Greater MetroWest ABLE has been dedicated to raising awareness and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental illness. As a vigilant advocate for our Jewish community ABLE stands on the front lines advocating for a day where no individual or family will struggle alone. Greater MetroWest ABLE, in partnership with Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ and the Eric Eliezer Levenson Foundation for Hope, has compiled a brand-new Mental Health Resource Guide with information, guidance, and resources to help navigate the services available to those in our community.
Greater MetroWest Commemorates Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month
We are proud that 22 Greater MetroWest community congregations and agencies honored Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) this year, recognizing the importance of including people with disabilities. Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month reminds us that ALL Jews, without regard to disability, must have access to Jewish life – to work live, love, play, learn and worship how and where they choose, and to contribute to this wonderful place we call our Greater MetroWest Jewish community.
Thank you to the below congregations and speakers for sharing their divrei Torah with us! Their remarks remind us of the importance and value of creating communities of belonging.
B’nai Keshet, Ezra Rifkin
Temple Sholom of West Essex, Ezra Rifkin
Temple Sholom, Scotch Plains, Michael Loberfeld
Ahawas Achim B’nai Jacob & David, Miriam Gardin
Ahawas Achim B’nai Jacob & David, Shayna Waldstreicher
Agudath Israel, Rabbi Lucas
Morristown Jewish Center Beit Yisrael, Daniel Milich
Morristown Jewish Center Beit Yisrael, Eliana Milich
GREATER METROWEST ABLE VISION
Greater MetroWest ABLE envisions a Greater MetroWest community that is made whole through the active and meaningful participation of all of its members, with opportunities for access to every aspect of Jewish life.
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Rebecca Wanatick discusses the impact of Greater MetroWest ABLE.
Featured Programs
Mom's Support Group
2nd Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC
760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
Are you looking for support and guidance, networking with other moms, how to be the best advocate, services and resources available in your community? For more information please Rebecca Wanatick, Community Coordinator, Greater MetroWest ABLE at (973) 929-3129 or rwanatick@jfedgmw.org.
Special Needs Caregiver's Support Group
For caregivers of children/adults with special needs
This group offers:
- Support and guidance
- An opportunity to network with other parents/guardians
- Ways to advocate for your child
- Services and resources available in the community
For more information please contact Rebecca Wanatick, Community Inclusion Manager, Greater MetroWest ABLE at (973) 929-3129 or rwanatick@jfedgmw.org.
Sibling's Support Group
Thursday evenings, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Jewish Family Services of MetroWest
570 W. Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston
For siblings of children with special needs
This group offers:
- Support and Guidance
- An opportunity to address feelings in a fun, supportive environment
- Meet other children in similar situations
For more information please contact Rebecca Wanatick, Community Inclusion Manager, Greater MetroWest ABLE at (973) 929-3129 or rwanatick@jfedgmw.org.
Union County Sibling's and Caregiver's Support Group
Thursday evenings, 6-7:15 p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m. (download flyer for specific times and dates)
The JCC of Central NJ
1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains
Vodcasts of Recent Workshops
Special Education — Your Child’s Rights and District’s Obligations Under IDEA and NJ Law
Learn more about your child’s rights and district’s obligations under IDEA.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentation
Future Planning: What You Need to Know to Ensure Your Child's Care
This workshop begins to answer the questions you have about planning for your child in adulthood. It is never too early to begin the process.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations
Building a Team as an Investment in Your Child's Future
This workshop begins to answer the questions of developing a team to transition your child from school to what happens next.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations
Creative Alternatives to Supervised and Supportive Residential Options
This workshop discusses the process of eligibility, options, and opportunities for supportive housing for adults with disabilities.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations
Navigating the Bureaucracy — How to Get Efficient and Effective Services for Your Family Member with Special Needs
Learn more about how to navigate the many systems in place to support your family. This presentation includes information on state and federal programs, understanding insurance plans and changes in DDD.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations
While You Wait For Residential Services…How Do You Maximize the Resources Available?
Learn more about how to maximize the resources that are in place to support your family. This presentation includes information on using self-directed service budgets, the new DDD Supports Program, and services provided by NJDVRS.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations
12 ABLE Awarded Partners!
Twelve congregations and agencies are recognized as ABLE Awarded, acknowledging them as having a mindset of providing an inclusive environment for all members of the Jewish community, recognizing both agencies and congregations.
Congregations: Adath Shalom Synagogue, Bnai Keshet, B’nai Shalom, Congregation Agudath Israel, Congregation Awahas Achim B’nai Jacob & David, Congregation B’nai Israel of Millburn, Congregation Beth Israel, Temple Beth Shalom, Temple B’nai Abraham, Temple Sha’arey Shalom, and Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, Temple Sholom of Scotch Plains
Agencies: JCC MetroWest, Jewish Family Service of Central NJ, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled, and Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest NJ
Media Coverage
Synagogue Inclusion Project Fosters Inclusive Congregational Communities
AccessFederation (11/27/19)
Greater MetroWest ABLE, a program of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, is proud to announce the congregations receiving grants as part of its Kehillah Shlemah – Synagogue Inclusion Project (SIP). This program was designed to support Greater MetroWest congregations in furthering their efforts to become more inclusive congregational communities and is made possible through very generous funding from the Gary Aidekman Family Foundation, Inc. and the Sylvia and Seymour Rubenstein Special Needs Endowment Fund. more
How Do We Create Community?
AccessFederation (2/19/19)
How do we create community? This seems to be a common discussion amongst Jewish professionals and lay leadership in congregations, camps, agencies, and, of course, at Federation. Recently I have had conversations with several colleagues about creating Inclusive Communities and am discovering that people are having some strong feelings about the word inclusion. more
Ears to the Ground: ABLE Serves Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families
AccessFederation (2/27/18)
Greater MetroWest ABLE envisions a Jewish community made whole by the meaningful inclusion of all its members with disabilities and their families. In collaboration with Federation’s Impact Assessment Department, this past year ABLE evaluated our Sibling Support Groups, both in Essex and Union Counties, to better understand the impact of this program on the community. These support groups are specifically designed for siblings of children with disabilities with the ultimate goal to improve family functioning. more
Responding to Changing Community Needs
AccessFederation (2/20/18)
Greater MetroWest ABLE has found shifts in our focus over the years. The roots of ABLE began more than 30 years ago with the grassroots efforts of families in our community seeking residential services for their children with developmental disabilities. Supports and services continued to expand with new agencies emerging, congregations providing increased educational supports for students, and Jewish camps creating inclusive environments for campers, all in direct response to community needs. Now in our tenth year, Greater MetroWest ABLE continues to evolve and meet the changing needs of our Greater MetroWest community. more
view more in the Media Coverage Archive