People with Disabilities & Their Families

One of the janitors who is employed through JCFS Chicago’s Contracted Employment Services (CES) accompanied CES Assistant Director Virginia Hopkins to SourceAmerica’s annual Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C... where he first shared his employment story with a group of fellow advocacy teams, and later presented a shorter version to legislators.

For Mitch, a recent move from Lincolnwood to Skokie wasn’t just a change in address, it was a step toward greater independence, responsibility and connection. Moving out of his parents’ home marked a major milestone for Mitch, as he also became the 30th resident to join a JCFS-supported integrated community living home.

Residents of the integrated community living homes supported by JCFS have benefited from some four-legged visitors in recent weeks.

It’s Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), a time for Jewish organizations to join forces to raise awareness and promote acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities. JCFS Chicago is coming together with partner agencies to better support people with intellectual/development disabilities (I/DD).

At JCFS Chicago, we offer services and programs throughout the year that provide people with disabilities, their families and caregivers the support they need to be accepted and included in all aspects of Jewish and community life. One recipient of our inclusive services is Jacob*, who recently moved into one of the integrated community living homes supported by JCFS.

For two weeks in May, residents of the adult living homes supported by JCFS Chicago monitored how much they were moving as they participated in Put a Step in Your Spring, a new exercise project conceived by nurse Janis Goodman to teach the residents about exercise and healthy lifestyles.

Every week for over fifteen years, Rabbi David Rosenberg visits one of the adult living homes supported by JCFS Chicago to teach a Jewish Learning class to a small group of residents.

“In our community, Rabbi Rosenberg is a super star,” said Leticia Cardoso, Director of Residential Supports. “His commitment to our department has been invaluable, steady and indispensable.”

Over a dozen adults in JCFS Chicago’s Residential Supports program recently learned about healthy snacks, thanks to a nutrition initiative run by several local college students. The four-session program is the brainchild of JCFS nurse Janis Goodman.

Two JCFS programs – Residential Supports and the Duman Opportunity Center – are working together to help individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) achieve independence and be active members of their communities.

In honor of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), JCFS Chicago is proud to join Jewish local and national organizations in a unified effort to raise awareness and elevate the voices of people living with disabilities.