Giborim United

Enrichment Classes for Those with Special Needs

Giborim United Mission

Giborim United is a program for children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities.  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 summer camp for individuals with developmental disabilities, Camp Giborim, serves over 150 children and adults between the ages of 3 and up, regardless of faith, age, gender, ethnicity, ability or identity.

The 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 Merlie's Giborim United, 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 Merlie's Giborim United admissions requirements as determined by a completed intake process. A discussion of class placement for GAP, HIRE-Ability and GibConnect will take place during the intake process. For information about:

• GAP: contact Sabrina Sessa, GAP Coordinator, at ssessa@dpjcc.org
• HIRE-Ability: Marilyn Adams, HIRE-Ability Coordinator, at madams@dpjcc.org
• GibConnect: Javan Bullock, GibConnect Coordinator, at jbullock@dpjcc.org

Following the intake process, participants will complete the Merlie's Giborim United registration and payment form. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Inquire during the intake process.
All outstanding payments must be completed prior to start date of session. 

Membership at the J is not required to attend Merlie's Giborim United.