Let’s Celebrate JDAIM!

During February, which is Jewish Disability Awareness Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), we are featuring some of the agencies supported by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County that serve the special needs community in innovative ways.

Learn about the Toby and Leon Cooperman Therapy & Family Resource Center

Opened in 2022, the Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services’ Toby and Leon Cooperman Therapy & Family Resource Center is a “one-stop shop,” which serves children with special needs from birth to 22 years of age and their families. The Center also offers financial assistance, so that no family in need will be turned away. Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is thrilled to support this new community resource.

Learn about JARC

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, working with a roster of well-known companies. Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is proud to support our local workforce, and agency partner with this valuable program.

Learn about Levis JCC Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department

For more than 30 years, the Levis JCC has been serving families who have children, teens, and adults with special needs. The Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs department provides 20+ outstanding social, cultural, recreational, fitness, and educational programs to individuals with special needs, including the Schwedelson Sunday Social Scene and Marleen Forkas Camp Kavod Year Round Programs. All families are embraced, regardless of race, religion, or financial circumstances, with a goal to provide scholarships to all who are in need. The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County proudly provides support for financial assistance for scholarships for families.

Learn about AKIM

The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is also proud to support programs in Israel that promote inclusion of people with disabilities, such as AKIM Israel’s “Equal in Uniform” program. AKIM is the Israeli national organization for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Its “Equal in Uniform” program enables Israelis with special needs to serve in the Israel Defense Force in equitable and meaningful ways.

Help us celebrate JDAIM! Register here (www.jewishboca.org/jdaim2023) to attend engaging programs and events, recognizing this important month.

For more information about resources: Tzippi Rosen, Special Needs Community Liaison, is dedicated to helping people find the right resources to meet their needs. Tzippi provides personalized guidance and recommendations for resources. Tzippi can be reached at 561-852-3145 or at jaa@bocafed.org.

The South Palm Beach County Jewish Abilities Alliance (JAA), is user-friendly online resource directory linking people to services, support groups, workshops, clinics and recreational programs within the community. Visit www.southpalmbeach.jewishabilities.org

Please join us in supporting these and many other programs by giving to the Judi & Craig Donoff Fund for Special Needs here.