All Posts by Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
Celebrating Youth Mental Health Champions in the Jewish Community
May 20, 2025
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the stigma, raising awareness, and promoting access to mental health resources. For...
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How Do We Belong? Living Our Values Year-Round
February 5, 2025
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
Each year I’m excited to take a pause and share some thoughts as we begin Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM) in Februar...
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Thriving in 2025: Workshops for Parents, Caregivers, and Educators
January 2, 2025
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
The work of our Jewish Federation is about one thing—community. Whether you’re near or far, young or old, living with disabilities, mental health chal...
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How to Help Your Child Navigate Back-to-School Stress
September 6, 2024
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
One of our favorite scientists once said that time is relative. But didn’t this summer feel really fast? Just as we finally settle into our new rhythm...
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Grateful to be Talking About Neurodiversity
August 27, 2024
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
The Walz family's openness to being authentic has allowed us to have important conversations about disability and inclusive community....
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Fostering Inclusion: Teens Leading the Way
August 9, 2024
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
...
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Big Wins and Goals Ahead
February 8, 2024
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
Everyone has something to give and to gain. This reciprocal relationship of community is truly reflective of who we are, and it makes us stronger. ...
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Inclusion Benefits Us All
September 13, 2023
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
Inclusion is what we do to make others feel like they are a part of community. Belonging is how someone feels when things are done well....
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Dedicated to the Well Being of Our Young People
May 2, 2023
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
Be Well grant will help support the mental health and well-being of teens and young adults, their parents, and the professionals who engage with them....
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Reflections on 14 Years of Inclusion Work
February 1, 2023
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
We have come a long way over the last 14 years in building a more inclusive Jewish community...
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The Work We Value & the Value of Work
February 25, 2022
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
People with disabilities want to have the same opportunities to be fulfilled by their work and contribute to our community through employment. ...
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Rules to Guide a Vibrant Jewish Community
January 26, 2022
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
The values introduced in Mishpatim guide our daily work but are uniquely relevant during Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month....
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Employment Matters
April 20, 2021
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
When I was 12 years old, I began babysitting. This is my first memory of paid employment, but I know that I had opportunities to volunteer and develop...
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A New Appreciation for Inclusion
February 24, 2021
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
As we approach the end of February, Jewish communities around the world have taken time to honor Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion...
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