Wherever you are in your journey, we are here for you. 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 challenges, or just looking for connection—we see you, and we’re here for you. Together, we’re creating something powerful: a Jewish community where everyone feels like they belong.
Through the work of Greater MetroWest ABLE (Access, Belonging and Life Enrichment for People with Disabilities and their Families), we focus on this goal every day. We work with community partner agencies to collaborate and coordinate services, ensuring that our community is educated, connected, and families have what they need. From synagogues and schools to camps and community programs, we’re providing the tools they need to build a community of belonging.
To take this work even further, Greater MetroWest ABLE is offering two educational series of workshops, one series focused on disability and another focused on the emotional well-being of teens and young adults.
What Parents & Caregivers Need to Know is a two-part series for parents of teens and young adults with disabilities, who are transitioning from school programs to adult services. The shift from the entitlements of the school system to the eligibility requirements for adult services can feel overwhelming. These workshops are designed to guide you through the necessary steps to prepare for this transition and ensure your child has the support they need as they exit the school system at age 21. This series, being offered in collaboration with Jewish Family Service MetroWest, includes Transitioning to Adulthood – Preparing for Age 21 and Navigating Support Coordination With Confidence.
The Be Well Workshop Series is designed to support the emotional well-being and resilience of teens and young adults, through the education and support of our parents and educators. A recent national survey of Jewish teens revealed that they’re not just grappling with the universal challenges of adolescence—they’re also navigating the unique pressures that come with being Jewish today. This series, created in collaboration with Federation’s Teen Initiatives, features expert speakers who will help teens build confidence, find supportive networks, and develop skills to thrive. Upcoming sessions include Almost Adulting: What Teens Need to Thrive and Academic Pressures & How to Talk to Your Teens. We hope to help our teens and young adults cultivate a strong sense of self, and a supportive network of role models and peers, helping them to develop the skills to meaningfully engage with Jewish community, building a more compassionate world and a community of belonging.
We invite you to join us for one of these workshops, share the details with friends, and be part of the movement to build a more inclusive Jewish community. No matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
For more information on these sessions or other resources available for you and your family in our Greater MetroWest community, contact Rebecca Wanatick, Director of Disability Inclusion & Belonging, [email protected] or (973) 929-3129.