Who’s who in the bigger picture?
Our History
Refreshing Minds was founded over 10 years ago by Esther, a local young adult.
Esther graduated school shadowed by regret, disappointment and limited skills: So many opportunities had just not been accessible to her as a struggling child from a minority background!
Thanks to Esther, today we have Refreshing Minds. An ever-evolving and multi-faceted program that changes this reality for other local children hampered by poverty, pain and prejudice.
Our Trustees
Over 10 years later, it’s still our leaders’ personal experiences and core beliefs that fuels this relentless drive to reach every child:
Helen Krausz
Mom, sibling to person with SEN
Avrohom Lebrecht
School Governor
Too many families are coping with difficult… circumstances. Having these opportunities can make all the difference to their children’s outcomes.
Tspoire Grunbaum
Mom, sibling to person with SEN
Kreindel Malka R.
Experienced teacher; drama and piano hobbyist
Joel Wider
Supporter of educational institutions, father of large brood
‘’Extra-curricular activities are not all that extra...
They’re a must for our children’s healthy development’’.
And it’s the step-by-step, tireless effort of our team that gets this off the ground
Meet our
dedicated team
Collaborates with youth and volunteers to develop an exciting, child-centric program.
Malka Halberstam
Managing Director
(Parent, Special Ed teacher and former school SENCO)
Makes it her mission to know each child’s needs and strengths, and help them the ‘’Way they need it most’’.
Chaya Suri Matyas
Deputy Director
(Primary School SLT)
Takes care of the hundred practical details in programming and staff coordination – achieving effective, safe provision and efficient budgeting.
Miriam Landau
Treasurer and Compliance Officer
(Background in Accounting)
Supported by
Team of Specialists
Who advise us about children with complex needs.
Youth Ambassadors
Who bring us our users’ voices so we’re always right on target.
Teen and Adult Volunteers
Who share talent so we can spend less and give more.
Your leads are so sensitive to my child’s needs, she’s gained a new supportive relationship!
Mr A, Father of R, Age 9
It was an amazing experience; helping every girl shine and bringing out their talents!
R.D, volunteer
Our sewing workshops transformed Libby from a sullen child to a motivated young teen!
M.T. 'Sew Successful' facilitator
Meet our users
We serve the Jewish Community centred in Hackney & Haringey (London). Our users typically struggle with:
1 in 3 local families need at least one more bedroom for adequate living.
9% of children have Special Educational or Additional Needs1.
Many in mainstream settings have limited support to really “make it”.
30% local residents don’t speak English as a First Language2.
Most have no easy internet access to information and resources.
Users require culturally sensitive service e.g. same-gender facilitators.
46% of local Jewish families live on an income under £15,000,1 including a high rate of “in-work” poverty.2
By December ‘20, 65% of the community had contracted Covid (highest globally, and linked to overcrowding)
2x general rates of fatalities and serious illness.3
Sources:
- Health needs assessment Orthodox Jewish community in Stamford Hill, North Hackney. September 2018
- Haringey at a glance – state of the borough profile, Dec 20
- Board of Deputies of British Jews statistics, quoting the BBC, (02/02/21 www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk)
