Greater MetroWest ABLE has been dedicated to raising awareness and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental illness. As a vigilant advocate for our Jewish community ABLE stands on the front lines advocating for a day where no individual or family will struggle alone. As part of our efforts to end the stigma, we have compiled a mental health resource guide to help inform members of the community on what services are currently available to support them.
GREATER METROWEST ABLE VISION
Greater MetroWest ABLE envisions a Greater MetroWest community that is made whole through the active and meaningful participation of all of its members, with opportunities for access to every aspect of Jewish life.
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Rebecca Wanatick discusses the impact of Greater MetroWest ABLE.
Featured Programs
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I would like to ask our Greater MetroWest community to help raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health challenges. 1 in 5 Americans lives with a mental health condition – children, teens and adults. With 20% of our community personally living with a mental health condition, the families and friends supportive of them and the community around them, we are all responsible to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Below are some resources to consider and share with your communities.
- Mental Health Awareness Shabbat
- The Blue Dove Foundation – Mental Health Awareness resources and conversation starters for Shabbat
- Stigma Free Faith Based resources
- Mental Health Fact Sheets
This year we offered mental health awareness training for teens and community members as well as Mental Health First Aid Certification for clergy, educators and camp professionals. If you are interested in participating in a program or training in the year ahead, please let me know. We are beginning to schedule our programs for the 2019-20 year.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I am always happy to be a resource and brainstorm together.
B’shalom,
Becca
Rebecca Wanatick
Manager, Community Inclusion & Program Services
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ
rwanatick@jfedgmw.org
(973) 929-3129
Mom's Support Group
2nd Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC
760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
Are you looking for support and guidance, networking with other moms, how to be the best advocate, services and resources available in your community? For more information please Rebecca Wanatick, Community Coordinator, Greater MetroWest ABLE at (973) 929-3129 or rwanatick@jfedgmw.org.
Special Needs Caregiver's Support Group
For caregivers of children/adults with special needs
This group offers:
- Support and guidance
- An opportunity to network with other parents/guardians
- Ways to advocate for your child
- Services and resources available in the community
For more information please contact Rebecca Wanatick, Community Inclusion Manager, Greater MetroWest ABLE at (973) 929-3129 or rwanatick@jfedgmw.org.
Sibling's Support Group
Thursday evenings, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Jewish Family Services of MetroWest
570 W. Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston
For siblings of children with special needs
This group offers:
- Support and Guidance
- An opportunity to address feelings in a fun, supportive environment
- Meet other children in similar situations
For more information please contact Rebecca Wanatick, Community Inclusion Manager, Greater MetroWest ABLE at (973) 929-3129 or rwanatick@jfedgmw.org.
Union County Sibling's and Caregiver's Support Group
Thursday evenings, 6-7:15 p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m. (download flyer for specific times and dates)
The JCC of Central NJ
1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains
Vodcasts of Recent Workshops
Special Education — Your Child’s Rights and District’s Obligations Under IDEA and NJ Law
Learn more about your child’s rights and district’s obligations under IDEA.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentation
Future Planning: What You Need to Know to Ensure Your Child's Care
This workshop begins to answer the questions you have about planning for your child in adulthood. It is never too early to begin the process.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations
Building a Team as an Investment in Your Child's Future
This workshop begins to answer the questions of developing a team to transition your child from school to what happens next.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations
Creative Alternatives to Supervised and Supportive Residential Options
This workshop discusses the process of eligibility, options, and opportunities for supportive housing for adults with disabilities.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations
Navigating the Bureaucracy — How to Get Efficient and Effective Services for Your Family Member with Special Needs
Learn more about how to navigate the many systems in place to support your family. This presentation includes information on state and federal programs, understanding insurance plans and changes in DDD.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations
While You Wait For Residential Services…How Do You Maximize the Resources Available?
Learn more about how to maximize the resources that are in place to support your family. This presentation includes information on using self-directed service budgets, the new DDD Supports Program, and services provided by NJDVRS.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations
10 New ABLE Awarded Partners Recognized!
Ten congregations and agencies were honored as the newest partners to become ABLE Awarded, acknowledging them as having a mindset of providing an inclusive environment for all members of the Jewish community. These newest partners are Bnai Keshet, JCC MetroWest, Jewish Family Service of Central NJ, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled, Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest NJ, The Joint Chaplaincy Committee of Greater MetroWest NJ, The Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life, and Temple Sholom of Scotch Plains. These partners join those who had already achieved this goal: Adath Shalom Synagogue, Congregation Agudath Israel, Congregation Awahas Achim B’nai Jacob & David, Congregation B’nai Israel of Millburn, Congregation Beth Israel, Temple Beth Shalom, Temple B’nai Abraham, Temple Sha’arey Shalom, and Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel.
Media Coverage
Children with Special Needs & Disabilities: Programs in New Jersey
Kveller (11/2/16)
Raising young kids always comes with its fair share of challenges (looking at you, bed time) but when you throw in things like special needs and disabilities, families could use all the support they can get. One of the amazing resources available to New Jersey families in Essex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Union counties is Greater MetroWest ABLE—a consortium of 13 organizations that provide programming and support for individuals with disabilities and their families. more
Aging and Disabilities Roundtable
AccessFederation (9/27/16)
On September 23, approximately 50 communal workers who work with older adults and/or individuals with disabilities in the Jewish community gathered for an educational seminar to discuss the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families as they all age. Those attending the Aging and Disabilities Roundtable learned about all the resources available to them and their clients through the incredible network of agencies in Greater MetroWest. more
Special Needs Program for Educators
AccessFederation (9/20/16)
This past weekend saw the launch of the Matan Institute of Greater MetroWest, bringing the national organization to our community to run a year-long program for our local congregational religious school teachers and directors. The program is designed to provide participants with concrete tools and strategies for reaching all students and including children with special needs in Jewish education. more
Standing Up For Inclusion
AccessFederation (9/13/16)
Greater MetroWest ABLE is excited to announce that it is about to embark on its first Matan Institute of Greater MetroWest on Sunday, September 18. There are 22 educators representing 11 congregations participating in the yearlong program which provides education and mentorship in the area of special education. more
view more in the Media Coverage Archive