The Atlanta Jewish Federation initiated a long-range planning process in 1987 called the "Year 2000 Report." Thanks to a "grassroots" campaign from families in need, services for people with developmental disabilities were shown to be a priority within our community.

In response to this need, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (JFGA) created the Coordinated Network of Services for Persons with Disabilities. Through coordination, cooperation, and collaboration among the Jewish agencies in Atlanta and several nonsectarian disability providers, there has been an incredible growth in services to this population. Overall coordination is provided by Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) as the lead agency.

In 2004 a new position was funded by JFGA with the title of Disability Information & Referral Coordinator. This individual provides information in response to telephone inquiries about services for persons with disabilities and is actively involved in the general community to advocate for individuals with a variety of needs.

Coordinated Network for Persons with Disabilities
(The Network)
The Network is made up of staff and lay people from three Federation beneficiary agencies in Atlanta; the Center for Jewish Education & Experiences – Amit Community School Program, Jewish Family & Career Services and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Within The Network, families are able to access information and support in several areas. The core services in the Network are designed to meet the expressed needs of children and adults with disabilities for counseling and/or case management, work, housing, recreation, and education.