On the Horizon

10Clients are Finding and Keeping the FaithIt does not resemble a revival meeting where people joyfullyexclaim “hallelujah!” and neither does it replicate a pilgrimageto a holy site. However, clients who have discovered spiritualityin a more subtle manner are happy.Several hundred clients, who have long believed in the positivepower of New Horizons, now realize the importance of havingfaith, which has also resulted in clients treating each other betterat the agency and in their homes.At services throughout the San Fernando Valley and elsewhereheld by the Jewish and Christian faiths to fill a need in the community,clients enthusiastically tap their feet to uplifting musicand sing hymns to the heavens. They also enjoy each other’scompany and look forward to the cuisine that follows prayer,especially the rabbi’s kosher donuts.New Horizons has long been receptive to the overtures of religiousinstitutions that have flocked to the agency to introduceclients to the importance of faith.“These opportunities fit perfectly with the mission of New Horizonsas we partner with community spiritual leaders to allowclients to participate in and add value to the community,” saidRoschell Ashley, New Horizons Director of Residential Service.“Our clients are no different from any of us,” Ashley continued.“They share the same desire as many, to grow and learn in theirfaith by connecting with a larger spiritual community. They,like most of us, want to enjoy fellowship with their friends.”As the holidays of Passover and Easter approached, clients lookedforward to attending services at Temple Beth Hillel in NorthHollywood, Wings of Faith in Van Nuys and Grace CommunityChurch in Sun Valley, and other houses of worship.“Having roots provides comfort, meaning and purpose to theirlives and I try to teach Judaism’s response to life’s challenges,”said Temple Beth Hillel Rabbi Emeritus Jim Kaufman. Kaufman,who helped develop Operation Moses at the Reform congregation,said the program has received numerous awards fromformer Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, the Jewish Federationand National Institutes of Health.“If Jewish clients cannot be brought to the synagogue for prayerand other cultural experiences, then I believe the Jewish communityneeds to come to them,” Kaufman said.The clients, who are embraced at services, have also broughtspecial meaning to the lives of clergy.“It is just joyful to see the smiles of recognition on their faceswhen I talk about some Jewish things that are a part of theirlives,” Kaufman said. “Obviously, they look forward to theholiday celebrations and I am asked all the time, ‘When are wegoing to have a Passover Seder?’“Bringing these celebrations back into their lives, or introducingthem to this for the first time, is a joy. I also am thrilled that thestaff is responsive and appreciative and for some it is the firsttime they have encountered a rabbi and Jewish experience. It isa wonderful inclusive program.”“We count it a privilege and a unique opportunity to ministerto the community of adults with developmental disabilitiesand the staff that works as we worship and learn together abouthow to love God and love each other,” said Wings of Faith Rev.Tom Shedd.The rabbi and reverend find it no more challenging to teachclients than any member of their parish. In fact, the only issueis a common denominator.“Just getting them in the door on time is the greatest hurdle,”Shedd said. “Once they’re in the room we find them to be greatparticipants.”The participation includes expressing their personal prayerrequests with the entire congregation. “Many clients take thatopportunity,” Shedd said. “Our group is not shy about sharing.”So many clients attend the non-denominational Christian evangelicalchurch that Shedd has had to move the worship teamonto the stage to make more room.“We never set out to do this, but when we prayed, ‘Lord, wewould like to double our ministry,’ he seems to have responded,‘Well, if you’re willing, I’ve got some folks over here.’”