Jewish Foundation for Group Homes Celebrates 30 Years (Photos)

The Jewish Foundation for Group Homes (JFGH) celebrated 30 years of service to adults with disabilities this summer.

JFGH opened its first group home, the Melvin and Estelle Gelman Home, in 1983 to serve six residents. The program has grown over the years to serve more than 200 adults through residential, social and transitional programs in Montgomery County and Fairfax County, Virginia.

The original five residents joined in the 30th anniversary celebration at the JFGH office with family members and JFGH staff. With the exception of one resident who still lives in the same home, the others have moved to different JFGH homes or into their own apartments in the area.

The JFGH residential program assists men and women over the age of 18 with one or more of the following; intellectual disabilities with a wide range of limitations, mobility impairments, deafness/hearing impairments, visual impairments, learning disabilities, chronic mental illness, communication disorders, and other developmental disabilities. JFGH serves clients who fall well below 50 percent of area median income and most are Medicaid eligible.

In addition to the residential programs, JFGH also operates MOST™ (Meaningful Opportunities for Successful Transitions), a one year transitional program for individuals who have aged out of the education system and need additional support in developing independent living, community inclusion and/or vocational skills prior to starting the next phase of their life.

Original Residents of the Melvin and Estalle Gelman Home, 1983
Photo | Jewish Foundation for Group Homes

Jewish Foundation For Group Homes Anniversary, June 26
Nan, Annie, Holly, Alan, and Karen.
Photo | Jewish Foundation for Group Homes

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