From preparing JARC clients to return to the workforce to making sure the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC’s Marleen Forkas Camp Kavod children have the time of their lives, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s partner agencies show their thankfulness for community members with special needs every day.
We invite you to learn how to become a champion of inclusion and for the rights of people with disabilities during February, Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM).
Helping Local Businesses Get Back to Work
When searching for an example of how much the special needs community means to us, look no further than our own Sinai Residences. There, JARC Florida clients are answering the call for qualified, skilled labor in a job market that is recovering from the pandemic. According to a local TV segment, “they are amazing and talented individuals,” who help residents in the dining room with wheelchair valet service and more. (https://www.wptv.com/news/region-s-palm-beach-county/boca-raton/jarc-individuals-improving-their-work-skills-during-the-pandemic)
Five years in existence, JARC’s Community Works program provides vocational training and employment opportunities to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Participants choose from culinary, fulfillment, and maintenance skill training and get first-hand experience.
The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County supports an array of special needs programs and services, details of which will be shared with you throughout the month. We also developed the comprehensive local Jewish Abilities Alliance resource directory, available at southpalmbeach.jewishabilities.org, and our community has access to Special Needs Community Liaison Tzippi Rosen, LCSW, who can be reached at jaa@bocafed.org and 561-852-3145.
Informative JDAIM programs available all month long
A full schedule of informative events are planned to build awareness and celebrate inclusivity. Just a few are:
- Wednesday, February 23rd – Thursday, February 24th
Join us for JDAD as we come together virtually from diverse communities across North America to harness our collective power and break down barriers to opportunity and inclusion. Help us advance policies that can empower millions of individuals with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Together, we’ll learn, take action, and be inspired.
Monday, February 28th, 7:00 PM
Comedian Pamela Schuller
Pamela Rae Schuller’s storytelling, laughter and improvisation inspires communities to a new understanding of inclusion.
Levis JCC Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center, 21050 95th Avenue S., Boca Raton (subject to change due to Covid)
These programs do not happen without the good that you do. To support our work with people with special needs, both locally and internationally, please consider making a gift to the 2022 Annual Campaign, designated to the Judi and Craig Donoff Fund for Special Needs by visiting jewishboca.org/donate.
Happy JDAIM!