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== Shalva - The Association for Mentally and Physically Challenged Children in Israel ==
Shalva (http://www.shalva.org) was founded in May of 1990 by Kalman and Malki Samuels. Their own experience with the challenge of raising a special needs child, coupled with a strong desire to help families in similar situations, was the inspiration behind the creation of Shalva. Believing that the care of special needs children should not be left to the family alone, Malki and Kalman endeavored to create a therapeutic environment in which special needs children could thrive and grow.
To that end they founded Shalva, which means "peace of mind in Hebrew"
Shalva provides services to more than 500 participants with special needs, including infants, children, adolescents and young adults via a plethora of tailored programs and round-the-clock therapies, seven days a week through its 2 centers: Beit Nachshon in Jerusalem (named for Nachshon Wachsman) & Shalva Gush. Shalva accompanies the child and his/her family from birth to adulthood. By placing an emphasis on social interaction, the special needs child can better integrate into the community.
Family Front and Center Shalva's programs are designed to treat the child while simultaneously strengthening the family. In fact, parental participation is a cornerstone of the entire early intervention concept behind Shalva's innovative Me & My Mommy program. From counselling to sibling discussion groups to crisis intervention, families are kept apprised of their children's progress and their adjustment every step of the way. On par with the practical skills that parents gain during their Shalva years are the precious hours of respite that allow each family to reenergize as they enjoy normal family life hours without the guilt so often associated with dividing time between their special needs and non-challenged children.
Research & Development The Learning & Development Institute, led by Prof. Malka Margalit of Tel Aviv University, works to advance understanding of the special needs population in Israel and beyond. The institute extends this knowledge to field professionals, as well as to the lay population.
Preparatory Courses Early on, Shalva professionals became aware of a pressing need for recognized criteria in qualifying people who want to provide lay care for the special needs population. Addressing that need, a curriculum was designed for two courses that have been received enthusiastically by professionals in the world of special needs.
Appreciation and Recognition Shalva is a recipient of the following awards: The President of Israel Prize for Excellence; The Mayor of Jerusalem's Award for Exceptional Service; Jerusalem Award of Distinction; Shalem Foundation Award; the Israel Association of Social Workers Award; Knesset Prize for Outstanding Humanitarian Service; Jerusalem Foundation Prize for Leadership and Public Excellence; Aminadav National Service Award; Jerusalem Award of Distinction in the field of National Service.
Outside sources E Jewish Philanthropy http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/?s=Shalva
Watchdog.net http://watchdog.net/ein/133590026/american-friends-of-shalva-israel
Charity Navigator http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4998
IMPLU http://www.implu.com/nonprofit/300151282
International Congress on Chronic Disorders (Hadassah/Shalva partnership) http://www.chronic-disease-children.com/The-HadassahShalva-Partnership.htm