Chaverim is a non-profit, non-sectarian affiliated program of Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles. We are committed to providing activities that enhance the quality of life for adults with developmental and other disabilities such as autism, mild retardation, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, brain trauma, and various mental disorders. Our supportive environment helps our members realize their potential and become active, vital members of the community.

  Chaverim offers a social program with numerous planned activities each month for ages 18 and over.

A typical month of activities include:

*Dinner Club
*Lunch and Movie
*Jewish Studies
*Shabbat dinners
*Cooking classes
*Arts and crafts
*Karaoke night
*Bingo.
*Bowling

Other activities include:

*Dances
*Sporting events

Various day trips to places like:

*Petersen Auto Museum
*LA Zoo
*Disneyland
*San Diego Zoo
*Solvang
*Santa Barbara

We also have an annual Passover Seder, Chanukah party and weekend of camping at the AJU/Brandeis-Bardin Institute.

  The cost of membership for participation in Chaverim is $250 a year or $25 paid monthly. No one is turned away from Chaverim due to financial hardship, and dues can be lowered. Please call for more information.

  If you wish to attend an activity or learn about the program, please call (818) 464-3360. We will be happy to give you more information about what activities best meet your needs or your family member’s needs.

  What does Chaverim do?

  Chaverim provides a social program for developmentally disabled adults, and an Independent Living Skills program vendored by the Regional Center system.

  What is the relationship between Chaverim and Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles?

  Chaverim is a program of JFSLA. It receives an annual funding allocation from the Jewish Federation Council. JFSLA administrative services that support Chaverim include fiscal, human resources, fundraising, grant development, and public relations.

  Does a person have to be disabled to join Chaverim?

  Yes, Chaverim is a program for developmentally disabled people. Most of our members have one or more of the following disabilities: autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, learning disabilities, and anxiety disorders.

  Does a person have to be Jewish to join Chaverim?

  No, all are welcome.

  Why are there monthly dues and how much are they? What if someone can’t afford them?

  Chaverim is a membership club, and dues help pay program expenses. Dues also give members the awareness that they have an investment in the program. The dues are $25 per month or $250 per year if paid at one time. No one is turned away from Chaverim due to financial hardship, and dues can be lowered.

  Who are the Chaverim staff?

  The Program/Activities Coordinator is Gerry Dicker. Our program Rabbinic Intern is Aron Klein. Michele Dicker is the ILS Activities Coordinator, and also an ILS instructor. Melanie Tasoff is the Activities Assistant, and Elissa Rosner is an ILS Instructor. There are many volunteers who run or help run our activities including Libby Eglin, Herb Ehrmann, Brandice Friedman, Ellen Gold, and Susanne Klein.

  How do I join Chaverim?

  You can come to one activity to see if Chaverim is for you. You can get a copy of the calendar mailed to you by calling the office. If you call the office and request an application and information packet it will be mailed to you. If you fill it out and return it with your check you will begin to receive the monthly calendar. Then you just attend activities as you wish.