IndependenceWORKS (IW), our Day Program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is always buzzing with energy and joy — but most especially during the holiday season! This time of year brings an extra layer of excitement as the Hub (our central gathering space) becomes filled with food, performances, and a bit of friendly competition.
Here’s a look at the celebrations that make the IW holidays magical.
Thanksgiving Potluck
On November 20th, our clients and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) gathered for a festive Thanksgiving potluck filled with joy, gratitude, and delicious food.
The afternoon kicked off with a familiar tradition: watching a recording of this year's Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Cheers filled the room as everyone enjoyed the lively floats and performances.
As for the meal, this was no ordinary potluck. The IW community collectively represents eight countries, creating what Abby Lail-Franz, Community Advocacy Manager, called “the best feast of the year!”
Abby shared a favorite tradition:
“Sonia (an IW client from Pakistan) introduced us to samosas — fried pastries filled with spices, potatoes and peas. She started bringing them a few years ago, and now we talk all year about our new favorite Thanksgiving dish. Cheers broke out when Sonia arrived this year with trays of samosas!”
Reflecting on the day, Abby added with a smile, “We are our own little family of clients and staff, which tells a beautiful story of togetherness.”
Choir Performance
On December 4th, the Superstar Choir of JF&CS will share a joyful holiday concert for families and staff. Founded by our DSPs in 2022, the choir is composed of talented clients and DSPs. In 2023, leadership and sponsorship from Cherie Aviv helped elevate the group even further; in fact, the choir’s fanbase has grown so much that they now “go on the road” to accommodate their enthusiastic audiences.
Directed by Michele Fox, Andrew Hamby, and Carol Schemo; managed by Cherie Aviv and Abby; and accompanied by Richard Siegel on piano, the Superstar Choir warms the hearts of all who attend. This year’s performance will be a lively, uplifting morning featuring holiday favorites ranging from “Chanukah, Oh Chanukah” to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” along with the moving classic “What the World Needs Now Is Love, Sweet Love.”
Hanukkah
Hanukkah celebrations at IW are rooted in beloved traditions which start, of course, with food. Jelly donuts are always a crowd favorite among both clients and staff. Music fills the space as upbeat songs by the Maccabeats get everyone dancing and singing along.
Of course, no Hanukkah celebration would be complete without a spirited dreidel game.
“Dreidel game always turns into a contest of who can spin the dreidel the longest,” Abby laughs. “Matan, our first ShinShin, is the reigning champion. We can’t wait to see if he keeps his title or if another winner emerges!”
The holiday season is always a highly anticipated time of shared joy, laughter, and cherished traditions at IndependenceWORKS. These moments reflect the warmth and community our clients and staff experience all year long.