Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled (JSDD) Group Home

Barry is a 72-year-old Jewish man who was diagnosed with mental retardation as a young child. When he was six-years-old it was suggested to his family that he would be much better off in a developmental center, where he spent the next 60 years. In 1997, the center in which Barry was living closed its doors and Barry and some of his co-residents were placed in a community based setting, rather than an institution.

There are approximately 8,000 New Jersey residents on a waiting list for supportive residential services. Placement in a community-based group home with round-the-clock supervision and support is costly, and many aging parents are desperate to know that their adult child with a developmental disability has a home and will be cared for. For many, knowing that their child will have a kosher home and the ability to observe the Jewish holidays and traditions is equally important. For clients without family, living in a Jewish family-like environment may be critical.

JSDD operates five group homes in the MetroWest Jewish community, each serving 3-6 individuals. The doors of its West Caldwell group home were opened in December 1998 and Barry has been living there happily with five other men and women ever since. He helps with household chores, running errands, going to museums and theatre, exploring the arts, and going to local bookstores and parks. Barry loves to walk and enjoys listening to music and dining out with his housemates.

JSDD groups homes are funded by the State of New Jersey, but maintenance and modernization are ongoing challenges. Your endowment gift of $2,500,000 will ensure that future generations of people like Barry have the opportunity to live in one of five well-maintained group homes that supports their special needs.

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and other funding opportunities offered by
the Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest NJ.

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