Mentally and physically challenged adults can frequently be isolated in the community.
But a workshop in Snowdon brings together grade Four students with workers in an unlikely but very productive collaboration.
This week they made Purim baskets for a fundraiser, but more importantly, made closer ties with those they don't normally associate with.
"I'm having a good time," said JPPS-Bialik student Rebecca Torbo. "Nobody is being angry or anything, and they're all being sweet and nice."
The Jem workshop is normally home to dozens of mentally and physically challenged employees who work in packing items.
Within minutes, their differences seemed to have disappeared.
"I've been telling them about my family, about what I do, about my workshop," said Marilyn Mager. "I'm very open."
The proceeds from the baskets go to the workshop and the school, but according to project coordinator Dr. Judy Hagshi, the main goal is to sensitize students.
"They have the same things that make them smile and things that make them cry," said Hagshi. "They realize that they're just normal people and they're not so different after all."
For workers, it's about fighting stereotypes and isolation.
"The workers love to feel part of society,"said Jem Director Danny Kay. "They love to show off what they do, and they love to integrate with people and talk to people.
"Sometimes they're shunned in normal course of events, so this gives them the opportunity to be who they are."
"It's not what I expected at all," said a student named Jacob. "They're nice, they talk to you. They're just like us."
