February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). However, building an inclusive environment is a year-round priority at The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and its network of agencies.

Here are a few of the many success stories we have seen throughout our community.

Creative Expression Through Art 

“These services are not just support; they’re lifelines,” his mother, Monique Nkere shares.

Art has been a cornerstone of Iragi’s life. His passion began as a child, spending hours creating detailed drawings of beloved characters like Scooby-Doo and the Power Rangers. 

Recognition initiatives like JDAIM hold deep meaning for families like Iragi’s. “Many people don’t realize the challenges of navigating life with a disability or the resources available,” Monique says. “It’s important to raise awareness to build an inclusive community.”

JCS has been instrumental in helping Iragi secure part-time employment. A job coach guided him through writing a resume, mock interviews and job placement. He is currently a courtesy clerk at Safeway. 

“The journey hasn’t been easy,” Monique admits. “But JCS has made things easier. They’ve provided incredible support, and his direct support provider, Angela, has been with him for years. I’m so grateful for their dedication.”

Monique hopes people will look beyond Iragi’s disability. “He’s hardworking, kind and talented. He wants the same things as everyone else—a chance to be understood and appreciated. Once you get to know him, you’ll see his amazing spirit.”

Monique adds, “JCS has been a blessing for us. They’re always available to address concerns. I recognize that not everyone has access to the kind of support they provide. I feel truly fortunate.”

Helping Parents Manage Challenging Behavior

For many families, navigating the challenges of raising a child with developmental differences can feel overwhelming. For one local mother whose 10-year-old son has high-functioning autism, finding tailored support through Jewish Educational Service’s (JES) parent consultation services has been transformative.

JES, whose professionals help parents on critical topics like school placement, learning disabilities and struggles at home, can make a significant difference in a child’s development and family well-being.

“We were dealing with behaviors that felt like a crisis—everything from taking things that didn’t belong to him to struggling with self-care activities like getting ready for bed,” Mom shares. “The whole family was affected.”

Through personalized guidance, JES’s parenting consultant helped the family focus on their son’s strengths, offering practical strategies tailored to his unique needs. 

“The work has been unlike anything I’ve done before,” Mom explains. “It’s about identifying his strengths and addressing behaviors from a place of understanding rather than frustration. And recognizing that his greatest weaknesses have the greatest potential for strength.”

One key takeaway, she says, was understanding the power of genuine connection. “I was told it’s okay to set boundaries for myself as a parent,” Mom says. “And she coached me about how to talk to him when he doesn’t listen and to make my expectations clear.”

Since beginning the program, the family has seen marked improvements. 

“What once felt chaotic has settled down. The impact on our home—and even at school—has been incredible.”

JES works to empower parents with resources and tools to foster understanding and build stronger connections, ensuring every child and family can thrive.

Workforce Internship Builds Career Skills

Jewish Community Services (JCS) has launched an exciting new workforce development training program to provide adults with disabilities the skills needed to obtain meaningful, community-integrated employment. 

JCS interns—who receive stipends—learn all aspects of running a small-scale business through their experiences managing a mobile hospitality cart.

“We are excited to be starting a workforce development services training program,” explains Jamie Leboe, associate senior manager of Employment Support Services.  “Interns will learn to purchase items for sale, stock the cart, maintain inventory, sell to customers using a point-of-sale system and close up everything at the end of the shift.”

Internships last between six and 12 weeks and include ongoing training and supervision by a JCS Job Coach. The hospitality cart, funded by an Associated grant, operates Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC .

“This program isn’t just about food service,” adds Jamie. “It’s about helping our interns gain the confidence and independence they need to succeed in the workplace. By the end of the internship, we’ll support them in finding employment, from resume building to interview coaching and making connections with employers.”

To learn more about The Associated’s work supporting individuals of all abilities and to explore the JDAIM events happening in our community, visit associated.org/disabilities.

Pick up Iragi’s bookmark during the month of February at the Park Heights and Owings Mills JCCs.