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HISTORY
 Started in 1985 by Joyce Berk and Becca Hornstein, two mothers of children who have special needs, the Council began as a grass roots effort to address the unique needs of children who have disabling conditions and their efforts to be included in typical Jewish community activities.
Until that date, the Phoenix Jewish community did not have resources or support systems for those children to attend summer camps, religious schools, youth groups and other programs. After an initial pilot project in the Jewish Community Center's summer day camp, Joyce and Becca called a public meeting to explore the concerns and needs of parents of children with special needs. Nearly 100 parents, professionals and other interested individuals came together to brainstorm ideas for what would become the Council For Jews With Special Needs. Citing lack of awareness of special needs, synagogues, schools and camps were doing very little to encourage participation of persons who needed sign language interpreters, large print or Braille books, modified religious school programs, and support groups. The Council evolved to meet those needs and fill the void.
The scope of the Council's programs and services increased and expanded as the clients grew from childhood to adulthood. Teen and adult programs were added over the years. The majority of the services are delivered within “typical” settings (classrooms, camps, synagogues, etc.) in collaboration with Jewish community partners. The Council now serves clients of all ages, from preschool consultation through adult social, educational and residential programs. The Council is currently exploring ways for the Jewish community to address the gap in services for the aging population of individuals who have developmental, intellectual and other disabilities and their parents or extended family members who become guardians.
In 2001, the Council opened its first Jewish group home for three adult men who have autism and developmental disabilities. In 2009, two more group homes for men and women were opened. The Council works with the AZ Division of Developmental Disabilities in the creation and staffing of these homes. The Council’s subsidiary, Council Properties, LLC oversees the actual residential properties, and the staff is provided through State and Federal funds.
Originally housed in the Jewish Community Center, the Council became an independent non-profit agency in 1989. The Council has an office in the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus building; most of the programs and services are provided on-site at schools, camps, agencies and homes. The funds for these programs come from a small Federation annual allocation, private grants and donations, tribute cards and "honey for the holidays," an annual membership drive and an annual fund raiser event.
The Council For Jews With Special Needs is a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix: www.jewishphoenix.org
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