The Jewish Disabilities Network's Picnic at Westlands Park

The Jewish Disabilities Network (JDN) hosted its fifth annual summer picnic at Westlands Park in Greenwood Village on Sunday, August 30th. JDN provides a single-point-of-entry to case management, information and referral, recreational activities, and Jewish cultural and educational opportunities for Jewish individuals with disabilities, and provides associated services to their families.

About 55 people – 15 families, four of the JFS Group Home residents, and a few staff members – attended the late-afternoon picnic. Participants ranged in age from five months to 80 years old! A couple families also brought dogs, which were a big hit. The weather was a bit ominous that day – it threatened to rain all day and did rain for the first half-hour of the party, but it didn’t deter people from enjoying the festivities. It helped that they were under a covered shelter, too!

Everyone was asked to introduce themselves and share something with the group. Some brought a meaningful item to show, such as a favorite book or photo, and others told interesting tidbits about themselves. After this ice breaker, everyone enjoyed the delicious, authentic Jewish food from East Side Kosher Deli that the JDN provided. Since this event is a true community effort, each family brought a non-food item such as a tablecloth or paper goods. The beautiful park setting with flowers and a lake, Jewish music playing in the background, and bubbles on the tables created a fun party environment.

“This picnic is one of our most popular events of the year because people love the relaxing atmosphere of the park and hanging out with other families,” says Adina Krausz, JDN coordinator. “It is like a casual support group where participants get good tidbits from each other about navigating the disability systems.”

In addition to socializing with old friends and meeting new friends, the guests created picture frames out of plastic CD cases by decorating the cases with jewels, tiles, and mirrors. JDN staff then took family portraits so everyone would have a photo for their frames!

One parent who attended the picnic said, “Thanks for another great event. It is always nice to get together with the other JDN families. How very relaxing to be in a social situation and not have to worry about how others view you.”