Jeena is our second home here in US. We have come across some unique and incredible people who have taught us the importance of maintaining the spirit alive while fighting autism. We appreciate all the efforts that were made to organize different workshops, meetings, walkathons, awareness days, social events to help our children with their social skills, for last ten years. The list can go on. We are amazed at the immense value a support group can hold for families with special needs children. Go Jeena !
Jeena has brought special needs families together so that they can talk about their pain, their challenges, and their triumphs. Jeena has helped these parents find friendship and support which can be invaluable when facing a crisis. Through Jeena, we are constantly reminded that we are not alone, and that despite all the hardships, we can find a way to smile and live vibrantly.
Most of us don't realize the hardship of families who have differently abled children, i think the service Jeena is providing these families with resource gathering, networks and day to day support is invaluable, We are proud to be supporting Jeena's efforts.
Jeena has been a huge help for us over the last few years - it has helped us understand our daughter's issues better, we made new friends in similar situation and learned a lot from them.
I happened to spend a day with Jeena few years back with my mother and my older brother who is a special needs kid.. It was very emotional. It is great to see an organization like this which provides support system to each other as against the times when my mother brought up my older brother in India.. Wish Jeena the very best in everything it does.. it is a great cause. Tell your story here and help others understand this charity
I am one of the Directors of a social service agency which delivers services to a number of families involved in JEENA. JEENA is a "home away from home" for many of the families and their children with special needs. It is a huge community organization which supports these families in numerous ways. Kudos to the organizers who so passionately give their time and energy.
My daughter was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2 years. I had never heard this word earlier. I was so confused and didn't know what to do next. I heard from my friend about Jeena. I visited this center and I felt that there were so many parents in the same boat and guiding each other. I felt safe by joining Jeena , where I can get my issues discussed, where other parents understand us and where we can come up with solutions, finally where can try to plan an safe future for our special need kids.
Our family is an active member of this wonderful parent support non profit org. Jeena, which means 'life' in Hindi language, is truly a life giver to many special needs families who are otherwise devastated by challenges faced in their every day life. It provides many support services, coordinates educational events, does many community activities such as hosting picnics,shows etc for kids with special needs in a fun filled environment.
Jeena brings life to parents and kids with special needs. It's a place where parents support eachother and bring recognition to kids with special needs, a family which brings love and desire to go reach out unconditionally.
Jeena is a great forum for parents with special needs kids. There are other special needs organizations here in bayareak but none that cater to South Asian community like Jeena does. This gives us a sense of belonging and the feeling that we are not alone in this world dealing with the challenges of bringing up the special needs children. From parent advice to therapies to social gatherings Jeena has it all. It is a great support community that I have come to rely on. Go Jeena Go!
When we moved to California with a child not only with special needs but also with such a rare disorder that we felt that there was no one like us. No one could relate to what we were n I met going through. That is when I met the founder of Jeena. At that time an idea became a reality. Jeena was formed and forever changed our lives. We found friends and support made us feel wanted and loved. We have our own little world now and never feel lonely.
My chils has special needs, and was diagnosed when he was 3 years. At that time there was hardly any support readily available, knowledge sharing, and even a forum to bond with other parents who had similar issues. Jeena provided that platform, and through its online discussion forums, and onsite activities, families had a venue to share experiences and help each other.
When we moved to the bay area, Jeena community was really helpful in guiding us with the decision to choose the proper school district for our kids. That was just the beginning. Ever since we reaped great benefits from the Jeena community in many ways. Advice, references, guidance, and moral support. Everything that parents with special needs kids need.
I am a immigrant to US and my child was recently diagnosed with PDD-NOS, I was seeking information on Autism and I was offered the best advice and support from Jeena. They understand the culture and the language (choice of words, and way of communication) of first generation immigrants and there assistance is invaluable.They are doing a great job and hope and pray that they continue doing so for the sake of the Immigrant community.
As a social worker and child development specialist who has worked in this field for many years, I happy to have the opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation for such a wonderful comprehensive program. I have great respect for Jeena. The ability to collaborate with community, provide amazing network of support on many levels, to share meaningful information, it is truly a program that speaks to the needs of children and families.
On each occasion that I have enjoyed this phenomenal organization I have come away inspired, and excited to go back again! Jeena's founder is one of the most caring and warm individuals I have ever met, and this translates so seamlessly to an organization that gracefully influences the lives of families w/special needs kids in ways that words cannot express. Jeena is consistent in the quality of speakers, events & classes offered, and all of my child friends have come away with (even if the slightest tinge) a heightened self-efficacy. I hope they never stop dancing!
I became a member of Jeena 1 year back and since then its a good knowledge bank for us. Any problem we face in our day to day life with our special needs kids and we post it, we get such valuable suggestions from all parents. I was overwhelmed when I attended the Jeena annual function and saw all special kids performing n doing so much. Jeena helps us parents in motivating us to do so many things with our kids which we thought is not possible. It brings us all together as a family.
When our son was diagnosed with Autism over 9 years ago, someone mentioned to my wife about Jeena. Not expecting much, we decided to become part of Jeena and attended our first yearly celebration/function 'Jeena Yahan' organized by Jeena families with performances from all special needs kids, kids with autism, cerebral palsy and other disabilities. That day we learned that Jeena is not just a support group but is an extended family for parents with special needs kids like us who don't have any family in US. In this extended family you get all kinds of support from everyone who either have gone through the challenges that you are facing now, or is there for you just for emotional support. I have nothing but good things to say about Jeena and all Jeena family members. Our son is doing much much better now and Jeena has played an important role in helping us improve our son's life.
Been a member since 2002 when my daughter was about 2 yr. I realized that apart from exchanging useful information with other parents it was important for parents nd their special needs children to come out and have fun! Jeena provided such a warm welcoming place where special needs children can freely have fun! Their parents can enjoy without inhibitions and get energized once again to take care of their children's needs. For the first time I saw my daughter's talent and confidence emerging - she went up on the stage an confidently performed a song as though she was the best! And indeed in my mind she is. Thank you Rajni and thank you Jeena for bringing these joyous moments alive in my life!
I first heard about Jeena when my son was diagnosed with Autism. As a parent I was overwhelmed with the implications of my son's disability and really did not know how to deal with this. Finding services was relatively easy but there was no one I could talk to and get some support and seek advise from parents who were already dealing with this for some time. Jeena provided a platform for parents to come to gether and offer each other advise and a sense of belonging. They offer so many programs like art, music, dance and a variety of therapies to parents at very nominal cost. What I love about Jeena is that it is totally run by parent volunteers who are aware and in most cases know the problems of SNK's first hand. Going to Jeena feels like going home to friends and family. I really thank Rajni for founding Jeena and helping parents like me understand and accept my son's ability.
Jeena has made a profound difference in hundreds of lives. As the first and only center for South Asian special-needs kids, Jeena has helped hundreds of families across the United States -- and now in India too -- cope with the challenges of raising mentally or physically disabled kids in a culturally sensitive way.
