Greetings

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 2008-2009 year at Keren Or! So much is happening on the campus that it is difficult to believe that Keren Or began over 30 years ago with 7 students, a Jerusalem apartment and two passionate teachers with a vision.

Keren Or means "Ray of Light". Since that first classroom opened, Keren Or continues to shine a ray of light, bringing education, possibility and love to blind children and young adults with additional disabilities, and their families. Today we serve 106 children and young adults in our school, dormitory, assisted living apartments and day center. Devoted, skilled, staff, board members, volunteers, donors and supporters share the vision, and work together in the Keren Or family, helping students lead meaningful lives and helping them reach their greatest level of independence.

This year we have been building on our strengths and past successes. The magnificent new Hydrotherapy Complex and Auditorium, overlooking the hills of Jerusalem, is nearing completion, and will be an inspiration to all those using it. Our professional team is new moving into the new therapy center, enabling us to offer collaborative, integrated physical, cupational, speech and snoezlen (multi-sensory stimulation) therapies.

We are very excited about a special new project, the horticulture therapy unit, which we are developing in partnership with two major nature organizations in Israel. Horticulture therapy, (garden therapy), brings a tangible pleasure and sense of connection to the outside world for so many of our young people, providing leisure activities, sensory stimulation and work experience.

Keren Or has recently embarked on a joint partnership with the renowned Perkins School for the Blind, in Boston. This will enable us to develop our plans for professional development and in service training in the wider community. As the only organization in Israel that is dedicated exclusively to the education and care of blind children and adults who have additional disabilities, Keren Or has a clear responsibility to develop and share expertise so that the 'ray of light' shines further and further afield.

We are very grateful for your continued support. Your involvement helps us realize dreams and make a difference in the lives of our students. I look forward to your visit when you are next in Israel, so that you can feel the expertise and love with which every single child is enveloped.

Sincerely,
Tamara Silberberg
Executive Director, Keren Or Center