Special Needs Services / Cherry Hill Area

ACHaD - Achieving Community Hopes and Dreams

The Katz JCC in Cherry Hill serves individuals with special needs from children through elderly adults with a variety of physical, developmental, neurological and learning challenges. Our resources enhance the social, emotional, and physical development of participants through supportive special needs programs and activities that facilitate a sense of empowerment and independence within the Katz JCC and larger South Jersey community.

Participate in JCC Life to the Fullest!

Intake Procedure

To help ensure the most appropriate placement for each person with special needs, all new participants must schedule an intake interview at the Cherry Hill facility. All information and IEPs shared with the ACHaD Department staff is kept strictly confidential.

Members of the Katz JCC that require special assistance can choose to supply their own support person and take advantage of all Katz JCC programs & services without limitations.

A support person will be allowed into facility free of charge as long as they are accompanying a member who requires their assistance. This person will have no other Center privileges. Please contact the ACHaD Department to obtain a caregiver card for this person.

Adaptive / Assistive Devices

Adaptive / Assistive Devices available through the ACHaD Department of the JCC for use at the Weinberg Community Campus:

Open Hearts / Open Doors

Judaism finds holiness in people of all kinds and abilities, as reflected in the prayer "Blessed are You, O God, King of the Universe, who creates a variety of Creations [meshaneh ha-briyot]." The Open Hearts/Open Doors program provides accommodations in order for children with disabilities to fully participate with age-appropriate peers in the JCC Camps at Medford and the Kindercamp program in Cherry Hill.

Program goals include the following:

• To expose children with disabilities to informal Jewish education, Jewish identification, and Jewish pride.
• To promote positive leisure time activities through the development of recreational skills.
• To develop social skills and friendships with non-disabled peers.
• To provide peer modeling of age-appropriate social skills and behaviors.
• To promote independence and community acceptance.
• To offer non-disabled children opportunities to learn about disabilities and the support of individuals with disabilities.

Integrated within camp, an "advocate" counselor helps each child fully maximize his/her experience. Summer goals for each child are established with the family to maximize opportunities for growth socially, recreationally, and functionally. However, the ultimate mission of the Open Hearts/Open Doors program is to provide the opportunity for children with disabilities to become successful and welcomed members of the JCC Camps community.

This is a funded program, dependent upon grants and other fundraising functions. Therefore space is limited and there is currently a waiting list for the program.

ACHaD (Special) Needs Basketball

A special needs basketball team for middle and high school age students who wish to participate with their peers in a sports program. Includes a team shirt, instruction, and game play. Special needs basketball is held Monday nights throughout the school year.

Jewish Holiday Celebrations and Community Events

The ACHaD department provides year round opportunities to celebrate the Jewish Holidays with your peers. Join us for the Bowling Bonanza, the Sukkot Celebration, a Chanukah Happening, a Purim Party, and a Passover Seder.

Program Funding

This program receives funding from both the Raymond & Gertrude R. Saltzman Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey Federation Annual Campaign.

For More Information on Special Needs

For Cherry Hill special needs information, contact Eileen Elias at 856-424-4444 x114.