Program's Mission:
Provide a martial arts program for Jewish special-needs children to improve their self-discipline, self-esteem and physical fitness.

Grant:
$80,000 Cutting Edge Grant received in 2007 for their Club Kung Fu program.

About the Program:
"The children who come to Club Kung Fu have invisible disabilities," said Rabbi Michael Ravnoy, executive director of the Friendship Circle of Los Angeles. "They have mild autism, aspergers, controlled bi-polar, or have had trauma in their life. The common denominator is that they all need help with social skills."

Club Kung Fu gives these special-needs Jewish children a chance to improve their self-discipline, self-esteem and physical fitness. Plus, it offers a support system for their families and imparts Jewish values. With one instructor and Jewish teenage volunteers offering individualized attention to each of the students, the program creates a safe, encouraging environment and delivers benefits to both the volunteers and participants.

Club Kung Fu began as a mini pilot program in January 2006 and was a tremendous success. This Cutting Edge Grant from The Foundation will enable the program to add classes in the Pico/ Robertson area, Hancock Park area and the San Fernando Valley.

"God bless the Jewish Community Foundation. You are continuing the Jewish tradition of tzedakah, philanthropy, and in a very accountable way," said Rabbi Ravnoy. "It was challenging to get the grant because we went through a very thorough screening process. I think the community should understand that they can have a lot of confidence when they give money to the Jewish Community Foundation because the money is being used carefully and wisely."

Based on the anecdotal evidence the program has true benefits. One parent shared that, thanks to Club Kung Fu, his son with special-needs now has the confidence to play dodge ball with his peers at recess, something he previously refused to do. Another special-needs boy made so much progress in the class that he is now supporting the program as a volunteer helping other students with special-needs.

"The kids are the nucleus of the program and the teenage volunteers are the glue," explained Ravnoy. "But the ultimate unit of the program is the families. My wife and I are the support system for these families. We create a community for them." Fortunately, thanks to this grant, more special-needs Jewish children and their families can now enjoy that same sense of community.