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Sha'arim has given us a whole new idea of what our children are capable of.

Adam C.

Who we are

Sha’arim + Gateways was established in 1999 to address the unmet need of disability inclusion for children and adults with special needs in the Minneapolis Jewish community. The program has expanded both in the area of education and guided social activities to include children and young adults with mild to moderate disabilities.

About Us

Sha'arim + Gateways Programs

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Partner Schools

By partnering with Jewish schools, synagogues, and other community agencies, we provide services and support that focus on the unique needs and learning style of each individual.

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Darkaynu

Our Darkaynu in the Schools program offers students who learn best with one on one support the opportunity to enjoy a Hebrew School experience. The Adult Darkaynu program provides a space for our adult participants to continue their Jewish education and involvement in a fun and engaging environment.

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Friends ‘N Fun

By partnering with youth groups and young adult volunteers from the community, the Friends ‘N Fun program provides Jewish youth and adults with special needs the opportunity to be a part of inclusive and meaningful guided social experiences within our Jewish community.

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Thrift Shop

The Thrift Shop is a non-profit provider of vocational training, job placement, and meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. 

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Upcoming events

Session 7 - Adult Darkaynu

June 7, 2023 | 07:00 PM - 07:45 PM
Virtual

Family Friends ‘N Fun

June 21, 2023 | 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
(Tentative)
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Recent News

January 3, 2023

Partner Schools New Year Update

Where has the first half of the school year gone? We can’t believe we are entering 2023! While everyone is busy making new year’s resolutions, Sha’arim is continuously committed to the resolution that we make every year, all year long – to provide meaningful and responsible inclusion of all students…
January 2, 2023

Friends ‘N Fun New Year Update

Goodbye 2022, Hello 2023! The Friends ‘N Fun season that began in September has been going strong ever since and it’s been really great so far. We’re especially excited that this will be our first full year of events for our new division of Teen Friends ‘N Fun. With two…
December 30, 2022

Gateways Vocational Program New Year Update

It may be a chilly Minnesota winter but in the Gateways Vocational Training Program and Thrift Shop you can always count on a warm and welcoming atmosphere.  Over the past months in the Gateways Vocational Training Program we have been focusing on learning about different kinds of feedback and how…
September 12, 2022

Friends ‘N Fun Kick-Off Event

We started off the year with a magical Friends N Fun Family Event at the Westwood Nature Center. Dinner was catered by Basil, and everyone got to choose a delicious wrap. During the meal we had a get-to-know-you scavenger hunt so that all of our participants could meet new people…

Get Involved

Become a Volunteer

Our volunteers come from across the Twin Cities Jewish Community. Friends ‘N Fun allows them to share their passion, unique talents, and abilities with our youth and adults.

Volunteer

Become a Donor

Become an integral part of the world of inclusion and make a difference in the life of someone with special needs. An inclusive community starts with you!

Donate

Join Our Staff

Our staff is made up of the best group of passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable individuals with experience in the world of special needs. Would you like to be one of them? Let us know!

Join