From the COLlive inbox:
I’m a single mother with an amazing, delightful 12 year old son who has autism (fully verbal) and dysregulation. Let’s call him Chaim (a pseudonym). He is profoundly academically gifted and he’s almost entirely self-sufficient, self-reliant according to his age.
Right now, I am looking for a family to “foster” him for the next few years. There will be financial compensation. I plan to still remain very involved, visiting him weekly etc – just looking for a loving home for him.
I will still take care of any doctor appointments, insurance, etc. as well as many of his other basic needs. He is in a Yeshiva for boys with special needs in Brooklyn, and his preference is to remain in the Crown Heights area.
This is what the family he is living with now says:
“Chaim is currently living in my home with my family. He is very smart and knowledgeable and picks up on things fast. He can be very motivated and driven and has incredible kishronos (abilities and potential). Chaim needs a family who can give him more time and attention than we can and help him reach his potential. He is delightful and entertaining, he converses like a mature adult. He is a child that can be best managed by giving him responsibilities and teaching him how to do them correctly.”
Or: “Chaim has his challenges in behavior, but these challenges are manageable in a setting where he is the youngest child (as opposed to my home where my babies need all the attention that babies require).”
In short, taking in Chaim can be hugely rewarding to help him blossom and develop, despite his disabilities. Chaim has the potential for truly great things, he just needs a family to help him get there.
If you are interested, know of someone who would be willing or can share this, I would be grateful.
Replies or questions can be sent to shmeinak@gmail.com or you can call 201-815-4333.
Thank you in advance, and tizku l’mitzvos.
PS Rabbi Levi Garelik who has known my son for many years told me that there is no issue of Yichud for him.
PPS I’ve already been in touch with Ohel, Hamaspik and a number of other Jewish organizations. They can not provide this.
Hatzlacha in finding the right home for this very special child.
What a brave decision for a single mom to find a home that better meets the needs of her child. Kol Hakavod to you.
Hatzlacha! I know your delightful boy. IyH in the right environment he will thrive and bring tremendous nachas to you and his host family!
agreed! bery brave, responsilbe and clearly very in tune mom to post this.
i wish I had a lead…
hatzlocho and may you have lots of nachas from your child.
Moshiach NOw!
I wish you much hatzlacha finding the best home for your son. It is obvious that you are an amazing mother to realize what your son needs and to search for the best for him.
Yes, to the previous comments! I also know this child – a truly delightful and precocious boy with incredible gifts. Such humility, courage and generosity from this mom to seek somewhere for her son where they can fulfill his needs – that is truly selfless motherly love.
We know this amazing mother and her adorable son. It would be an absolute Zchus and a very enriching experience for the right family to take him in. i can be contacted for more info anytime at zeesy@bcfriendship.com