JIRS: The Koby Mandell Foundation

The Koby Mandell Foundation

The Koby Mandell Foundation
7801 Norfolk Ave., Suite T-4

Bethesda, MD 20814

Phone #:(301) 654-7045
Phone #:(888) 622-5629
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Fax Number:(301) 654-8956 ;

Web Page: www.kobymandell.org
E-mail: info@kobymandell.org

Program/Service Notes:

Exec Director: Todd Sukol     Admin. Director: Cheryl Futrovsky            

All of the programs that the Koby Mandell Foundation initiate work to bridge the isolation that bereaved children and adults are struck with after the loss of a loved one. All programs provide emotional, physical, and spiritual healing that create a network of support for families in grief.  Also provide opportunities for Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tzedakah Projects.

The Koby Mandell Foundation helps families keep their hearts and spirits open. By facing pain with the support and love of others, families can be strengthened, not destroyed. That is the Koby Mandell Foundation's response to terrorism. The terrorists will not win; a network of love and sharing is created in the wake of the terrorists' attempts to destroy the people of Israel. 

Accepts ONLY monetary donations

Programs include:
Camp Koby provides children of families struck by terror with a place where others understand. Surrounded by their peers, specially trained counselors and professional therapists, children naturally share their stories and express their feelings.  Camp Koby consists of a youth camp (ages 9- 13), a teen camp (ages 14-17), and a separate program for injured kids and their siblings.

The Mothers' Healing Retreat brings together women whose husbands or children have been killed in terrorist attacks, and nurtures them physically, emotionally, and spiritually so they know they are not alone. 

The Family Healing Retreats bring together families who have lost a loved one to terror. For three days, participants hike, raft, jeep and engage in other fun family activities. Therapists join the group and work with the families in a warm non-threatening environment that gives each participant a chance to feel supported. The therapists address issues of bereavement and trauma in a society faced by ongoing threats to personal security. 

Perhaps the most under-served and least understood of those struck by terror are the surviving older children and siblings (young adults aged 18-30).  The Young Adult Encounter Programs bring these young men and women together in a fun atmosphere of physical activities including hiking, rafting, sailing, among other activities. Together in a supportive environment, these young adults bond and create an informal peer support group. Therapy groups are offered in a non-threatening atmosphere so that young adults feel free to share, communicate, and listen. Participants return home with an enhanced capacity for communication and leadership. 

The Big Brother/ Big Sister program sustains the closeness, trust and confidence developed at Camp Koby. Counselors participate in training programs and are supervised by The Koby Mandell Foundation's staff of professional social workers and therapists. Counselors meet weekly with the children and periodically larger groups of counselors and children meet for area wide programs. 

Founders Rabbi Seth and Mrs. Sherri Mandell were recently asked by The Jerusalem Post Online to write an ongoing blog. The Mandells’ experiences working with hundreds of survivors in Israel give them unique perspectives on a variety of issues that affect us all. Their blog can be viewed at: http://blogcentral.jpost.com/view.php?blog_id=84

Program Details:

Hours: Mon-Fri, 9-5, exception of Fri where Shabbat starts early

Person In Charge: Executive Director:Todd Sukol

Eligibility: Anyone may donate

Fees: Donations

Service Area: Programs in Israel

Intake Process: Just call or e-mail

Operating Agency: Independent Organization (Not classified)

This information was last updated on 07/24/2007

This information is provided as is with no guarantee as to the accuracy of the information. Information is considered to be accurate as of the date of the last update, printed above. Jewish Information & Referral Service may not be held liable for misuse of this information.

Hours:	Mon-Fri, 9-5, exception of Fri where Shabbat starts early
Person In Charge:	Executive Director:Todd Sukol
Eligibility:	Anyone may donate
Fees:	Donations
Service Area:	Programs in Israel
Intake Process:	Just call or e-mail
Operating Agency:	Independent Organization (Not classified)

Jewish Information and Referral Service