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Making Disability Inclusion a Priority in the Twin Cities for over 27 Years!
About Us:
Welcome to Sha’arim + Gateways!
For over 27 years, we’ve been champions of disability inclusion in the Twin Cities Jewish Community. Our goal is simple: to make our community as inclusive as possible for everyone.
Here’s what we do:
Our goal is to make sure that every person in our community has a meaningful Jewish experience. We understand that disabilities come in many different forms; visible, invisible, high and low need for support. We partner with schools, synagogues, temples, and community organizations to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities of any kind to participate fully in Jewish life, regardless of age.
We recognize that the need for support can look different for each person, and can change over time. We start providing support as young as pre-school and continue to shift and evolve with participants and their families to meet their needs for as long as they need. We’re here to support individual needs of any kind.
As the only Jewish cross-denominational organization in the Twin Cities, we’re proud to work with organizations across the Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox communities. We believe in supporting each individual’s unique Jewish journey.
We’re here to help and excited to have you on this journey with us! We invite you to join us in creating a Jewish community where everyone belongs!
For more information about our programs for youth, adults, and families affected by disability, check out our Programs tab!
Looking for community resources, facilitator support, or training? Explore our Community Inclusion Resources tab!
Our Organizational Mission:
Vision Statement:
Sha’arim + Gateways envisions a Jewish community where disability inclusion is woven into every aspect of communal life, allowing every individual to belong, contribute, and thrive.
Mission Statement:
Sha’arim + Gateways helps individuals with disabilities and their families fully participate in Jewish life through personalized support, inclusive programming, community education and collaboration that builds lasting capacity for inclusion.
Our History:
We’re thrilled about the journey we’ve taken at Sha’arim + Gateways! From the very beginning, we’ve been committed to staying connected to our community and evolving alongside your needs and interests.
It all started in 1999 when a group of parents in our Jewish community recognized that their children who learn differently, also deserve a meaningful Jewish education. While our initial focus was on providing special education support in mainstream Jewish schools, our mission has grown and expanded over the years.
Today, guided by the vision of ensuring a rich Jewish experience for all, Sha’arim + Gateways has become a comprehensive agency for disability inclusion in the Twin Cities. By listening to you, our community members, we’ve been able to broaden our services to meet new and evolving needs.
Our services now include:
Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every member of our Jewish community feels happy and engaged. With your ongoing support, we’re excited to continue this journey together!
Our videos share the stories, people and programs that make Sha’arim such a special community.
