Yachad LA introduced for the first time ever, a program called Backyard Buddies. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in place, this program was created to combat the feeling of isolation and loneliness that our members faced. This buddy program was designed in a way to both give parents an hour or so of respite and provide some fun social interaction for the Yachad members. Yachad members are matched with a volunteer for a six-week session, members and volunteers are given an activity box that contains six activities to do together during their weekly visits, and visits are done in the members back/front yard or the volunteer’s. In addition to the activity, the volunteers bring lunch/dinner with them to enjoy a meal together as well. A lot of members have greatly benefited from this program and we’ve received such great feedback on how the Yachad member’s mood has been lifted and how much they look forward to meeting their buddy during their weekly visit. 

Monica Kohan Rukhman
Director, Los Angeles Yachad
www.Yachad.org/LosAngeles

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