Special Needs

HaMercaz

HaMercaz—A Community of Support for Families Raising Children with Special Needs
The Federation’s HaMercaz program offers ongoing assistance, advocacy, and support for Jewish families and children with special needs and developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, Asperger syndrome, and cerebral palsy, from birth to age 22. Ha mercaz means "the center" in Hebrew.

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Contact HaMercaz at 866-287-8030 or hamercaz@jfsla.org to find:

  • A network of community agencies and organizations that work together to address your family’s needs
  • Social programs including play days and outings, sibling programs, multi-generational events, and Jewish holiday celebrations
  • Support groups and counseling
  • Parent and professional workshops
  • Connections to Jewish community programs including those at synagogues, Jewish schools, and camps

HaMercaz Special Needs Education Series 2010-2011

Download the HaMercaz Resource Guide to learn more.

Join us for Tashlich 2010 on September 13. Click here for more information.

HaMercaz & Chaverim Picnic in the Park on October 24. Click here for more information

Jewish Family Service is the lead clinical partner for HaMercaz. The collaborative includes Jewish Family Service, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services, Etta Israel Center, Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jewish Free Loan Los Angeles, and the New Jewish Community Center at Milken.

Funding provided by:

The Jewish Federation

The Jewish Community Foundation

Marcia Israel Foundation