndrome are productive members of the Israeli workforce. Yet the overwhelming majority often suffer
from loneliness and a strong feeling of isolation. Most adults with Down’s syndrome continue to depend heavily on their
families for emotional support and social interactions. Although people with Down’s syndrome can be extremely warm and
outgoing, they require assistance and intervention in creating and sustaining social contacts and inter-personal relationships independently. With 5,000 adults with Down’s syndrome living in Israel today, the need to provide social outlets and varied
social experiences for these people is a pressing one.

Goals and Objectives of the project

1. To provide opportunities for adults with Down’s syndrome to interact and develop friendships
2. To teach communication and inter-personal skills to adults with Down’s syndrome
3. To enrich the lives of adults with Down’s syndrome through enjoyable social activities and the opportunity to develop relationships
4. To expose participants to new experiences and activities
5. To promote sports skills and physical fitness awareness
6. To enhance self-esteem amongst adults with Down’s syndrome
7. To improve this population’s ability to integrate into society by teaching coping skills and offering opportunities for
   personal growth
8. To provide a respite for the families of adults with Down’s syndrome several times a year
9. To expand Yated’s Nofshonim Program to include 100 adults with Down’s syndrome around the country

The Program
The Nofshonim (Weekend Retreats) Program is an exciting and innovative program that responds to an acute problem amongst adults with Down’s syndrome in Israel. The program currently operates with 50 participants and meets seven times a year
at various guesthouses around the country. The success of this small-scale program has highlighted the need to expand the program to include a significantly larger number of participants.

The Nofshonim Expansion Program will create three additional groups of 20-25 members that will be divided according to geographical regions in Israel: a second central region group, a northern region group and a southern region group.
Each group will meet 7 times a year and two national meetings will be held for all 100 participants during the Hannuka holiday
and during the summer. Each regional meeting of 4-5 days will be held at a guesthouse in the area and will include a busy
schedule of hiking, crafts, games, theater, parties, sports activities and group discussions. Sports equipment such as tennis rackets, volleyballs, basketballs, exercise balls, table tennis rackets, and printed sports outfits, etc. will be purchased.
Each activity will be led by professionals in the various fields. A trained social worker will conduct two workshops per meeting
to discuss pertinent issues such as housing, employment, problem solving, inter-personal relationships, romantic
involvements, etc.

For further details about the weekend retreat programme, please contact our main office at 02-6721115.

Target population
Approximately 100 adults with Down’s syndrome from around the country, including outlying areas

Expected results
The benefits of this program for the participants are numerous. Most importantly, we expect the program to contribute to the
social integration and enrichment of the participating adults with Down’s syndrome. By offering varied opportunities for
personal growth and social enrichment and by teaching social skills, we expect the participants to integrate better within
the job market and to make an easier transition to community living. We expect the program to positively influence the
participants’ abilities to conduct long-term inter-personal relationships. By accomplishing these crucial goals,
the quality of life for these adults with Down’s syndrome will be greatly improved.

Evaluation
The success of the program will be measured using several methods. The number of adults with Down’s syndrome
participating in the weekend retreats will be monitored. Appropriate questionnaires will be distributed amongst the
participants in order to receive feedback regarding their satisfaction with the program. The professional staff as well as the counselors will be required to complete detailed reports at the conclusion of each retreat. The program coordinator will be responsible for reviewing these reports. During the first year, a staff meeting will be held following each retreat and any improvements or changes that would be indicated by the reports will be discussed and decided upon.
The program coordinator will interview a sampling of families from each group to assess their impressions regarding
the success of the retreats.

Sustainability
Yated considers the Nofshonim Expansion Program to be a crucial program and is currently investing considerable efforts
in seeking funding from various foundations and sources in order to assure the program’s success.
We believe that through Yated’s continuous efforts, the program will operate on an ongoing basis.

The Yated Walk of Inclusion. – Buddy Walk.

The Buddy Walk was established to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in March and to promote acceptance
and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
The Buddy Walk is an important advocacy event for Down syndrome and a major platform for inclusion in communities
across Israel. The Buddy Walk program is supported and organized nationally by Yated and organized at the local level
by the local area branch, parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals.
The funds raised will benefit national education, research and advocacy initiatives, as well as local programs.
These funds enable Yated and local groups to offer services that support and enhance the quality of life for individuals with
Down syndrome and their families. The Buddy Walk is a two and a half kilometer walk in which anyone can participate in
without special training. It is a wonderful, heart-warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments
of people with Down syndrome.
The walk will take place at the same time on the same day at tens of different places all over the country.
The walk is planned to take place on the 22/3/09 at 16.00. and will become an annual tradition.

"Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join
a Buddy Walk in your local community!"
"Our goal is to spread the Buddy Walk message of embracing diversity in communities across the country.
By joining in the walk, you are making a difference - you are helping Yated fulfill its mission of ensuring equitable
opportunities for everybody in Israel with Down syndrome."