The year 2016 has been wonderfully successful at Kisharon. In March, Tuffkid was rated ‘Outstanding’ in all categories for the third successive Ofsted inspection; in April, Kisharon’s supported living service opened its fourth new flat this year alone; in May, Kisharon celebrated its 40th anniversary with a record fundraising dinner, and the appeal film won a Grand Prix award; in June, HCC@ Kisharon won a highly commended Times Education Supplement Further Education award for its contribution to the local community; in August, Kisharon opened Equal, our latest social enterprise, a new groundbreaking gift and homeware shop; in September, Kisharon received an Athul Pathuk Community Award at a ceremony at the House of Commons and later in the month, the Charity Times Charity Principal of the Year award; in October, in addition to receiving planning permission for a new supported living flat, Kisharon submitted  a planning application for the development of a new school at Parson Street, and we are awaiting the decision in the new year with great anticipation.

Real sorrow came this past month, though, with the very sad and sudden loss of the beloved Yonatan Lev o”h who had been supported by Kisharon for the past 24 years.

Yonatan passed away peacefully in his sleep. His loss was sorely felt by his family, the staff, his peers and by so many members of the local community from whom there has been an outpouring of love.

I am exceptionally proud of the professionalism our staff displayed in managing this difficult situation and the praise consequently received from the CQC (Quality Care Commission).

Yonatan’s integrity and his joyfulness has and will continue to be a beacon of light to us all.

At this time may I thank you all for your commitment and support which has contributed so much to Kisharon’s progress, and may I wish you a Happy Chanukah, Christmas or Season’s Greetings as appropriate, and all the best for 2017.