--- title: "Turning a Dream of Disability Inclusion into a Reality: Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Supports JCHAI Work for Over 3 Decades" description: With a mission to empower adults with developmental differences or disabilities, JCHAI has grown into an organization that serves over 200 people. image: https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/facebook-event-cover-1920x1080%20(4)-1.jpg --- [![Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/JewishFederation_May2019/images/logo--color.svg)](https://jewishphilly.org/) - [Philly Stands With Israel](https://go.jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel) - - [Donate to Philly Stands with Israel Fund](https://donate.jewishphilly.org/page/66252/donate/1) - [Community Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/) - [Emergency Allocations](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-emergency-response-fund/emergency-allocations/) - - [Advocate](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/advocate/) - 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Through that process, we've also created long-standing and trusted relationships with organizations, like JCHAI, that are moving the needle forward in disability inclusion."   This fiscal year, the Jewish Federation granted nearly $1 million through the Jewish Community Fund – the Jewish Federation’s main source of unrestricted dollars that go toward areas of greatest need – to local and international organizations focused on disability inclusion and trauma.    “Not only does the Jewish Federation provide essential funding for our program, but over the years, they have continued to help us with outcomes measurement and analysis, which helps us meet government requirements,” said Levitan. “Those who contribute to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign make our work possible.”   Out of the organization’s successes, Levitan shared that 83% of JCHAI’s members actively seeking employment have secured integrated jobs to work in tandem with other employees without disclosed disabilities. In comparison, the national average for individuals with disabilities who hold a standard community job is less than 30%.    Emily, last name omitted for privacy, 31 years old, is just one of the many proud JCHAI members to hold a steady job, employed part-time at a local Wegmans in the bakery section.   When her parents retired to South Carolina last summer, Emily moved into her own apartment with a roommate with continuing support from JCHAI.     ![JCHAI_Emily](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/JCHAI_Emily.jpg?width=700&height=467&name=JCHAI_Emily.jpg)Judith Creed speaks with a member at a JCHAI Gala (Credit: JCHAI)   “When I learned my parents were moving, I knew that I had to live on my own,” said Emily, who first became involved with JCHAI during the height of the pandemic. “At first I was very anxious. Now, I’m happy in my own apartment through JCHAI.” Emily is also an ambassador for the organization, sharing about her JCHAI journey with outside community groups. She designs and leads Jewish affinity Zoom classes for holidays, like Rosh Hashanah.    “I always try to get everyone involved by asking questions and reading answers that come up in the chat,” said Emily.   JCHAI was built for success stories like Emily’s. Founders Creed, Saft and others wanted an organization that saw their adult children as individuals capable of happy, productive lives who actively contribute to the community. Today, that dream has been a reality for so many. \*\*\* You can help support organizations like JCHAI and disability inclusion by making a donation to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia at [jewishphilly.org/donate](http://jewishphilly.org/donate). 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