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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 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 Programs

programme

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 3 - Adult Darkaynu

December 8, 2021 | 07:00 PM - 07:45 PM
Virtual Darkaynu

Adult Friends N' Fun

February 23, 2022 | 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
(Tentative Event)
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From the gallery

An inclusive Jewish community experience.

Guided social interaction for all ages.

Personalized attention from qualified staff.

Meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.

Guiding families with care.

Jewish inclusion at its best!

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Recent News

November 29, 2021

J-HAP Holiday Events

Darkaynu has partnered with J-HAP (Jewish Housing and Programming), to create social events to learn about the Jewish lifecycle. Participants and residents enjoy rich cultural experiences through interactive activities and engaging guest performances. Finally, for the first time since March 2020, we were able to provide some in-person programming for…
November 23, 2021

Partner School Update

The year is off to a great start. It is so wonderful to be back with all of our partner schools and meet with students IN PERSON! Over the past year Sha’arim instructors have been super creative in keeping our students engaged and learning over zoom and similar online platforms.The…
November 22, 2021

Vocational Training/ Thrift Shop

Did you know that Gateways Thrift Shop is celebrating it’s 2nd Anniversary on November 24?  There is always something new to see when you enter the shop. We have weekly sales announced via email and our Instagram account and we always have new inventory because of the generous donations we…
November 20, 2021

Welcome back to Friends ‘N Fun!

During the recent pandemic our ever popular Friends ‘N Fun programming had to come to a sudden pause in March 2020. Meeting up out in the community with friends and teen peer support staff was not feasible and, to protect everyone, we had to stop our social programming. There was…

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