Meet Some of Our Wonderful Clients!

BRIAN JASPER

On January 13, 1988, Jane Jasper gave birth to her son, Brian. That day she was told by her doctors that Brian was not expected to survive for long and that if he did, he would not be able to walk, see or talk.

Physical therapists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists were all reluctant to provide services for Brian, since insurance companies refused to cover these services. They feared that paying out of pocket would be too costly for the family to sustain

As Brian aged, he defied his doctors’ predictions. However, while Brian was well liked, kind and gentle, people were afraid to invite him over for Birthday parties or play dates.

Athletic activities and camps were not geared towards children with Brian’s special needs. Companies and organizations could not provide job skills training or volunteer programming for Brian. Most organizations did not even want to meet him. Brian's life in many ways became narrow and his opportunities for interaction with others were rare.

Meet Brian today and hear him talk about his life today.

BORIS YASNOGORODSKI

Boris Yasnogorodski is a 69 yr. old Holocaust survivor, born in Kiev, Ukraine. When World War II started, his family escaped the advancing Nazi troops and fled to Kazakhstan. Life was not easy then-- they lived in a harsh environment with no running water, no medical attention, and cramped quarters.

When the war was over, he and his family returned to Kiev, where they had to start all over again. Facing persistent anti-Semitism, it took many years for him and his family to be granted permission to emigrate to Israel, where, once again, they had to start all over again—in a new country—with a new language.

Two years ago, Boris and his wife Raisa, faced another life threatening scenario when Lebanese bombs exploded next to their home near Haifa. Soon after, he and his wife emigrated one more time, this time to the United States—in a new country, with a new language. Having to relocate twice in your life at an older age can be scary-- especially when you have little means of support.

Boris has serious medical conditions which require him to take medications on a regular basis. Boris is not eligible for medical benefits as he is not a US citizen. It will be another 3 years before he can apply for citizenship.

Boris and Raisa wish to share with you the role that JFSA has played in helping them to face their challenges.  Click here to view video.

CHERYL DRIVER

In the 1970’s Cheryl was a bright, outgoing preteen when her only sister drowned. She soon began having difficulty in school, and eventually she was withdrawn entirely from the school system. In those next years, Cheryl’s mother went from psychiatrist to psychiatrist in search of answers and help for her daughter.

Cheryl was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia and agoraphobia. She had become catatonic, was non communicative, and could not care for herself. We met Cheryl 12 years ago on her mother’s search for answers.

Here is Cheryl today sharing with you the ending to this story as she tells you a little bit about her life today.