Where Special
Children Shine
About Us
At Kool Kids Passaic Inc., we believe every individual deserves the chance to shine. Our volunteer-run organization is dedicated to helping children, teens, and adults with disabilities reach their full potential—socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically—while building connections and friendships within the community.
By the Numbers
Founded
Participants
Volunteers
Cost for
families
Love and Support
Services
Weekly after
school groups
Kool Kids Passaic after school programs offer our participants opportunities for cognitive, social, and physical development through a variety of activities. Participants build skills and friendships, and each program also includes a delicious supper.
respite
Shabbatons
Shabbatons offer our participants a full shabbos program, including meals, activities, learning, and socialization, with continuous supervision by dedicated volunteers.
Siblings’
Club
Our separate sisters’ and brothers’ clubs offer siblings of Kool Kids Passaic participants a chance to enjoy trips and activities with other children who may share a similar experience. Siblings describe these groups as supportive and fun!
Chol Hamoed
Trips
Full-day trips to area attractions give participants a fun chol hamoed experience, while also giving their parents time to prepare for yom tov and tend to the needs of their other children.
Fast Day
Programs
During the summer fast days, Kool Kids Passaic steps in to offer structured, supervised activities, appropriate for the nature of the day, to give children an enjoyable experience while their families can rest and recharge.
Legal holiday
programs
When school is closed, Kool Kids Passaic is open! On legal holidays, Kool Kids Passaic takes trips to local attractions, providing fun and structure on days when school is closed.
annual
Art Show
Kool Kids Passaic participants take part in art lessons under the guidance of a professional art instructor and take pride in seeing their artwork beautifully displayed in our annual art show. We are grateful to the sponsorship of the Bear Givers Foundation for making this program possible.
Purim
Extravaganza
On Purim night, Kool Kids Passaic families gather for megillah reading, a delicious break-fast meal, and a fun clown show. Devoted volunteers are on hand to provide one-on-one support for participants.
Parents’ Perspective
I am so grateful that my son has the opportunity to go to Kool Kids Passaic! He goes to a special education school in a different town, and now, thanks to Kool Kids, he has a chance to make friends in the community. The volunteers always make sure that he has a safe, fun, and productive time at the programs.
We’re so happy we joined!
Kool Kids Passaic is a professional and caring organization that not only supports my daughter with special needs, but also provides programs for the whole family. We are so appreciative.
Thank you for a wonderful program that has given my daughter independence, friendship, and a feeling of belonging.
who
we
are.
Directors
Gittel Mandel, MEd, EMT
Sharon Sommer, MSEd
Chani Twersky, MSEd, EMT
Rabbinical advisor
Rabbi Shachne Weinberger
Advisory committee
Rabbi Aharon & Mrs. Goldie Cohen
Rabbi Berel & Mrs. Faigy Hirschman
Mr. Malkiel & Mrs. Tova Nechamkin
Mr. Dani & Mrs. Leah Ricklis
Mr. Jeff & Mrs. Marla Schachter
Rabbi David & Mrs. Bonnie Sheer
Mr. Dovid & Mrs. Suri Spector
Rabbi Yaakov & Dr. Tova Werblowsky