Chai Lifeline Explained

Chai Lifeline
Formation:1987
Headquarters:New York City
Location:151 West 30th Street
Region Served:International
Type:Non-profit NGO
Purpose:Cancer and chronic illness support
Leader Title:Executive Vice President
Leader Name:Rabbi Simcha Scholar
Key People:Mordechai Gobioff, Director of Client Services
Esther Schwartz, Director of Hospital ServicesAri Dembitzer, Head counselor, rabbi of happiness
Num Staff:90
Num Volunteers:5,455[1]
Website:http://www.chailifeline.orghttps://www.facebook.com/chailifelinepagehttps://www.twitter.com/chai_lifeline

Chai Lifeline is a chesed organization founded in 1987 by Rabbi Simcha Scholar to help families with "children battling a deadly disease."[2]

Although they have professional staff, much of their work depends on volunteers, whose ranks include those who, in their younger years, received services and survived.[3] Their goal is to "restore the light of childhood to children whose innocence ended when life-threatening or lifelong illness was diagnosed."

While most Chai Lifeline programs operate year-round, their upstate NY summer program "for children with catastrophic illnesses" helps "Jewish children from around the world."[4]

History

Scholar's initial guidance was from Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach,[2] and the focus was Jewish pediatric cancer patients in the NYC area.[3] By 1990, they had offices in Florida and Jerusalem, with another planned for California.[5]

Subsequent expansion included services to other major Jewish areas such asBaltimore[6] and the West Coast.[7]

Their Los Angeles office was described as "provides services to .. families of all Jewish denominations" and "depends on foundation and individual donations."[8]

Mission Expansion

Yeshiva University hosted the first university-based Shabbaton to give exposure and training for Chai Lifeline college-age volunteers, under a Fighting Illness With Love banner.[9] As of 2015 their first (2008)[10] Canadian outreach still seemed limited to Montreal, like Federation CJA, with whom they affiliated.[11] By 2018 the Toronto Star had reported the expansion of Chai Lifeline Canada to Toronto and somewhat beyond.[12]

By 2012, small scale Chai Lifeline groups had begun in UK and Belgium, with supportfrom the New York-based main office's professionals.[13]

Services

While not all services were available in all locations as of 2015, some of the programsoffered by a blend of professionals[14] and volunteers are:

Camp Simcha

Camp Simcha[4] is a 125acres campus located in Glen Spey, NY.[16] NY that offers children with cancer a chance to enjoy traditional camp activities.

Besides mini-golf, arts & crafts workshops, modified sports, color war, and talent shows there are helicopter rides and concerts. An innovative swimming pool ramp and water-submersible wheelchairs enables more children to enjoy swimming. They have a motorboat, paddle and bumper boats, and a pontoon boat capable of holding an entire bunk, including wheelchair-dependent children.

The camp program is directed by Dr. Peter Steinherz[17] and an entire team of oncologists, pediatric oncology nurses, EMTs, social workers and physical therapists. In case of emergencies, an acute transport ambulance is on-site at all times, and accompanies campers on any trips. A Medevac helicopter is on call, and can reach the camp within five minutes.

Camp Simcha Special

Camp Simcha Special was created in 2001 to meet the medical and social needs of children and teens with disabilities, chronic diseases, or genetic diseases. Located on the same campus as Camp Simcha. The program is directed by Dr. Robert van Amerongen[18] with a staff of pediatric specialists, nurses, EMTs, social workers and physical therapists.[19]

About

Chai Lifeline trains volunteers.[20]

Project C.H.A.I. Crisis Intervention program ensures that children, their parents, teachers, clergy and communities can properly deal with traumatic events, often partnering with organizations such as Jewish Family & Children's Service of Arizona's Aleinu program and Misaskim.[21] [22] [23] Chai Lifeline is funded by Jewish philanthropists and other fundraising receptions.[24] [25] [26] [27] [28] They also receive government funding and grants.[29]

Hospital and home-based services

Advocacy and Case Management – a team of case managers that offer emotional support and information.Insurance Support Service – Providing general information including: explaining insurance coverage and helping to complete reimbursement applications.Meal Support – Providing meals to hospitalized patients and their families, many times also supplying food for families with a sick child when cooking is impossible.Transportation Services – Transportation to and from medical centers and doctors’ appointments.Chai House – A house located in the close proximity of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to accommodate family spending periods of time in the hospital.[30]

Counseling

Chailine Telephone Support Groups – Parents of children with similar prognosis discuss their situations offering support via conference calls facilitated by professional therapists.

Healing Hearts Bereavement Program – Annual weekend retreats and counseling where parents who lost a beloved child are comforted.

Chai Family Centers – Community-based counseling centers help children and parents cope with the impact of illness on their lives.

