Jewish Foundation for Group Homes

Founded in 1982, JFGH supports more than 150 adults with developmental disabilities and/or chronic mental illness, helping them lead independent lives within the fabric of our community.

How do you help people in my community?

JFGH supports adults with disabilities in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. We have homes and apartments in Montgomery County, D.C., and Northern Virginia. We have offices in Rockville and are expanding our services to serve more adults with disabilities with our Day Habilitation and Transitioning Youth Activity Center.

JFGH supports your neighbors, families and friends who have children with developmental and/or mental illnesses; including but not limited to: learning disabilities, mild mental retardation, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism, seizure disorder, and muscular dystrophy.

Why do you need my support?

• Public funding only provides for the basic necessities required by our residents. For those who have major health care diagnoses, such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, seizure disorders, chronic mental illness, end-stage renal disease, cardiac issues, etc., which require a higher level of education, care, and advocacy from JFGH staff. JFGH must pay to provide the care that is needed and deserved.
• Presently, nearly 300 individuals await placement in the program. To assist them during this time, JFGH is expanding its current program to provide community support services, such as programming, advocacy, and counseling, prior to admission to the JFGH residential program.
• Long-term, residents in the JFGH program will have healthier, more active and fulfilling lives living in a JFGH home staffed with professionals than if they were to stay and live with aging parents. In addition, parents will have the comfort of knowing that their adult children will be looked after in safe, comfortable, and dignified homes with quality residential care.

For less than $20 a month you can provide annual nutrition trainings for direct care providers.

In fact, your donation is so powerful that for under $100 a month you could chose to certify one residential counselor in CPR and first aid, provide dinner out for a group home, or offset the cost of nursing services for one resident.

Your tax-deductible gift to the JFGH—an independent agency—is a gift of self-sufficiency for the fast-growing population of adults with disabilities throughout the greater Washington D.C. area.

We depend on your designated gift to the United Way or Combined Federal Campaign—our number is #20340—and we are very grateful for it!  We also accept used cars as donations. Please call us at 301-984-3839 or email support@jfgh.org for information on ways to support us.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

• For the 4^th straight year, JFGH has been named a Four Star Charity by Charity Navigator, the leading watchdog agency. In addition, the agency receives an annual audit.
• JFGH has a strong and active Board of Directors and a strong management team.

Can I Volunteer? How?

The experience of volunteering at JFGH can be very rewarding for both the volunteer and the resident. Friendships made can last a lifetime. Volunteering is a win-win situation; what could be better?!?!

There are many things a volunteer can do, including: administrative, art projects, friendly visitor program, holiday activities, instructors/professional, special friend program, one-time or group activates and so much more.

What if I have no experience with people with disabilities?

The friendly atmosphere of the homes will make you feel comfortable, even if you have no past experience with people with disabilities. Volunteering with JFGH will open your mind and heart to all sorts of interesting and amazing people. Before you begin to volunteer you can watch a video about JFGH, highlighting a variety of residents, or attend an orientation about working with people with disabilities (on an individual or a group basis).

How do I get involved?

We are happy to discuss volunteer opportunities with you further. For more information, contact our volunteer department at 301-984-3839 or email Volunteers@jfgh.org to design a program or project that reflects your interests and personality.