Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM)
As we continue to advance our vision of inclusion at the JCC, it’s important to pause and reflect on the roots of this journey—where it all began and the foundation that has guided us ever since.
This fall, I found myself thinking about the history and the experiences within our
community that gave rise to inclusion at the JCC. Decades ago, when children with disabilities were often hidden from public life or sent away, one family chose a different path. For Sara Portman Milner, who pioneered inclusion within the JCC community, that path meant her entire family fully embracing her brother Sam, who was born with Down Syndrome, in every moment of family life. That early experience didn’t just shape Sara’s perspective; it became the foundation of her work. In 1979, inspired by Sam, Sara’s determination drove her to envision a JCC where individuals of all abilities could participate fully and with dignity, opening doors for countless families and establishing the JCC as a model of inclusion.
The legacy Sara helped create has been strengthened over the years by individuals who have embraced and expanded her vision. This year, we were proud to honor Eva Cowen with the Polin Humanitarian Award at the Dinner of Champions for her 40 years of extraordinary leadership and her unwavering dedication to inclusion at camp. The Dinner of Champions
not only celebrates leaders like Eva—it directly supports inclusion at Lessans Camp JCC, ensuring that campers of all abilities can experience the fun of camp.
Like Sara, Eva’s journey was deeply personal. Eva grew up with a sibling who has a disability,
and that experience shaped her understanding of what true inclusion means. Guided in part by Sara as her mentor, Eva transformed that personal insight into a lifelong commitment
to creating spaces where every individual feels valued. Today, Eva’s work continues to
strengthen our promise to build a community rooted in respect and compassion where every individual is seen, welcomed, and fully embraced.
As we mark Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month, we are
reminded that this work is both a celebration of how far we have come and a call to continue strengthening a community where everyone is welcomed.
Thank you for taking the time to read more about our ongoing vision of inclusion at the
JCC. We are deeply grateful to all who make this possible, our dedicated staff, committed lay leaders, and every individual who continues to drive our inclusive mission forward.
Josh Bender, Bender JCC, CEO