Short-term counseling – Transient advice for ill children, their parents and/or siblings is available through regional offices.[31]

ChaiNet – A community by and for Chai Lifeline families, Chai Net allows parents to exchange information and support one another in their battles against pediatric illness.Partnering with Susan G. Komen for the Cure Chai Lifeline provides counseling for Jewish women with breast cancer.[32]

Educational assistance

ChaiLink – Webcam connections that link hospitalized or recuperating children to classrooms, teachers, and friends, and loans of laptop computers loaded with educational software.

Homebound Educational Learning Program – A tutoring program that enable hospitalized or recuperating children to keep up with their schoolwork.

Crisis intervention and bereavement services

The New York Times[33] described the organization's Brooklyn Tragedy 24 Hour Crisis Intervention Hot Lineand Director of bereavement and intervention services Dr. Norman Blumenthal'smade-for-parents video, created after the Murder of Leiby Kletzky in New York.[34]

Helping when the focus was beyond children with illnesses included after:

Trained volunteers offer emotional and professional support.[38]

Trips and vacations

Chai Lifeline arranges trips for children who spend their days in and out of the hospital. Trips involve sporting events, shows, and special trip such as

Fundraising programs

Chai Lifeline is a New York City volunteer-based[49] 501(c)(3) non-profit organization[50] that primarily works with children battling cancer.

