Unhindered by lockdown, RAISE continues on the road to growth

Even though the RAISE employees were furloughed along with everyone else during the COVID-19 lockdown, Loren London, RAISE director, and Rachel Slavkin, director of Employment and Education, decided to continue its weekly Lunch and Learn sessions via ZOOM, allowing RAISE employees to develop social and work skills they need to be independent and productive members of the community. The ZOOM sessions have also allowed the employees to get to know each other on a more personal level. Attending the Lunch and Learn sessions from their homes, each has been able to share with the group their pets and other interests they would not otherwise be able to do. The monthly RAISE leadership team and the RAISE Your Voice Support Group for families have also continued their meetings.

Also included in the weekly virtual sessions are 15-minute guest spots: A chef gave a cooking demonstration to help the employees learn basic cooking skills - a small but important step in learning self-sufficiency. A cheerleading demonstration by Slavkin's daughter Emily and her U of Michigan teammate inspired the group.

Upcoming guests include an art class with Penny Goldstein, a song performance by Andra London, and an American Sign Language teaching with a song demonstration. London and Slavkin encourage anyone who would like to share their talent with the RAISE employees during a Lunch and Learn session to contact them.

In addition to its ongoing programs, RAISE held its first family reunion. Former RAISE employees connected with the new employees and encouraged them by sharing what they are now doing.

Prior to the lockdown, several RAISE employees found permanent jobs by March: one at the JCC pre-school, one at Walmart; one is earning his digital platform certification; another is attending Seminole State; while others chose to wait until it is safer to be out in the community looking for employment.

Albert Einstein said, "In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity." Such was the case for London and Slavkin. The two women are taking advantage of this "free" time to collaborate on the future projects of RAISE.

"We meet on Loren's patio at opposite ends of an 8-foot table, maintaining the social distancing rule!" said Slavkin.

Together they continue the plans for RAISE on the Road. A two-day RAISE seminar, presented by London and Slavkin, will introduce the program to other communities across the country.

Two manuals have been completed for the program: one about how to run the program, the other is the curriculum. Both are in the copyright office. According to the ladies, it should be ready to "hit the road" in the not to distant future.

They are also working on a power-point presentation to attract Jewish lenders. To broaden the RAISE program's base, funding is needed. "Persons with disabilities have been an unrecognized, under-represented group. They deserve to be in the workforce, heard, and respected like any other adult." Slavkin stated. "Our agencies have embraced this vision and now they (RAISE employees) can feel empowered, they are productive community members."

London and Slavkin are hopeful that the Recognizing Abilities & Inclusion of Special Employees program will begin on schedule in the fall with their seventh annual Meet & Greet. RAISE is now taking applications for the fall. If you know a young adult who may benefit from RAISE or you are interested in volunteering as a Job Coach, please apply online at: jfgo.org/RAISE or contact the JFGO office: 407-645-5933 ext 236.