4 Chabad-connected organizations are opening a new network called "Anash Special" to serve specific Lubavitch families.

By COLlive reporter

A consortium of organizations assisting special needs in the Chabad community is collaborating on the development of a support network to serve Anash families of special children.

Chasdei Soul II Soul, Friendship Circle of Brooklyn, Yaldei Shluchei HaRebbe, and the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, have joined forces to make this happen, COLlive.com has learned.

One of the people involved said the goal of the network is "to serve as a platform, and a voice, to families who find themselves in need of support in raising a child with special needs."

The name that is being given to the network is "Anash Special."

"We need to harness Chabad's open-door policy and doing for others in doing for our own," says Tzirl Goldman, Director of Chasdei Soul II Soul, which helps fund school education for children of special needs.

"This organization can arrange for parents to touch base, or have an annual gathering at a time when people travel to NY, like Gimmel Tamuz. There are many challenges in life, and knowing you are not alone makes it just a little easier to bear."

While there are many agencies serving families of children with special needs, "Anash Special" is aiming to address issues relevant within the Chabad community.

Specific issues are school and camp integration, sharing information amongst others in similar situations within Chabad customs, and allowing parents to communicate with each other in the daily struggle of raising a special child.

"This newly formed organization is not planning fundraisers or major programs as of now," says Rabbi Sholly Weiser of Yaldei Shluchei HaRebbe.

"What we have in mind is to create an address for any Lubavitcher experiencing this. Imagine, my parents, so many years ago, raising a child with special needs, had no one to turn to. With today’s technology this network can offer so much support to them, they will not feel so alone and isolated."

The CHJCC has offered office space and staff will be available on a part time basis. To register your child, please email anashspecial@gmail.com or call (718) 771-9000 x 7726 and speak to Tzirl Brennan.