Yad B Yad

Jeremy is 25-years-old, lives by himself in an apartment in Evanston, works at Evanston Hospital and meets his friends from school once in a while at a local coffee shop. Jeremy, whose genetic syndrome resulted in developmental disabilities, was raised in a Jewish home and identifies with Judaism. Infrequently, he shares Shabbat dinner with his family and although a handful of his friends from school are Jewish, they rarely participate in Jewish activities together. Jeremy yearns to celebrate his Jewish identity with his friends, in addition to as his family.

Adults with mild disabilities or those who are higher functioning often have opportunities to live and work in inclusive settings, however, social, cultural and religious inclusion and integration is often difficult and problematic. With Yad B' Yad, a volunteer program bringing together Jewish young adults with developmental and learning disabilities who live independently or with minimal support and Jewish young adult volunteers for social, cultural and religious activities, Jeremy can enjoy Jewish activities with his peers. Bringing together the resources of the Hillels of Illinois and JCFS, Yad B’ Yad provides monthly activities for participants and volunteers.

Monthly activities have included karaoke night, Shabbat dinners, a night of Jewish folk songs, tie dying, picnics in the park and Hanukkah parties. In addition to these monthly social events, Yad B’ Yad can match participants with a buddy with whom they can spend time with in the community. This buddy relationship is available for participants who live on the northside of Chicago, Evanston and Skokie.

If you are interested in volunteering for monthly events and/or a buddy relationship, contact Suzanne Storrs at the Hillels of Illinois 312-673-2355.


If you are interested in attending as a participant, contact Meredith Sices of JCFS at 773-467-3813.