Jewish Federation’s Impact on Jewish Disability & Inclusion

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia continuously strives toward building a more accepting, diverse and inclusive future, where Jewish spaces are welcoming for all who want to participate. We provide funding and needed resources to partners and agencies that serve the disability community and create opportunities for all to achieve their highest potential and lead independent, fulfilled lives.

According to the 2019 Jewish Community Portrait survey, of Jewish Households in Greater Philadelphia:

• 16% Include someone with a physical disability that impacts daily activities
• 17% Include someone with a learning disability
• 33% Include someone with a mental health condition
• 55% Include someone diagnosed with a physical health condition
  
  

“Our son Matthew has Fragile X syndrome and is a Judith Creed Horizons for Achieving Independence (JCHAI) client,” said Cristy Hollin, mother of Matthew. “With the pandemic, we knew it would be difficult for him to give up in-person socialization, but he has found fulfillment in participating in their virtual programs. He is a hardworking young man living a life not so different from other young adults, and he is worthy of the same opportunities as everyone else.”

JCHAI, a Jewish Federation grantee, provides cutting-edge inclusive, supportive, vocational and living programs for adults with intellectual disabilities.

During Fiscal Year 2021, the Jewish Federation provided funding and needed resources to partners and agencies that serve the disability community through the following efforts:

• $450,000+ in Jewish Community Fund grants toward 9 programs focused on disability inclusion both locally and in Israel
• $350,000 in emergency relief funding to help agencies adapt services as needed throughout the pandemic
• 485+ clients in Greater Philadelphia living with disabilities received a variety of services, including case management, socialization services and independent living skills
  1,170+ youth and adults in Netivot and Sdot Negev, Israel received therapeutic services for mental health or skill-building to support independent living

“Through the support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, we are able to create specially-designed inclusive programming for families raising Jewish children with disabilities and provide accommodations such as an ASL interpreter for any jkidphilly program,” said Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, Chief Program Officer for Jewish Learning Venture. “We are continually grateful for the partnership and support of the Jewish Federation which allows us to do this important work!”

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You can help us build a stronger, inclusive community by making a gift at jewishphilly.org/donate.