H.A.L.O. Honored As Advocate For People With Disabilities ‘The Kids Are The Real Champions’

The H.A.L.O. Foundation was honored as a 2017 CHAI Champions by Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Greater Boston. Founders Gayle Pinshaw and Alan Pinshaw, M.D. , pictured with Rimma Zelfand, CEO, accepted the tribute.

On November 5th the Help A Little One Foundation was recognized as a 2017 CHAI Champion for its work as an extraordinary advocate for people with disabilities.

“The H.A.L.O. Foundation provides respite services to families who greatly need a break from the job of bringing up a child with disabilities,” said Rimma Zelfand, Chief Executive Officer at Jewish Family & Children’s Service.

“We applaud H.A.L.O. for its ongoing efforts to help people with disabilities live full, meaningful lives.”

JF&CS honored 18 organizations and individuals who support and embrace individuals with disabilities, and foster their growth and independence. The biennial award is named for the agency’s most enduring program: Community Housing and Adult Independence. H.A.L.O. first partnered with JF&CS in 1999 to offer the Family Circle program.

Initially the goal was to establish a “circle of friends” for at-home caregivers of children with neurological challenges. The Sunday Swim & Sing respite program was born when it became clear that the families were desperate for a break from their demanding responsibilities.

Laurie Gershkowitz, parent of a participant for the past three years, said Swim & Sing is “a huge help” to her family, It combines two of her son Jake’s passions, swimming and music, and offers a “typical” experience not widely available for people with disabilities.

“He loves this activity and looks forward to it. His siblings go off to their activities and Jake has something special of his own.”

For 25 years the H.A.L.O. Foundation has strived to enhance quality of life for children with neurological disease, said Founder Alan Pinshaw. By extending our umbrella to support caregivers of medically fragile children at home, it makes everyone’s life better.

Co-founder Gayle Pinshaw appreciates the recognition but said: “We don’t feel like we are champions. The kids who have to struggle on a day to day basis with their disabilities are the champions.”

Learn more about Sunday Swim & Sing. For information on JF&CS please visit www.jfcsboston.org.