Jewish Family Services is pleased to announce the installation of Robert L. Habush as a new member of our Board of Directors.
Pictured here, Bob is receiving the 2011 JFS “Families in Philanthropy” Award for the JFS Robert and Mimi Habush Family Center, which houses JFS administrative offices, the outpatient mental health clinic and social services. His longstanding commitment to JFS and to the Milwaukee community has made a lasting impact, and we are honored to welcome him back in this new leadership role.
Bob’s legacy is also reflected in Habush House, a supportive independent living community in Milwaukee’s North Shore for adults with developmental disabilities that is owned by Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Through this program, JFS provides comprehensive case management services, including living skills training, advocacy, and assistance with medical and dental appointments, money management, and meaningful social opportunities.
We are grateful for Bob’s continued dedication to strengthening our community and advancing the mission of Jewish Family Services.
More about Habush House – from the 2023-24 JFS Annual Report
In 1992, Robert and Mimi Habush (of blessed memory) made a generous and deeply personal gift to the Milwaukee Jewish Federation of two side-by-side family apartment buildings located on Mohawk Ave. in Glendale, WI. The buildings’ residents were to be young adults with special needs. Their daughter, Sherri, had special needs. After experiencing a special needs education at Nicolet High School, Bob and Mimi found a facility in Santa Barbara, CA named the Devereux Institute, which could provide her continuing education, work experience, and living skills.
It was the plan to bring her back to Milwaukee after an appropriate time. With time, Sherri had progressed to living in a supervised apartment. In preparation for the day she would return to Milwaukee, Bob and Mimi purchased the Glendale apartments and asked Jewish Family Services to provide oversight and support for the residents. When publicized in the community, the buildings quickly filled up. Meanwhile, in Santa Barbara, Sherri had established friendships, a job in a special needs travel agency called New Directions, and was very settled and happy in the community there. She didn’t want to move back. The Habush couple made the difficult decision that Sherri should stay in California and continue to thrive. Nonetheless, they wanted to have Habush House continue to benefit others with special needs.
Although Habush House is now owned by the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, JFS has continued to provide oversight and supportive services to the residents, and to ensure that the property is maintained.
Today, the residents of Habush House receive case management services through JFS (and other agencies depending on their personal preference) that support their level of independence. All residents are encouraged to participate in the programming at Habush House. As residents change, JFS assists new residents to acclimate to the environment and community. Programming is geared to resident interest such as arts and crafts, board games, video games, and community outings, such as Brewer games. Residents are encouraged to take part in holidays and seasonal activities. Transportation assistance is provided to the JCC, Friendship Circle, and other community activities.
Habush House has become a place where residents can live in a private yet supportive environment while learning skills, and experiencing a strong sense of community.