February is Jewish Disability, Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), a continental initiative highlighted during the month of February—and realized year-round—to raise awareness and support efforts to foster inclusion in Jewish communities worldwide. As part of JCC Association of North America’s ongoing commitment to inclusion efforts throughout the JCC Movement, we are proud to present a series of programs featuring our JCCs of North America and invited guest speakers.

February 25

A Culture of Belonging: At the JCC, at Camp, and at Home

Register Here

Host: Steve Engel, camp engagement and executive search consultant, JCC Association
Moderator: Beth Mitchell, director of inclusion and diversity, JCC of Central NJ, Scotch Plains, NJ

This session will feature three presentations:

Taglit—Creating Connections and Meaning at the Tucson JCC: Emily Malin, director of special needs services, Tucson JCC, AZ
Learn about Taglit, a distinct wellness-based program in a highly inclusive environment that offers interactions to strengthen participants’ social skills and develop vocational skills. It also creates volunteer opportunities for members.

Yachad and Avodah: A Camper’s Inspirational Journey of Inclusion
Featuring Jason Luckoff, a Tamarack camper-turned-staff-member; his mom, Nancy Luckoff; and Tamarack’s CEO Lee Trepeck about the commitment and support from the entire camp community that made Jason’s journey possible.

What the Exit Interview With Our Family Revealed: Vickie Schlanger Rubin, disabilities advocate, blogger, and author of the forthcoming book, “Raising Jess: A Story of Hope”
Many wise companies offer employees an exit interview upon their departure, asking about their experiences: How did we do? What would you change? Where did we come up short? Where did we excel? Using this model, Rubin conducts interviews with her young adult offspring and their grandparents about their experiences within the Rubin family. In this session, Mark Horowitz, vice president, program and talent, JCC Association, will interview Rubin about her work and her own interviews.