For parents of babies with disabilities or complex medical needs, finding a community where they feel understood can make all the difference. First Friends, a partnership between Keshet and JCFS Chicago, brings families together through play, music, sensory experiences and opportunities for parents to connect with others who understand their journey. More than a playgroup, First Friends is a warm, judgment-free community where babies and their parents can build connections and feel a sense of belonging from the very beginning.
Rachel van Zevenbergen found that sense of community and more when she and her son, Caleb, joined First Friends.
“I am so grateful for First Friends. They have provided my son and me with a place that is warm, accepting, and supportive. At First Friends, I don’t have to explain anything. It is implicitly understood that Caleb has a disability, but that his disability does not define his value or worth as a person.
I feel so lucky to have found a group that meets him exactly where he is. I have heard from many parents of adult children with special needs who never had a resource like this and wish they had. First Friends has been a safe haven for both me and my son—a place where we can go to laugh, feel joy, and simply feel like we belong.
Bat El, Jennie, and all of the other “special guests” each week have been absolutely wonderful. First Friends has become the highlight of our week, and I am so grateful that Caleb and I have found a community where he is accepted for exactly who he is and where we can both feel at home. We are excited to see this program grow and flourish!” -Rachel van Zevenbergen, First Friends Parent
Rachel’s experience is exactly what Keshet hopes to create for every family who joins First Friends. If you or someone you know has a baby with a disability or complex medical needs, we would love for you to join our community. Learn more at keshet.org/babies.
