Real people. Real Stories

Rachel was 11 years old when her mother brought her to Ahivim with reports from her teachers, complaining about issues in the classroom due to her 5-year-old-like behaviors. As a pre-teen, Rachel was still not trained at night and had nighttime accidents at least twice a week, as well as once a month during the day. Rachel didn’t brush her teeth or comb her hair. She would mostly sit alone and not talk to anyone.

After helping her become eligible for services, Ahivim organized a community hab worker to teach her ADLs, social skills, and academic skills. Ahivim members stayed by Rachel’s side throughout her teenage years, arranging a day hab schedule after her graduation that she still participates in today, seven years later.

Today, Rachel is 25 years old and a mother of 3, receiving community hab services during the week to help her with light housework.

Mornings are by far the most stressful time of day in Avi’s house. No matter how prepared she is, his mother simply cannot give Avi the personal help he needs to get dressed, put his shoes on, or get to the school bus while juggling the rest of their family’s needs. “Every day was a struggle. I never knew what to expect. Things with Avi could change in an instant and I felt I was constantly on guard.’ As a child struggling with autism, Avi’s impulsivity and short attention span meant that he lacked the skills to follow a daily morning routine.

After getting Avi approved for OPWDD services, Ahivim coordinated Avi’s day hab services. Today, Avi’s morning routine looks completely different. At 7 am sharp an energetic and devoted Ahivim staff member arrives at his house to help him eat breakfast, get dressed, and ready for school. Avi also receives after-school com hab.

“Avi is a completely different child now. Ahivim has changed our life.”