2446 E CAMELBACK ROAD | 602.955.8000 HERE FOR THE FUTURE Toxic Shock Syndrome Advocate Lauren Wasser in Sacai

C H ARITY SPOTLIGHT {giving back} By Karen Werner ORIGIN: Formed in 1985 as the Council for Jews With Special Needs, this agency was created to meet the special needs of children and adults with disabilities who were unable to participate in typical activities of Jewish life in greater Phoenix. The original programs were for special education assistance and summer camp inclusion. These were followed by support groups for parents, grandparents and siblings, an active disability awareness outreach program, information and referral services, and sign language interpreters in Jewish settings. The agency changed its name in 2017 to Gesher Disability Resources, to reflect more accurately the Supporting individuals with special needs in the Jewish community and their families so they can lead fuller lives ORGANIZATION: Gesher Disability Resources LEADERSHIP: Executive director: Amy Hummell Board co-chairs: Wendy Horwitch and Nora Schaefer ANNUAL BUDGET: $448,000 GESHER DISABILITY RESOURCES FRONTDOORS MEDIA | 53 | MAR/APR 2021