As Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month draws to a close, we reaffirm our daily commitment to fostering a community where every one belongs.

For decades, Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey has supported services for individuals with disabilities, collaborating with organizations such as Yachad, Friendship Circle, Special Strides, and Hand in Hand. These organizations enhance the lives of Jewish individuals with disabilities and their families by fostering communal participation and connecting them to Judaism through social, educational, and support services. Federation has also partnered with educational experts like Hidden Sparks to help Jewish educators provide differentiated learning for students with cognitive challenges.

Through its funding, Federation has invested in weekly Sunday programs at Friendship Circle, featuring behaviorists, occupational therapists, licensed social workers, and EMTs to ensure high-quality services within a Jewish framework. These programs offer a safe, supportive environment for individuals aged 4-20 to engage in activities designed to enhance cognitive development, social skills, motor function, and emotional well-being. Dozens of teen and adult volunteers serve as “buddies,” building lasting relationships and fostering a sense of belonging for participants, as supported by research at the National Library of Medicine.

Ben, a dedicated volunteer and member of Friendship Circle, said, “Friendship Circle—supported by Federation—gives people with special needs, including me, a place to belong. It’s where I connect, feel included, and have fun with friends,” said Ben, a dedicated volunteer and member of Friendship Circle. “When I wanted to do more, Federation connected me to the Jewish Braille Institute and PJ Library. Now I volunteer by helping correct audiobooks for people with vision impairments and read to children. Knowing my work helps someone else makes me proud. Volunteering in our Jewish community gives me purpose. These programs make me feel valued—and give me the chance to give back.”

It’s also important to note that Federation seeks external funding to complement its own support. In 2024, Federation successfully secured a grant from the New Jersey Bar Association for programs designed to help parents navigate the legal system and access services for individuals with special needs. Last summer, Federation provided overnight camp grants for several siblings of individuals with special needs, offering vital respite for families. Federation also actively advocates for expanded services by building relationships with policymakers and engages with parents to explore adaptive housing opportunities that enable adults with special needs to live independently and thrive.

Thanks to the Stolzer Family Fund for Children with Special Needs, Federation provides summer camp scholarships for individuals with special needs to have meaningful summer experiences tailored to their needs.