Individuals with a broad ranges of conditions and concerns have benefited from JFCS' Disabilities Program: A single mother with a chronic heart and lung ailment. A middle-aged man who is hearing-impaired. A young adult suffering from failing vision. A woman living for many years with HIV. A family whose young adult daughter has developmental disabilities. They have turned to JFCS’ Disabilities Program, because they know that JFCS is a Bay Area leader in providing quality services to persons with physical or mental disabilities as well as to their families and caregivers.

Our goal is their goal—giving them the help they need to achieve and maintain optimal levels of well-being and self-sufficiency. Each year, hundreds of adults and their families receive expert help from JFCS’ Disabilities Program, which includes case management; individual and family counseling; attendant care; benefits assistance; meal delivery; information and referrals; and advocacy.

Gary Shupin House - Independent Living Community

JFCS announces the opening of the Gary Shupin House - Independent Living Community. The multilevel apartment building in the Laurel Village neighborhood is the first residence in San Francisco to provide supportive, independent apartment living for Jewish adults with developmental disabilities.

Gary Shupin House is made possible by a generous gift from Gary’s uncle, Gerson Bakar, and his late mother, Barbara Bakar Shupin, who donated the building where Gary lived semi-independently during the last 15 years of his life. Born with cerebral palsy, Gary also faced developmental challenges. With support from friends, family, and community, he worked hard and enjoyed a rich life.

Gary Shupin House, welcoming residents beginning in winter 2009 - 2010, will provide a warm and supportive environment for up to seven adults with developmental disabilities in four separate, private apartments. Residents may have their own one-bedroom unit or share a two-bedroom apartment. All apartments are filled with light and include full kitchens and tile bathrooms with bath and shower. Laundry facilities are available. The secure complex includes a lovely private garden with a brick patio.

Fostering Independence, Fulfillment, and Community

The program offered at Gary Shupin House tailors services to the specific needs of each resident to promote maximum community participation and independent living. JFCS’ trained and caring professionals work closely with residents to support the development of their skills for employment and independent living. We support people in all aspects of their independent living—housekeeping, clothing care, meal planning and preparation, health and hygiene, shopping, personal care, money management and banking, functional learning, administration of medications, transportation, and social skills.

During the initial period of residence, clients will receive one-on-one, hands-on training in independent-living skills. Training is provided at the residence and in everyday settings such as banks, supermarkets, department stores, and on public transportation. Residents will participate in meaningful jobs, volunteer service, social and cultural events, and sports and recreational activities. Many Jewish holidays are observed within a warm, communal setting, and special attention is given to helping residents integrate into Jewish communal life and institutions.

If you have a family member or know of someone that would benefit from this unique independent-living program, contact Anetta Kalk, MFT, Program Coordinator, at 415-449-2904.

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