Equity and Inclusion
Jewish for Good was founded with inclusion as a core value. From our zero-entry pools and our programmatic initiatives such as our inclusion program for children with disabilities at Camp Shelanu, 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. 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:
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For more information, to request accommodations, or to send feedback to our Inclusion Advisory Council, contact Danny Lightheart, our Inclusion Program Manager at dlightheart@jewishforgood.org
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 will 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–12:30pm on these dates:
September 14, September 28, October 19, October 26, and November 23
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.
Meets Third Tuesday of the month, 2–4:30pm
For more info and to RSVP, 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
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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 and program revenues. 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!
Equity and Inclusion
Jewish for Good was founded with inclusion as a core value. From our zero-entry pools and our programmatic initiatives such as our inclusion program for children with disabilities at Camp Shelanu, 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. 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.
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
It shows in all our actions
Inclusion is infused into everything we do. Our staff, counselors, and support team all undergo disability and LGBTQIA+ inclusion training. If a child with autism gets nervous in crowds, we revisit field trip plans–from a hectic museum to a quieter wildlife center. If a camper with Type 1 Diabetes exhibits hypoglycemic symptoms, we respond immediately–with juice and extra vigilance. If anyone expresses a different gender identity–we are intentional about showing our support, including using his, her, or their 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, successful experiences for those with disabilities. Not on our mailing list? Email us to be added!
Our inclusion supports include:
Physically accessible spaces throughout the building
Inclusive membership policies
Inclusion program for campers with disabilities
Extensive inclusion training for staff and counselors
Programs designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind
Updated inclusion policies for our staff, members, campers, youth overnight programs, and more
Want to support our inclusion mission year-round? Make a donation today!