Miami Proclamation declaring Thursday, November 9th, 2017 as Shalva Day in the City of Miami.
The American friends of Shalva’s South East Region had a successful charity kick off affair at Cinemax Cinemas in Brickell City Centre as they were presented with a proclamation by James Jackson, from the City of Miami—deeming November 9th “Miami’s Shalva day.”
Shalva- the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities- is dedicated to providing transformative care for individuals with disabilities while empowering their families and promoting social inclusion.
Lauren Masuzzo, who joined American Friends of Shalva as director of the Southeast Region, noted that the organization has been around for more than 27 years and is leading the way in the world in caring for, understanding, and embracing children and families with disabilities.
“I’m proud to establish the Shalva chapter in the Southeast Region and in my work here, I hope to educate and increase awareness about Shalva and the incredible work that we do for these kids,” she stated.
Kalman Samuels, Shalva’s Founder and Director, said in a press release, “We are very excited to welcome Lauren to our Shalva family. I am confident that with her industry experience and passion for Israel, she will be instrumental in spreading Shalva’s important work.”
Non-denominational and free of charge, Shalva serves over 2,000 children (from infancy to adulthood) and their families on a first-come, first-service basis, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The number of children and family members that the organization helps is expected to jump to 3,000 by 2018. The organization’s programs provide an all-encompassing range of critical services and also enable families to raise their children with disabilities within the family framework. Through nearly three decades of award-winning programs, the organization has partnered with government, academic and philanthropic institutions in advocacy efforts to create a more inclusive society.
When asked what she thinks it will mean for the organization to have a Southeast regional office in Miami, considering the large Jewish and Israeli population in South Florida, Masuzzo responded, “For Shalva, it is an extended support system. One family taking care of another’s.”
Call 786-814-5368 or email lauren@shalva-usa.org for more information on getting involved.
