Special Needs Program

The JFCS Special Needs program helps individuals who have special needs lead independent and productive lives. A variety of services enables clients to function at their highest potential and enhance the quality of their lives. Services include case management, supported employment, support groups, cash option respite care, advocacy, life skills training, social programming, shared holiday celebrations, and educational programs.

• Job Mentors
• Special Events
• Sibshops
• Success of Savings (SOS)
• Respite Services
• Supported Employment
  
• SAIL Program

ChangeMakers Luncheon

"We all have the ability to be ChangeMakers and to change people's lives for the better," Judy Love told a capacity crowd of 200 at the Samost Jewish Family & Children's Service First Annual ChangeMakers Luncheon held on January 22 at Maggiano's Restaurant in Cherry Hill.  Love was one of three individuals honored that day for their significant contributions to the lives of individuals with special needs.  JFCS Executive Director Jennifer Weiss presented a plaque from JFCS to Joshua Zeitz, Director of Transition Services accepting on behalf of Governor Jon S. Corzine, who was unable to attend but acknowledged for legislation he has introduced on behalf of the disabled.

Judy Love, former JFCS Board President who has served on the JFCS Special Needs Committee since its inception, was honored with a gift of art from JFCS, which was presented by special needs client Evan Heft and his father Steven.  Ronald Dubrow accepted an inscribed clock, presented by Rachel and Flossie Baranoff in memory of his late wife and third honoree  Ellen Dubrow - whose vision launched the Special Needs Program with an endowment fund shortly before she passed away in 1998.  The inscription read "To Ellen Dubrow with deep appreciation for her vision and gift of time, on behalf of individuals with special needs."  An emotional Dubrow, flanked by his daughters Jennifer Weiss and Rachel Smith (both JFCS employees), expressed his heartfelt pride and gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon Ellen Dubrow. 

Special Needs Department Director Barbara Abrams welcomed everyone, then introduced a new video, which portrayed how the honorees helped to develop the program and featured clips of individuals with special needs actively engaged in a variety of services and activities available through the Special Needs Department.  In addition, several clients and parents spoke about how the program has changed their lives for the better.

Several ways to become a ChangeMaker include:  providing employment opportunities for individuals with special needs; volunteering to be a Job Mentor; donating to the SAIL Program (Supports to Achieve Independent Living) to provide ongoing social and recreational programming.  For more information, contact Barbara at 856-424-1333 or email specialneeds@jfedsnj.org.

Photo Gallery

Click here to view photos from the ChangeMakers Luncheon.

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