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Month: August 2025

Navigating Connections: Empowering Neurodivergent Individuals to Thrive

Posted on by Caroline Carter

Working with the inclusion and disability community is more than just a job for me—it’s a passion that has shaped my professional life for over 15 years. From the moment I started teaching social skills classes at the Pozez JCC, I knew I had found a space where I could make a genuine impact. My goal has always been to empower individuals to build meaningful connections, but what I’ve discovered is that my students have taught me just as much as I’ve taught them.

A great deal has been written and studied about the importance of social connections for a person’s well-being. However, many Autistic and Neurodivergent people face unique challenges in developing these skills. The nuances of social interaction, such as interpreting nonverbal cues or engaging in small talk, can be intimidating, making it hard to form meaningful relationships with neurotypical peers and thrive in a neurotypical world. For these reasons, the Pozez JCC offers social skills classes to develop and practice these essential life skills.

Social skills classes for children and teens are held weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons throughout the school year. The groups are designed for children and teens ages 3-15 who have been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or who, for other reasons, have been observed and assessed to benefit from direct instruction to support their social/emotional development. The purpose of these groups is to strengthen fundamental social skills and foster social-emotional learning through active play and recreation. 

The different classes are separated by age. There is also a class just for adolescent girls. Some topics covered in the classes include self-acceptance, self-advocacy, coping with emotions, developing and maintaining friendships, and responding to verbal and non-verbal cues in social situations.

Classes are individualized to meet the needs and interests of the students in each session, and therefore, each class and session is unique. The philosophy of each class is grounded in the CASEL framework, which views social emotional learning as foundational to education and development and suggests it is comprised of 5 core competency areas, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Each topic discussed in JCC’s social groups is designed to target one or more of these competency areas. Topics are introduced and reinforced through the use of stories, media examples, and interactive games. Opportunities for kids to build their sense of self and skills related to self-expression through interactive art and play are offered each week.  Additionally, participants are encouraged to apply what they learn each week at home by completing a weekly take-home challenge. Ultimately, it is the goal that every student who comes to social skills classes at the JCC feels that they are safe, welcomed, and belong so that, in this space, they may build confidence and learn specific language and strategies that they can then apply in their lives at school and the wider community. 

Having been involved in the neurodiversity space for over 15 years, I consider teaching these groups one of my most rewarding experiences. There are several students who come back every session and really experience a sense of belonging and community in these groups. I have had parents report that they have seen improvements with their ability to interact positively with their peers at school as well as their abilities to notice and appropriately act and advocate to meet their own needs throughout the school day. As much as I take pride in what I have been able to teach these students, I am constantly humbled by how much they teach me. These students are resilient, intelligent, creative, humorous, and energetic. It is my sincere pleasure to collaborate with them and their families to ensure that they are able to fully convey their many strengths to those fortunate enough to share in their social space. 

Support the Program

The Pozez JCC’s inclusion and disabilities services program provides crucial support to neurodivergent individuals, helping them build essential social skills and find a sense of belonging. Your contribution today will directly support these life-changing opportunities, helping us continue to provide a safe and welcoming space where every individual can feel valued and connected. Donate

L’Hitraot (Goodbye)

Posted on by Dean Bagdadi

This was my last week at work. The time to conclude my three-year Shlichut has come.

When my wife Rotem and I first arrived in 2022, it took us a while to settle in. Getting to know the area, learning and understanding how things work, and figuring out what I am supposed to do as a Shaliach. If you remember the J’s staff member, Laurie Albert, she was the first to welcome us, making sure that we had cheese and orange juice in the fridge. I was amazed with the level of detail the JCC went to make sure we felt at home from day one. And we felt very welcomed.

Then came the time to start learning all the different parts of the JCC, and the other community organizations. And there are a lot! In the past three years, I’ve visited more synagogues than throughout my entire life! I was, and still am, fascinated by the differences and similarities of practicing Jewish life here and in Israel. It felt as if it was new, but at the same time familiar. A glance into the life of my grandparents who all immigrated to Israel themselves.

A mixture of feelings indeed. And in all, was a strange bitterness. When I was thinking about what I wanted to talk about throughout my tenure, or which programs I should host, I felt like they had to be connected to parts of my identity. And unfortunately, many of those parts are not very cheerful and bright. Growing up feeling like I didn’t belong, having a very difficult military service and a professional career in the political world. Those are heavy topics that aren’t so inviting.

