As a truly incredible non-profit organization devoted to individuals with special needs, Keshet  (www.keshet.org) has been doing fantastic work in the community for 28 years.  This past summer saw the opening of a Kosher sandwich shop - "KJ Cafe" - at the JCC in Northbrook which is run by young adults with special needs.  A second cafe will be opening soon in West Rogers Park.
 
In addition, a fully integrated pre-school opened this school year - unique to kids with special needs whose families also want them to get a Jewish education.
 
Both these programs originated from the vision of Abbie Weisberg, CEO/Executive Director who spearheaded these programs to fruition.  Her leadership has led the agency through the hardest of times with a fruitful imagination and a strong-willed business sense.
 
And despite the harsh economy, this organization thrives and grows due in large part to its incredible donor support system.
 
This winter Keshet will bring the band REO Speedwagon to perform at a concert on December 4th  and is also planning for its annual dinner in February which attracts over 1200 attendees.
 
Keshet has a wide variety of programs that has grown with its participants.  As the elementary school students "aged-out", a high school program was formed.  As the high school students "aged-out", a transition program was initiated.  After the transition program, the GADOL program was formed for individuals aged 22 plus who would learn job readiness and social skills to help them better integrate into mainstream society.

There is no end to Keshet’s growth.  When asked what her next vision is for the organization, Weisberg looked dreamily into the future and said she hopes to see the day when the Keshet family will not only have programs for those who have grown up in their programs, but a group home where they will always be taken care of with the love and warmth they received from Keshet for so long.

For more visit: www.keshet.org.