- People with Disabilities
JFCS’ Gary Shupin Independent Living Community provides both residential and community based services to young adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities. The Shupin Social Club invites young adults from all over the Bay Area to come together to learn critical skills, socialize and feel a part of a vibrant community. Several times a month the members participate in organized activities such as bowling, karaoke, cooking classes and Jewish holiday celebrations. A group of 10 recently took a field trip to the California Academy of Sciences where they watched a performance by Horvitz Youth-Ability, a program for young adults with disabilities from Cleveland. For many, it was a profound experience.
“I met a girl from Russia who has a disability, too. They are special in their own way, just like me,” remarked a Shupin House resident, delighted to find a kindred spirit.
“The event was absolutely magical,” agreed Alexandra Howard, Gary Shupin House Resident Manager. “Our two groups came together seamlessly. Everyone got along well and they were so excited to meet new friends from far away.”
The groups enjoyed lunch together, and one of our Shupin Social Club members who works at the museum took them on a special insiders’ tour. “He was very proud to share his vast knowledge with his peers,” Alexandra added.
Shupin Social Club members enjoy trip to California Academy of Sciences
“This opens the door to what may become an ongoing, reciprocal relationship with the group in Cleveland,” said Mia Freund Walker, a clinical social worker at JFCS who works one-on-one with Shupin Community members. She is one of many dedicated professionals at JFCS who provide comprehensive, individualized services that help young adults with developmental disabilities to live more independently.
According to Mia, one of the most important benefits of the Shupin Social Club is that it prevents social isolation and gives the young adults the opportunity to develop meaningful friendships, all while learning new skills.
“I like the Social Club. We do cooking and we watch movies and we play games together. We go bowling and I like these things because it helps me to not feel lonely and I get to hang out with people,” shared one participant.
The Shupin Social Club is just one aspect of the Gary Shupin Independent Living Community which also includes Shupin House, a residential program in San Francisco’s Laurel Heights neighborhood. The house was a generous gift from Gary Shupin’s uncle, Gerson Bakar, and his late mother, Barbara Bakar Shupin. Gary, who was born with cerebral palsy and faced developmental challenges, lived semi-independently in the building until his death, in 2008.
The co-ed Shupin Social Club attracts a large group of individuals from all over the Bay Area who participate in supervised activities that are always rooted in skill building. Many of the activities (such as cooking classes, movie nights, and dances) occur onsite at the Shupin House, however organizers are always seeking to add offsite recreational excursions such as the one the group took to the California Academy of Sciences. About half of the Shupin Social Club members are Jewish, and the group is open to all faiths.
JFCS staff help Shupin Community members in a myriad of ways. In addition to providing emotional support, they offer practical guidance to help residents with money management, personal safety, navigating public transportation, meal planning and preparation, heath and hygiene, grocery shopping, functional learning, administration of medications, and social skills development.
“Shupin house fills a critical niche in the community for transition age young adults who are out of school but not quite able to live on their own. And it gives their parents huge peace of mind to know that their adult children have the professional and social support they need to thrive,” Mia said.
The Shupin House itself is a safe and comfortable place for adults with disabilities to live and connect with others. It is close to public transportation and shops in Laurel Village, and it is within walking distance of the JCC, JFCS, and synagogues.
Lots of smiles at a recent Shupin Club Shabbat dinner cooking class
One Shupin House resident spoke about the important friendship she developed . “I love hanging out with my neighbor. She’s like my sister and I love her because she understands how I feel. When I get my feelings hurt, she helps calm me down.”
Another resident made a point of complimenting the Shupin House staff. “Alexandra and Mia have been really supportive, and I thank them a lot for helping me with my problems and teaching me new skills,” she said. “I want to learn how to do things on my own; not just with them, but by myself, too.”
Alexandra, who has been working at the Shupin House for almost five years, is grateful to the Shupin House community, as well. “I have the best job in the world,” she said. “Our residents and clients are such motivated and hardworking individuals, and have the biggest hearts of anyone I know. I am truly fortunate to be able to teach these young adults, and in return they teach me many wonderful life lessons.”
Learn more about JFCS’ Disabilities Program and the Gary Shupin Independent Living Community >
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