The Jewish Association for Community Living officially dedicated a group home on Dec. 17, making it a place where special needs residents will be able to practice and reinforce their Jewish heritage and live a Jewish life.

Submitted

The Jewish Association for Community Living (JCL) held a small gathering of board members, residents, and Jewish family members to dedicate the new JCL group home at 195 Brewster Rd., West Hartford on Sunday, Dec.17, 2017, at 1 p.m.

Rabbi David Small of Emanuel Synagogue conducted the ceremony to affix a Mezuzah to both entryways and another to the bedroom door of the Jewish resident that will be living in the house. In a Jewish home, building, or school, a Mezuzah is hung from every doorway as a daily reminder of Jewish identity and faith and to protect those who live there.

JCL is one of a few organizations in the area that help adults with special needs practice and reinforce their Jewish heritage and live a Jewish life. Kashrut is observed in all group homes. In addition, JCL offers more than 20 free activities and holiday programs throughout the year. Events are open to all people with special needs and their families and friends.

“We are thrilled that our son will have new opportunities to participate in traditional Jewish activities in our community,” said Tammy and Andy Selinger, parents of a resident of the new Brewster group home.

JCL group homes are homes first, and programs second. Adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities live and grow together. JCL staff ensures a safe and nurturing environment 24 hours per day. All residents are encouraged to pursue or experience any religious or cultural activity of their choosing.

This is the fourth group home JCL manages in West Hartford. The Brewster group home officially opened on Nov. 27 when the first of three residents moved in. The State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Disabilities, private donors, and community grants fund the home.

“The West Hartford community has been so welcoming to JCL and the adults we serve over the past 35 years. When the opportunity to open another Jewish group home presented itself, we knew West Hartford was the place,” said JCL Executive Director, Denis Geary.

The Jewish Association for Community Living exists for one reason only — to help persons with developmental or intellectual disabilities participate in community life as independently and safely as possible. Many of the JCL residents grew up in the West Hartford area. With the support of JCL, they have been able to remain in the area with continued ties to family and friends. Our programs and services are open to all faiths and backgrounds. However, JCL is one of the few organizations in the area that help adults with special needs practice and reinforces their Jewish heritage. JCL manages group homes, supported living homes, and day programs in West Hartford. www.jcl-ct.org.