PLAYGROUP OPENS FOR TODDLERS AT RISK

Little Yossi (names have been changed) crawls across the carpeted basement floor. With every stride a skull and crossbones tattoo peeks out from his light blue onesie. It is not Similac or Enfamil that fills his bottle but a Red Bull and Vodka is what helps him get through until Nappy Time. This is Yossi's fifth playgroup of the year already and his parents are crossing their fingers that he has finally found his place.

Founded in three years ago by Morah Blimi and Morah Miri, the Playgroup for At Risk Toddlers (PART) has become a safe haven for Toddlers who have strayed from the proper Torah way. Some of the children here have just struggled to fit in to the regular Yeshiva Daycare system and suffer from various social skills; some have totally lost interest in anything related to Yidishkeit. But perhaps the most disturbing challenge is that some of these toddlers have become addicted to drugs and alcohol. "When we first found out that our Dovidle was getting high on Desitin fumes we didn’t want to believe it. We had absolutely no where to turn" lamented a parent who's son's life has been changed by PART. "After consulting with the Rav of our Shul we knew this was our last shot and my how Dovid has grown! He no longer leaves his crib to hang out with the troublemakers at night and can almost recite the first three letters of the aleph bais!"

Through PART has no affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous, circle time has come to resemble somewhat of an AA meeting "When I first realized I was addicted to Children’s Tylenol it was too late" shared Leiby whose disheveled hair begged for an Upsherin. "The drool and spit up just kept coming and my parents eventually threw me out" he said, fighting back tears. These are the moments that have brought back an endless amount of Toddlers to the righteous path of Torah and Yiras Shamayim. It is the special care, love and attention each child receives that makes PART a truly inspirational program

The Playgroup for At Risk Toddlers is a non-for-profit organization and has the blessings of leading rabonim. If you would like to sponsor a Circle Time, Nap Time or Arts and Crafts project please contact Morah Blimi or Morah Miri at 248-654-3216