Et La’asot is Proud to Launch “Side by Side: Building Community, Together”

Et La’asot is proud to launch “Side by Side: Building Community, Together,” a new community-based initiative designed to create opportunities for connection, belonging, and meaningful engagement for young adults with disabilities and their non-disabled peers.

For many young adults with disabilities, the transition out of the educational system can bring a significant reduction in opportunities for social connection, community involvement, and meaningful participation. Too often, this stage of life is marked by isolation, limited social networks, and a lack of inclusive frameworks that foster belonging and growth.

“Side by Side: Building Community, Together” was created to address this need through a simple yet powerful idea: strong communities are built when people work, learn, and contribute together.

The program brings together young adults with disabilities, university students, and other young adults from the broader community to participate in meaningful volunteer and social activities, such as:

Supporting older adults through community service projects.
Assisting with food distribution initiatives.
Participating in agricultural and environmental projects.
Helping care for animals.
Joining social gatherings, trips, and community events.
Creating and leading projects that benefit the wider community.
Through these shared experiences, participants will build authentic relationships based on mutual respect, equality, partnership, and a shared sense of purpose.

The program will empower young adults with disabilities by strengthening their confidence, sense of belonging, and community engagement. At the same time, it will provide students and young adults with opportunities to develop leadership skills, broaden their perspectives, and form meaningful friendships.

As part of the initiative, participating students will receive academic scholarships in recognition of their contribution to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

At this stage, we invite universities, colleges, municipalities, community organizations, foundations, and social service providers to partner with us in creating a community where every person has a place, a role, and an opportunity to contribute.

We are also seeking philanthropic partners and donors to help fund program operations, participant training, community activities, and student scholarships. Their support will enable us to expand the initiative and reach more young adults throughout Israel.

Together, we can build a stronger, more connected, and more inclusive society—one in which no one is left behind.

For more information, contact Jacki Edry: jacki.edry@gmail.com