I’ve discovered that what I am good at – an honest and open conversation, and a lot of empathy because of my background – is actually appreciated. It is unique because it is not just “Happy, happy falafel,” but also heavy and complex stuff. And the responses were encouraging. As you can imagine, the two years that followed, emphasized the importance of that.

And then October 7th happened. And as difficult as it was, and it was, I saw something unprecedented. Jewish organizations from all denominations came together for one goal – supporting Israel. It was hard to see it as a silver lining, but it was fascinating. And I’ve realized something. In a Jewish world that is extremely diverse, and each one does Jewish differently, Israel is something we all have in common. I was blown away by the amount of support. Definitely not always in agreement, but it is something in common.

Putting those pieces together with the JCC’s mission to be a connector, we’ve realized that the connection to Israel is one of the pillars that supports the foundation of a Jewish community. Some are more supportive than others, some more critical, but all believe it is a viable piece of their Jewish life, each for it’s own reasons. And to me, that was a clear message of what a Shaliach at the Pozez JCC should “Do”… help establish it as a communal pillar. And the further we move from October 7, the further we move from that strong feeling of unity we first felt, but it’s still there. And we need to keep working hard to make sure the kindle stays lit. It must be our priority.

I have grown and matured with this community in the past three years. What a journey, a challenge, and a privilege it has been to be a Shaliach in Northern Virginia. I will miss it dearly.

It could only be possible thanks to the Pozez JCC for hosting us and the JCC staff for taking care of us.

Thank you to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and The Jewish Agency for Israel for being a part of this amazing project. And thank you to all the amazing partners we have in the community.

And most important, thank you to my amazing wife Rotem for agreeing to such an adventure.

I want to wish Behatzlacha (Good luck) to Chen Sarah, my successor, for taking on the adventure and being the next Shlicha for the community. I am sure you’ll take good care of her, and she’ll do great things.

Todah Rabbah, L’Hitraot, and I’ll see you in Israel!

If you want to reach me, my personal email is DeanBagdadi@gmail.com.

B’Haaracha (with great respect),
Dean

The Last Day at Camp Achva: Where Memories Become Forever

Posted on by Greg Feitel

Camp is more than a season—it’s a community.

There’s something about the last day of Camp Achva that’s impossible to put into words—yet everyone who’s been there can feel it. It’s in the sound of laughter echoing across the field one final time. It’s in the way campers squeeze each other’s hands during a dance, not wanting the moment to end. It’s in the shared understanding that what we’ve built together this summer doesn’t stop when the buses leave or when the last car departs carpool.

Camp is a place to form connections—with yourself, with others, with Judaism, and with Camp Achva itself. These connections stick because they are tied to the memories we make together: the smiles over popsicles on a hot Tuesday afternoon, the cheers as we link paper chains during Maccabiah, or the pride of delivering baked goods our bunk made in cooking. These simple, joyful moments are what transform a summer into something unforgettable.

A Finale Full of Spirit

Each week at Camp Achva closes with two traditions: Ruach, our weekly showcase, and Shabbat. But the final Ruach of the summer feels like something extraordinary. It’s no longer just a showcase—it’s a variety show of everything that makes our camp community shine. Campers and staff step up to share jokes, dances, songs, and even monologues, each performance a glimpse into the creativity, humor, and uniqueness that fills every corner of camp.

And then, as if by magic, the entire camp joins hands in one giant circle to dance to “Od Lo Ahavti Dai.” In that moment, I see the entire summer distilled into pure connection and joy. For me, as Camp Director, it’s the single most inspiring moment of the season. That circle of smiling faces is the memory I hold onto all year long—the one that fuels me as I prepare for another summer of Camp Achva magic.

Living Our Values

Our camp values—Creativity, Humor, Amazement, Curiosity, Connection, and Confidence—aren’t just words we talk about. They’re woven into every experience our

campers have. This summer, one of my favorite moments was Rickety Runway, our first-ever Camp Achva fashion show. Each group “modeled” their staff, dressing them up in costumes designed entirely by campers. Watching the staff strut down the runway with confidence and pride, cheered on by their campers, was a perfect snapshot of the courage and creativity that define our camp.

The Lasting Power of Camp

Camps provide something rare and powerful: a space to connect deeply and authentically. The bonds formed here—between campers, staff, and the community—don’t fade when the summer ends. They live on in stories, in smiles, and in the ways we show up for each other throughout the year.

Camp is more than a season—it’s a community. If you’re part of a conversation where camp comes up, I encourage you to pause and really listen. Chances are, the story you’ll hear will be one that will live in that person’s heart forever.

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If you’d like to help ensure that Camp Achva creates lasting memories for years to come, please donate here.