Equity and Inclusion
Jewish for Good was founded with inclusion as a core value. From the design of our physical spaces to our programmatic initiatives, we strive every day and in every way to fully include people of all abilities and identities. What sets us apart is our fierce commitment to inclusion of all kinds. It’s baked in, not bolted on.
It starts with our beliefs:
You belong here. Because everyone — regardless of ability, gender, sexuality, identity, background, religious affiliation, race, or anything else that makes you you — belongs here. We are committed to recognizing and celebrating the diversity of our community.
Inclusion permeates our core values. It’s why we have a barrier-free environment, inclusive policies for programs, and our LGBTQIA+ Inclusion and Accessibility Initiatives.
It shows in all our actions:
Inclusion is infused into everything we do. Our staff and support team all undergo disability and LGBTQIA+ inclusion training. Our AfterCrew and Camp Shelanu Summer Camp staff work closely with families to modify programs and activities to celebrate diverse types of participation. If anyone expresses a different gender identity, we are intentional about showing our support, including using their preferred pronouns. We’re proud of our many all-gender bathrooms for people and their families to feel safe and comfortable.
In our Events Calendar, you can see an Inclusion marker on certain program entries. This indicates that the program or service has built-in support to create enjoyable, sucessful experiences for those with disabilities. Not on our mailing list? Email us to be added!
EXPLORE JEWISH FOR GOOD’S INCLUSION PROGRAMMING:
Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM)
Each February, Jewish for Good celebrates the unique contributions of individuals with disabilities and raises awareness for inclusion efforts within our Jewish community. All JDAIM events are presented free of charge. Watch our events calendar for more information about upcoming events!
Good, Good, Good Music Collective
Good Good Good is a community-powered music collective organized by Jewish for Good that brings together adults with and without disabilities to make music. We focus on movement, percussion and vocal music games and activities that help us learn to make music together. All levels are welcome!
The group will meet on Sunday mornings from 10:30am–12pm on these dates:
September 14, September 28, October 19, October 26, and November 23
Good, Good, Good Office Hours: Thursdays, 2-3pm from September 18 through November 20, in our Group Exercise Studio!
Friends for Good
Our inclusive social program fosters meaningful relationships between adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities through casual social meetups. This group explores hobbies and interests introduced by group members.
Fall Dates:
The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month, from 2:30-4pm.
Tuesday September 16, Tuesday October 21, Tuesday November 18, and Tuesday December 16.
Questions? Email our Inclusion Program Manager, Danny Lighthearted at dlightheart@jewishforgood.org
Building Belonging
Building Belonging, a collaboration between Habitat for Humanity and Jewish for Good, is an opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity construction site.
Saturday October 18, 1:30–4pm
Friday October 24, 1:30–4pm
Inclusion Advisory Council
The Inclusion Advisory Council advises Jewish for Good on how to meet our goal of making all programs and services accessible to all community members regardless of ability, gender, sexuality, cultural background, religious affiliation, or race. The committee is composed of active Jewish for Good members.
Upcoming Meetings:
Wednesday October 15, Wednesday January 14 2026
6-7:30pm
Interested in participating? Contact Danny Lightheart at dlightheart@jewishforgood.org
Inclusion at Camp Shelanu
We believe that every child can succeed, every child can participate, and every child can make friends. We believe that inclusion is good for everyone – kids with and without disabilities, families, staff, and our community!
We are accredited by the National Inclusion Project and are a legacy partner to implement the Let’s ALL Play program model for inclusion of campers with disabilities.
Camp Shelanu received grant funding from NIP from 2012-2014, and is now funded through individual donations, program revenues, and the BRIDGES Foundation. We are committed to not passing program expenses along to families of campers with a disability.
To learn more about Camp Shelanu Inclusion Program, click here!
Sensory Swims
Indivduals with autism and other sensory needs and their families are invited to join us for sensory-friendly swim times each month this summer, with low capacity, delayed spray features, and lifeguard whistles used in emergencies only. Our Sensory Swim events are FREE and open to the public.
These events take place 2-3 times during the summer months. Check out events calendar or aquatics page for more info!
For more information, to request accommodations, or to give input or feedback to our Inclusion Advisory Council, contact Danny Lightheart, our Inclusion Program Manager at dlightheart@jewishforgood.org
Want to support our inclusion mission year-round? Make a donation today!