September 10, 2023, saw ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran’s first annual Rehabilitation Reunion for individuals who were treated at the rehabilitation village, their families, staff and volunteers.
Over 80 former rehabilitation patients arrived to ADI on Sunday for a full afternoon of activity. Stands offered a variety of items, including potted plants made at Beit HaYotzer, the ADI Ofakim Vocational Center, ceramic items produced in the village rehabilitation workshop, books, framed pictures, refreshments and more. At one table, Avi and Aviva Ben Yakar offered home-made honey cakes, lovingly baked by Avi, a former rehabilitation patient. “ADI saved Avi,” proclaimed Aviva. “I don’t want to think what would have happened to him if he had not been at ADI. He can walk and speak. He can bake. He is happy. ADI changed his life.”
Many happy reunions took place during the day, as former patients met up with therapists, nurses, doctors, caregivers and volunteers, the dedicated ADI staff who cared for them during their darkest hours and filled them with hope as they encouraged patients to work hard, conquer fear and reach their highest abilities, often moving well past previous diagnosis.