Fundraising programs include

Events include

Affiliates

Chai Lifeline International is an affiliate. One of its programs is named Chaiuanu, and it provides services in Israel.[51]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: JNS.org (Jewish and Israel News Service) . June 17, 2012 . Celebrating life with Chai Lifeline. .. draws on the work of 5000 volunteers .
  2. Web site: . Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi . Cedarhurst . Ba Lelameid Venimtzah Lameid – Lessons from a Chai Lifeline Retreat . January 2, 2019.
  3. News: . Chai Lifeline Continues To Inspire . Sandy Eller . November 14, 2018.
  4. (Camp Simcha) News: . January 12, 2000 . Girls Raise Camp Fund for Ill Kids . Allison Cohen .
  5. Web site: . BLACKBOARD: Giving Meaning To the Word Life . Kathleen M. Berry . April 8, 1990.
  6. News: Baltimore Jewish Life . December 13, 2015 . Chai Lifeline lights up the night . Isaac Draiman .
  7. Web site: November 9, 2018 . Chai Lifeline West Coast celebrates 18 years of providing help.
  8. News: . Chai Lifeline helps families facing life-threatening diseases . Nancy Sokoler Steiner . April 18, 2008 .
  9. Web site: Fighting Illness With Love. 2 March 2011 .
  10. News: Edmonton Jewish News . Chai Lifeline Canada to host information session at Callingwood Running Room on June 11 . June 7, 2018.
  11. Web site: Fighting Illness with Love . June 23, 2015.
  12. News: . Chai Lifeline an 'extended family' for those struggling with illness and loss . in Toronto and Montreal and has satellite services in Ottawa, Edmonton and Vancouver. . Julien Gignac . February 19, 2018.
  13. Web site: Celebrating life with Chai Lifeline . JNS.org (Jewish and Israel News Service) . June 17, 2012.
  14. degrees among various articles include MD, MSW, LSW
  15. Web site: Chai Lifeline's First "i-Shine" Conference Focuses on Sharing Ideas and Planning for Growth . June 8, 2015.
  16. http://sdjewishjournal.com/site/2929/special-camps-for-special-kids/ San Diego Jewish Journal: Special Camps for Special Kids
  17. Web site: Drs. Peter And Laurel Steinherz To Be Honored By Chai Lifeline. 5 Towns Jewish Times .
  18. http://www.thejewishstar.com/stories/Summer-in-Camp-Simcha-Special,1015?content_source=&category_id=25&search_filter=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=most_commented&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=&town_id= The Jewish Star: Summer in Camp Simcha Special
  19. https://archive.today/20130127014416/http://www.jewishpressads.com/pageroute.do/45111/ The Jewish Press: Camp Simcha Special Changes A Family's Life
  20. Web site: From Heartache to Hope at Chai Lifeline's Annual Bereavement Retreat . .. over a dozen Project Chai volunteers who took part in numerous training sessions . May 1, 2018.
  21. http://www.jewishaz.com/issues/story.mv?111202+crisis Jewish News of Greater Phoenix: JFCS forms crisis response team
  22. http://www.thejewishstar.com/stories/Quick-action-averted-cremation,18?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=misaskim&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=&town_id= The Jewish Star: Quick action averted cremation
  23. http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=35242 The Yeshiva World PHOTOS: Misaskim Hosts Important Meeting Between NYPD Brass & Many Bais Yaakov Administrators
  24. http://carrollgardens.patch.com/articles/keep-the-money-flowing-in Carol Gardens Patch: Keep the Money Flowing In!
  25. https://archive.today/20120712224720/http://lincolnshire.suntimes.com/lifestyles/trend/9309248-423/chai-lifelines-caliente-a-hot-night-for-a-cool-cause.html Lincolnshire Review: Chai Lifeline’s “Caliente: A Hot Night for a Cool Cause”
  26. https://archive.today/20120904012051/http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/local/article/1055494--ex-nhl-players-hit-ice-for-sick-children InsideToronto.com: Ex-NHL players hit ice for sick children
  27. http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=37298 The Yeshiva World: Chai Lifeline Lakewood 10th Anniversary Reception
  28. http://www.socialmiami.com/articles/Make-A-Difference-Gala.asp Social Miami: Make-A-Difference Gala Benefits Chai Lifeline Southeast
  29. http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=36084 The Yeshiva World City Council Delivers Over $5 Million Of ‘Kosher Pork’ « » Frum Jewish News
  30. https://archive.today/20120918071505/http://www.jewishexponent.com/article/20118/ Jewish Exponent: When in Dire Straits, a Group Offers a Hand
  31. Web site: JmoreLiving.com . Chai Lifeline Helps Kids and Families in Need . Jordan Loux . May 10, 2017 . There are 10 regional Chai Lifeline offices ....
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkLRmSCi5wg YouTube – 2010 30 Second Public Service Announcement
  33. News: . Talking to Children About Tragedy . Lisa Belkin . July 19, 2011.
  34. Web site: Crisis Counselors Helping NYC Hasidic Community Cope With Leiby Kletzky's Murder. 2020-08-27. en-US.
  35. http://www.vosizneias.com/116627/2012/11/05/new-york-chai-lifeline-achiezer-open-crisis-hoteline-for-five-townsrockaway/ Vos Iz Neias: New York - Chai Lifeline, Achiezer Open Crisis Hotline For Five Towns/Rockaway.
  36. http://5tjt.com/?p=14577 The Five Towns Jewish Times: Home Is Where The Heart Is
  37. News: . Returning to Synagogue: How do we Speak to our Children about Pittsburgh? . November 4, 2018.
  38. Web site: The Yeshiva World. 11 December 2009 .
  39. https://archive.today/20120909205204/http://www.ocjewishlife.com/site/super-mitzvah/ Orange County Jewish Life: Super Mitzvah
  40. News: . Chai Lifeline to send 12-year-old to the Super Bowl . 2012-01-11 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110206140021/http://www.jewishjournal.com/sports/article/chai_lifeline_to_send_12-year-old_to_the_super_bowl_20110204/ . 2011-02-06 . dead .
  41. https://archive.today/20120714220605/http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/changetheworld/2011/12/children-with-cancer-get-magical-trip-to-orlando.html Orlando Sentinel: Children with cancer get magical trip to Orlando
  42. http://www.5tjt.com/local-news/12686-fantasy-becomes-reality-for-kids-with-cancer 5 Towns Jewish Times: Fantasy Becomes Reality For Kids With Cancer
  43. http://www.cfnews13.com/article/news/2011/december/353661/%E2%80%98Magical%E2%80%99-trip-for-children-battling-cancer Central Florida News 13: A magical trip for kids battling cancer
  44. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-02-23/news/ct-x-n-israel-trip-20110223_1_dead-sea-disabilities-teens Chicago Tribune: Israel trip challenges, inspires teens with disabilities
  45. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/24/israel-trips-for-jewish-y_n_813314.html Huffington Post: Israel Trips For Jewish Youths Expand, Including For Disabled Teens
  46. http://www.skywordswithelal.com/2011/02/a-trip-of-a-lifetime-for-a-group-of-chronically-ill-teens/ Skywords with El Al: A Trip of a Lifetime for a Group of Chronically Ill Teens
  47. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/news.aspx/135900 Israel National News: Teenage Cancer Survivors on Thanksgiving Trip to Israel
  48. http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=48462 The Yeshiva World: Leading Rabbonim Offer Brochos to Chai Lifeline’s Children During Their Wish At The Wall Trip
  49. http://www.thelakewoodscoop.com/news/2011/11/chai-lifeline-nj-kicks-off-volunteer-recruitment.html The Lakewood Scoop: Chai Lifeline NJ Kicks Off Volunteer Recruitment
  50. http://www.taxexemptworld.com/organizations/new_york_ny_10001.asp New York NY 10001- Tax Exempt Organizations and 10001 New York New York Non Profit Organizations
  51. News: Jewish Report South Africa (SAJR) . Chaiyanu - a vacation from being sick . young Israeli children and teens with cancer .. Chaiyanu "Hope Tour" to South Africa .. generosity of the South African Jewish community. . Tali Feinberg . May 11, 2017.

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