The Mayer Kaplan JCC auditorium was packed for a Town Hall Meeting titled “Creating Housing and Full-Life Options for Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.” The meeting was convened by a task force concerned with the unmet needs for housing and community services in the area. The Task Force principally consists of representatives of the Jewish Federation, Jewish Child & Family Services and Keshet. In addition to launching a pilot project, they hope to develop a model for other communities to adopt and replicate.
Cathy Ficker-Terrill, CEO of the Institute on Public Policy discussed “How to Get from Here to There?”, a summary of current status, trends and opportunities. Then she emceed a lengthy question and answer session with the audience. Members were asked to answer three questions: 1) What is your dream for the future for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities regarding a sustainable model that would allow them to live withing the community? 2) What do you consider to be the biggest challenge in creating a sustainable model for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities who wish to live within the community? and 3) How can you help?
Following the lively discussion, attendees were invited to participate in committees studying services, funding, communications, development, and outreach.
For more information email familybridges@jcfs.org.
No comments yet.