Sha'arim

Creating An Inclusive Community For All

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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 was established in 1999 to address the unmet need of inclusion of 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 moderate to severe special needs.

About Us

Sha'arim 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

The Youth Darkaynu program offers students who learn best in self contained or side stream environments the opportunity to enjoy a Hebrew School experience. Our 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 special needs.

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Upcoming events

Youth Darkaynu

February 23, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Adult Friends 'N Fun

March 18, 2020 | 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Registration Required   All Wednesday events are from 6:00pm-8:00pm leaving from the Sabes JCC at
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From the gallery

An inclusive Jewish community experience.

Guided social interaction for all ages.

Education that meets the needs of every child.

Meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.

Personalized attention from qualified staff.

Jewish inclusion at its best!

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Recent News

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January 13, 2020

Sha’arim Auction Benefit 2019

Sha’arim has become known for its annual Auction Benefit fundraiser. The organization was founded 21 years ago to support the needs of the Jewish special needs community in the Twin Cities. Sha’arim works tirelessly, year-round to support these families with a multitude of varying services and programs. But once a…
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Our Grand Opening!

After 5 long years of research, hard work, and determination, we are so proud to announce the Grand Opening of the Gateways Thrift Shop that took place on Nov. 17th! Opening our retail space was the final stage in completing our vision for the Gateways Vocational Training and Employment program….
August 12, 2019

Summer 2019

“It is with great delight and joy that I formally announce the opening of our Thrift Shop retail space located at 4 Shady Oak Rd in Hopkins (located in the Suburban Mall on Shady Oak Rd between Highway 7 and Excelsior Blvd). The search for a space has been long…
June 19, 2019

Thrift Shop Spring/Summer Update

As each month passes, we get closer to finding a retail space for our storefront. Our donation center continues to get more and more full. This is a good problem to have and we are truly grateful for the wonderful quality of items we get from so many people all…

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