Cooperative Community Based Program For Jewish Young Adults With Developmental Disabilities (Co-Op)

In our community, there are many young disabled adults who are isolated at home, without anything to stimulate their minds or increase their self-sufficiency. Most of these individuals face a lifetime of care.

In 2002, in response to their very pressing needs, Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) and Keshet forged an innovative partnership to establish the Co-Op program in partnership with the Jewish Federation, the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Bernard Horwich Jewish Community Center (JCC). The program does much to foster feelings of self-worth and self-reliance. 

The Co-Op has two primary components.  In the morning, participants strengthen their employment skills and earn a paycheck through specialized activities at JVS’ Sampson-Katz Center. Afternoons are spent in a social and adaptive living skills program run by Keshet at the Bernard Horwich JCC which gives participants additional opportunities to volunteer and further integrate within the community.

JVS is seeking an endowment to provide scholarships to subsidize tuition and expand the program, enabling participants to continue their growth and maximize their potential.