Sharing The Spirit
Apachi Day Camp’s values are respect, kindness and community and we intentionally create programs that put our values into practice. We want campers to experience the feeling of belonging, making new connections and new friendships! Last week, our Apachi campers were able to model these values in our first-ever partnership with Camp No Limits. Our oldest campers […] Learn More ›
From Acceptance To Belonging
The profound impact of connection and feeling of belonging is something one never forgets. At the shy age of eighteen, I interviewed for a role as an Early Childhood teacher at Mayer Kaplan JCC. During my interview, a little boy smiled and played a short game of hide and seek just before he walked up, […] Learn More ›
Spotlight on Inclusion Across JCC Chicago
Throughout the month of February, we will be sharing blogs from families who participate in our Early Childhood and Apachi Day Camp programs and from Keshet families. They’ve all been touched by the inclusive programming we provide, our teams, friendships made and collaborative work of our Social Services team. This year our son, Leor, joined […] Learn More ›
Some Things Happen For A Reason
Sometimes I forget I am gay. I have only been out for 7 years, yet in ways, it’s been a lifetime. I have been so fortunate trailblazers have paved the way before me, fighting for their rights to work, live and succeed in life, being their true selves. I am fortunate to have a kind, […] Learn More ›
A Weekend Of Reflection
February is Jewish Disabilities and Inclusion Awareness Month. We have shared and posted widely about how we approach inclusion as a community center and across our Jewish community. As the month was winding down, a group of 11 JCC Chicago team members were heading to the JCC Association Professional Conference. The day before was the […] Learn More ›
“I Got You, Let’s Go and Have Fun!”
Inclusion is something I am very passionate about, and is part of who I am. It has become a part of the way I think, teach others and live. My journey began many years ago, before I knew what inclusion really was. I was lucky enough to have had a Jewish camp experience — my […] Learn More ›