Socialization and
Vocational Programs

Socialization

Our award-winning program, the Sandy Naimon Breakfast Club, meets weekly and provides support and social interaction to adults with serious mental illness.  This program includes experiences to enhance daily living skills and several day trips a year to sites or events of interest.  The program is named in Sandy’s memory by her parents. 

Sandy was a warm, outgoing, intelligent woman who struggled with mental illness most of her life. Over the years, JFS counseling and clinical services helped Sandy cope with the changing challenges of her illness to the point where she able to live independently in her own home. A founding member of the Breakfast Club, Sandy helped her fellow Club members gain social skills and self-confidence.

The Young Adults Independence Project (YAIP) of Jewish Family Services provides services to young adults who have developmental disabilities. The primary mission of the project is to increase independent living skills, foster socialization and create a supportive environment. The monthly social activities are supervised by JFS staff and are geared towards the interest of the young adults, who have an integral role in deciding what activities will be scheduled. Through JFS case management services, the project assists participants with developing an appropriate care plan which will enable individuals to grow and thrive in their community. An additional component of the YAIP program is to develop appropriate housing options that are tailored to each young adult's specific needs. Support is also available for parents and siblings of project participants through socialization and peer support activities.

Vocational Programs

In September 2006, the Exceptional Needs division enhanced the programs it provides to children ages 13 – 18.  A new Vocational Training program, with a Judaic component, will be offered to high school aged students.

The curriculum will be modified to enhance needed life skills for the purpose of making our students independent in their current and future living situations and to meet their life goals.  This opportunity for personal growth and an enriched life will be done within the parameters of their Jewish observance providing a Jewish education alongside an academic/vocational program.  At the foundation of this new high school program is building self esteem and independence.  These characteristics are vital to both the short term and long term success of our students, as well as to the Milwaukee Jewish community encouraging them to succeed.