Yachad was established in New York in 1983 and has more than a dozen chapters throughout North America and Israel. The Chicago chapter was established in 2003. Our mission statement, in part, states: “our inclusive design aims to ensure persons with diverse abilities their rightful place within the Jewish community, while helping to educate and advocate for a greater understanding, acceptance, outreach, and a pro-disability attitude.” This touches on two purposes of our programming: a. facilitating social interaction, and b. creating awareness in the broader community of who our members are and what they can do. Focusing on these attributes will discourage stereotypical attitudes toward individuals with disabilities and encourage the inclusion of all individuals in the broader community.
Our social/recreational programming is divided into three age divisions: Juniors (ages 7-14), Seniors (ages 15 – 24), Rayim (ages 25 +). Our GO B’Yachad (all-women’s division) serves all ages and the Adult Day Services program serves individuals ages 22 +. We also have a have a Teen Leadership Board consisting of high school-aged peers, who help plan, organize and bring ruach and energy to all our social/recreational events.The teens genuinely love being a part of Yachad, and encourage other teens in their respective schools to participate in programs. This is one of the best aspects of our organization, as it is these peers who are making it fun to spend time with people with disabilities on their own terms, and not an act of chesed that they “should” do.
For our Juniors division, middle school-aged peers attend events and spend time with our members (children with disabilities their own age). Strong bonds and friendships are created between peers and members, and they look forward to seeing each other at events every few weeks. For our Seniors & Rayim divisions, we plan a variety of different programming as well as Shabbatons throughout the year. Our programming is an amazing way for our older members to socialize with each other and have a fun day or night out with their friends. Our GO B’Yachad division (women’s only division) was started a few years ago in Chicago and has been replicated by chapters throughout the country. Though our programming is typically co-ed, we began this single-gender program to ensure that all segments of the population could be included in our events.
Our Adult Day Services program has been a great success and we are grateful to our Adult Day program staff, headed by Sherra Bloomenkranz, for making the program happen each day. Our program is based in the CJE at the Horwich JCC, where participants refine and practice their social and daily living skills. Program participants also have outings in the community, such as shopping at the grocery store and the going to Chicago Chesed Fund Warehouse, that allow them to practice these important skills and complete important jobs for other organizations. On the vocational side, Yachad has placed several clients at local employers, providing ongoing education and support via its staff of job coaches.
Yachad’s additional programs include: Fully inclusive and supportive Birthright trips, 25+ summer programs in North America and Israel including Camp Moshava – Wild Rose, National Teen Leadership Shabbaton, Marathons in Miami, Jerusalem and Toronto, and last but certainly not least – a program for the entire family – our Biennial Midwest Family Shabbaton, partially underwritten by a generous grant from the Hartman Family Foundation, coming up on March 8-10, 2019 at the Doubletree Suites in Downers Grove. An amazing and meaningful time is always had by the families who attend our Family Shabbaton. Headlined by the renowned Dr. Rona Novick, there are workshops conducted by those in the top of their respective fields, comfortable accommodations, entertainment for the entire family throughout the weekend and much more! For more information about the Midwest Family Shabbaton or any of our upcoming events, go to Yachad.org/Chicago, call 844-4-YACHAD or contact our Chapter Director Elliot Cohen at [email protected] or Programming Coordinator Elana Lipman at [email protected]. #BecauseEveryoneBelongs
