By Dahlia Matanky-
Junior Mia Herman loves helping people with special needs.
Mia spends most of her free time volunteering with Keshet, an organization that has spent the past 36 years providing consulting, programming, and integration for children and adults with special needs. Mia first heard about Keshet in third grade, and by age twelve, her interest in helping others had transformed into a passion.
In sixth grade, Mia overheard two teachers talking about her, predicting that based on her interest and ability shown through her interactions with a particularly low functioning Keshet member, it was only a matter of time before she became a special education teacher. That simple conversation changed her perspective and drove her to continue with her passion. She joined the Keshet Choir, then began working in the Keshet Sunday School, worked at the camp, and participated in many more Keshet-related atmospheres. Mia said, “The moment I heard all the voices and saw all the faces around me, I knew that this would become my community.”
Today, Mia is not only involved with Keshet, but with Yachad, another organization committed to helping people— despite their challenges— integrate and become friends.
Mia credits these two organizations for making her a better and more understanding person.
When asked how to accomplish some of the incredible things that Mia has done for her community, she replied with simple advice: “Don’t be scared to say hello to a person with special needs. At Ida Crown we are fortunate enough to be given the chance to interact with these incredible kids and even a simple greeting can make their week. Rather than fear the differences, embrace them and you will learn how astounding each individual can be.”
Mia Herman this summer at camp Yad b’Yad in Israel, an inclusive summer camp run by Yachad.
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