From Longing to Belonging—A New Approach to Inclusion for Jewish Communal Agencies (Sponsored by the Disabilities Services Professionals Affinity Group)

Drawing on her extensive personal and professional experience in the disability field, Shelly Christensen, MA, leader in the faith community disability inclusion movement, will break down the components of both the “why” and the “how” of successful inclusion efforts, giving Jewish professional and lay leaders a path to developing communities that are more than a place to be included. They are places to belong.

Learn about this new approach to inclusion that builds upon our past endeavors and brings together the two pillars of inclusive communities–the Spirit of Belonging and the Structure of Inclusion. Shelly will discuss the importance of leadership in inclusion, provide insight into obstacles that may obscure belonging, and several practical strategies to support belonging and inclusion. She will also answer your questions.

Presenter:
Shelly Christensen holds a master of arts degree in Developmental Disabilities from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. She is the president of Inclusion Innovations where she consults and coaches faith communities. Shelly spent 13 years leading the Goodman Award-winning Jewish Community Inclusion Program for People with Disabilities at JFCS in Minneapolis. Her new book, From Longing to Belonging—A Practical Guide to Including People with Disabilities and Mental Health Conditions in Your Faith Community,” is based on her work as a leader in the growing faith community disability inclusion movement. She is past president of the Religion and Spirituality Network of the American Association on Intellectual Disabilities (AAIDD) and co-founder and organizer of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM).

Participate in periodic Disabilities Services Professionals Affinity Group calls. If you aren’t already a part of the group please email Megan to have your name added. Please visit the Members Only section of the NJHSA website and sign in with your agency logins to access the Calls & Webinars page where you will find zoom meeting and registration links for all Network offerings including Disabilities Services Professionals Affinity Group calls. Email Megan for agency logins.

Member Registration
Non-members may register by contacting Karen Rosen.