At the spring Family Day event hosted by JCFS Chicago’s disability services staff, children with disabilities and their siblings played with slime, built with Legos, had their faces painted and posed in a photo booth. While the children and teens were engaged in the various sensory activities, their parents relaxed for a couple hours and made connections of their own.

What started as a fun activity to enjoy together has evolved into a full-blown hobby for Hart. Through pottery, he has also gained more confidence and independence. 

JCFS has long been a trusted resource for Skokie Public Library patrons. In turn, the library has served as such a dedicated collaborator to JCFS that the agency named the library its 2025 Community Partner of the Year.

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.

When the Elaine Kersten Children’s Center in Northbrook temporarily closed for construction this summer, Speech-Language Pathologist Jennie Marble took the opportunity to work with a teenager outside of the clinic—at a local ice cream shop.

During Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), we’re recognizing two local Jewish-owned businesses who have hired individuals with disabilities through the JCFS Duman Opportunity Center.

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).

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.