ABOUT US
Jeena, derived from the Hindi word meaning "To Live," stands as a beacon of hope in California, USA. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we are dedicated to empowering neurodivergent individuals and fostering a supportive community among their families.
At Jeena, we proudly serve 800 families, the majority hailing from the rich tapestry of the Indian subcontinent. Our activities, meticulously crafted and passionately facilitated, aim to nurture and support each individual's unique journey.
Led by parents, volunteers, and professionals, our workshops and support groups provide invaluable resources and guidance for families navigating the complexities of neurodiversity. Through group sessions, we cultivate hobbies, pre-vocational skills, and social competencies, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
Beyond our regular sessions, Jeena's calendar is adorned with vibrant one-day events, from joyous birthday celebrations to tranquil picnics and exhilarating overnight camps. Each gathering, including our annual extravaganza, Jeena Yahaan, celebrates the resilience and talents of our community.
Embracing innovation, Jeena pioneers the 6 x 6 x 6 Model, a streamlined approach to activity organization. By simply reaching out via email to contact@jeena.org, families propose activities that resonate with their needs and interests. With the support of at least five additional families, our events come to life, free from hierarchies and bureaucracy.In the heart of Jeena lies a commitment to unity, empowerment, and unwavering support. Together, we embark on a journey where every step is guided by compassion and understanding. Welcome to Jeena, where every individual's journey is embraced, cherished, and celebrated.
OUR STORY
The organization is a legacy of the founders’ daughter, Gina. After Gina died, a few days shy of 16 months old, Rajni found she was not alone in her feelings of helplessness, guilt, loneliness and a myriad of emotions. There were other families, living in the Bay Area, of South-Asian origin, who also felt isolated and confused. These families struggled with navigating the complex insurance benefits, State and County resources and educational services for their children. Theirs was a life unlike any typical immigrant; these families did not have a “village” to support their child’s needs or their own emotional wellbeing.
Jeena was formally formed and became the first non-profit organization in CA for families of South-Asian origin in 2000. The very first program was a three days/week playgroup for one month in August 1999. Supported by a speech therapist and an occupational therapist, seven children with a range of developmental disabilities and age range of 4yr to 7yrs met in a clinic while their parents exchanged information about services and resources, sitting outside the clinic or in a coffee shop a few feet away from the clinic. In that one month, strong connections were being formed and friendships were being forged.
By the end of the first year, Jeena had grown the parent support network from 7 to 50 families. We met in parks and local libraries. We created opportunities for our children to engage socially by organizing field trips to swimming pools, movie theaters and train rides to name a few. We organized family overnight summer camp and invited specialist for workshops addressing specific needs of our members.
By 2003, Jeena had a sprawling center in Milpitas, CA. Jeena members often described the center as “home away from home”. Members organized multiple classes for the children, arranged workshops for parents and offered intervention support for children while families navigated the labyrinth of agencies each with their own eligibility criteria and bureaucracy.
In May 2012, the Jeena Southern California chapter was established. To this day, the Jeena SoCal chapter continues to grow, with families meeting once a month for activities and providing mutual support and opportunities for children for social interaction.
By 2018, Jeena’s membership rose to approximately 750 and a well established chapter in Southern CA. Over the years, our annual event Jeena Yahaan has provided a platform for our children to showcase their talent, changing the conversation to offering opportunities with support and compassion.
Although the Jeena board made the hard decision of closing the Center due to the pandemic in 2020, Jeena’s tradition of organizing activities for our children and offering information and emotional support continues online and in-person in the community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meena Chockalingam Bedekar
Meena is the mother of 3 children including a 19 year old with Angelman Syndrome. Her passion and focus on Jeena, is to ease the Special Needs journey, by sharing resources and providing emotional and intervention support. She also serves in the Board of Orange County Regional Center to bring awareness to challenges faced by Special Needs families and suggest solutions to make their quality of life better.
Jayanthi Dixit
Jayanthi is the mother of a 26 years old son with Autism. Representing Jeena from Southern California she connects parents and bridges the information and experience gaps for them. She co-ordinates various virtual classes with SoCal members. She also serves on the Board and Advisory committee of San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center.
Monika Sajwan
Monika Sajwan is a dedicated mother for a child with special needs, esteemed educator, and passionate community organizer. With over a decade of teaching experience in both India and the U.S., Monika brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. As a lead organizer, she orchestrates several engaging and inclusive events for Jeena SoCal, including Jeena Yahaan SoCal, Zumba, Apna time ( self care sessions for Moms), Inclusive Playdates, Holi etc.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Monika is characterized by her vibrant spirit, contagious enthusiasm and love for life.
Guided by her personal motto, "Do your best and leave the rest," Monika inspires others through her dedication, positivity, and unwavering belief in the power of inclusion to transform lives.