At Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley, the mission is clear: to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels empowered,
valued, and connected. For adults with disabilities and their families, JFS offers a specialized cache of support groups designed to
navigate life.
What Makes These Groups Unique
Each group is intentionally structured to meet participants where they are and where they want to be, while honoring
individual goals and strengths. The three support groups include:
- The Empowerment Group, a dynamic skill-building class for adults with disabilities
- Parent Support Group, which provides parents with space to share experiences, learn resources, and navigate future planning
- Sibling Support Group, a virtual group for adult siblings to share their unique perspectives and experiences.
These three groups are designed to complement one another. The skills an adult learns in the Empowerment Group can be
immediately reinforced at home, creating a bridge between group learning and daily life.
Why It Matters
For many, these sessions provide a sense of belonging that is hard to find elsewhere. Amanda Thomas, PhD, Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator, emphasizes the emotional impact: “These groups help adults and families feel less alone.”
The feedback from participants speaks to the program’s success. One local parent shared, “This has been a great opportunity for
sharing concerns and a source of good information on planning for my son’s present and future needs.”
Looking Ahead
This February, JFS will expand its offerings through a new partnership with Cedar Crest College, launching a neuro-inclusive virtual social hour designed to foster inclusive social connection between the Empowerment clients and Cedar Crest College students.
JFS is proud to prioritize supporting adults with disabilities and their families by offering this type of comprehensive service unique to the Lehigh Valley.
Whether you are seeking resources, skill-building, or seeking a community that understands, JFS is here for you. To schedule a preliminary meeting, contact Dr. Amanda Thomas at amthomas@jfslv.org or visit our website to learn more jfslv.org/accessibility-inclusion/.
Featured in Hakol February 2026