Today’s junior supporters play a key role
JOHN JOSEPH MBE, chairman of Jewish Blind & Disabled, is justifiably proud of everything the organisation has achieved over the past 50 years, since the charity was founded in 1969. “We have given thousands of people from the age of 18 upwards, who have physical disabilities or impaired vision, a second life of security, dignity and choice,” he says. “I had the honour of becoming chairman in 1994 and at that time Jewish Blind & Disabled had two buildings, with 70 tenants. Today we are about to open our eighth development of stateof-the-art mobility apartments, which will take the number of people we will be able to house at any one time to over 380.”
While these developments, with their 24/7 on-site support, are increasingly in demand, Jewish Blind & Disabled is aware some people would prefer to continue living in their current home in the community. To help people in this position, it has launched a new independent living advisory service, which for the first time takes its expertise to people desperately in need of JBD’s know-how, wherever they may live.
As John looks to the future, he is clearly particularly proud of the role younger supporters are playing: “While research may show the younger generation in general is not as supportive of charities as their parents are, our young supporters are amazing in the way they not only help our fundraising efforts but also how so many of them volunteer to entertain and support our tenants. These young people are our future.”
To secure this future, the charity places great emphasis on its younger supporters, from its schools programme, through young professional events run by its Life & Style committee to its Young Patrons campaign.
Believing one is never too young to learn about charity work, Jewish Blind & Disabled has visited more than 40 schools and spoken to nearly 3,000 pupils. Its multi-media, interactive and child-friendly presentation not only describes JBD but also helps the children really think about what life is like for someone with a physical disability or impaired vision.
As the children mature and leave school, they often stay in touch with the charity, attending Life & Style events, which cater for all tastes, from talks by entrepreneurs to bar nights and even “alternative bingo” evenings.
And then, as they move into their next life stage, Jewish Blind & Disabled’s Young Patron campaign provides the opportunity for greater involvement in the charity, from regular donations to volunteering and challenging tenants to hard-fought Rummikub tournaments.
Whatever your age, as an independent charity that receives no government funding, Jewish Blind & Disabled is very grateful for your support.
020 8371 6611 jbd.org Registered charity 259480 A chance to better understand disability, at an interactive presentation