Giborim U

Enrichment Classes for Those with Special Needs

Giborim U Mission

Giborim U is a program for children, teens and adults with special needs.  Its catalog includes courses in fitness, the arts, sports, recreation, life skills and health and wellness. Participants will enrich their lives socially and behaviorally while gaining independence and communication skills, as they forge genuine connections to each other and the community.

 Background & History

The David Posnack JCC's premier special needs summer camp, Camp Giborim, serves over 150 children and adults between the ages of 3 and up, regardless of ethnicity, race, or faith. 

The special needs population is experiencing a steady increase with a greater demand for a year-round program for youth and adults. The J, committed to working with this special population, developed Giborim U, a program offering enrichment classes from August through May; Sunday through Friday for both adults and youth.

Populations Served

Ages Served:

• Ages 6 and up

Requirements:

• Diagnosed with a developmental disability, including, but not limited to, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Angelman syndrome, Smith-Magenis syndrome and other disabilities.
• Ability to participate in small groups
• Active engagement
• Ability to stay with a group
• Follow basic group instructions

Exclusions:

• Continuous physical aggression
• Requires continuous one-on-one attention
• Elopes/runs away
• Continuous inappropriate language or behavior

Registration/Intake Process

Applicants must meet the DPJCC and Giborim U admissions’ requirements as determined by a completed intake process. Current Giborim campers, returning Gib U and Exceptional Theater Company participants  are pre-approved.

A discussion of class placement will take place during the intake process. To schedule an intake application by phone, call or email:

• Gib U Administrator, Arlene Abrams • 954-434-0499 Ext 326 • aabrams@dpjcc.org
• Giborim U Director, Debra Lombard • 954-434-0499 Ext 208 • dlombard@dpjcc.org
• Coordinator, Kevin Troonin • 954-434-0499 Ext 343 • ktroonin@dpjcc.org
• Coordinator, Risa Spevack • 954-434-0499 Ext 120 • rspevack@dpjcc.org

Following the intake process, participants will complete the Giborim U registration and payment form. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Inquire during the intake process.

Membership at the J is not required to attend Giborim U.