Program celebrates first anniversary: Celebration Company sells socially conscious gift packages for

courtesy of Jewish Herald-Voice

Houston's first work and life-skills program for Jewish adults with special needs celebrated its first year of operations.

Jewish Family Service Alexander Institute's Celebration Company marked its one-year anniversary with a party Wednesday, Aug. 4. Helping to commemorate this significant milestone were program participants, family members, volunteers, supporters and JFS staff.

“I think that we're going to see Celebration Companies all over the country,” said Joan Alexander, impressed by the local program's success and growth over the past year.

Joan and husband Stanford Alexander gave financial resources and inspiration to launch Celebration Company in August 2009.

The pay-for-services program equips participants with vocational rehabilitation, wellness services, and life and social skills, all in a Jewish context. According to participants and family members at the one-year-anniversary party, the program also provides invaluable friendships, self-esteem and respite.

Participants earn paychecks for the products and services they produce and sell at Celebration Company. Product sales are vital to the program's ongoing operations, explained Rachel Davis, JFS chief development officer.

Celebration Company is selling gift packages for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which begins the evening of Sept. 8. Proceeds benefit Jewish families with special needs.

“These are high-quality, socially conscious products that will help sweeten your New Year,” said Joy Kaplan, Celebration Company development committee member, volunteer and JFS board member.

For orders and information, visit jfshouston.org/celebrationco or call 713-667-9336.

Celebration Company is featured in the JH-V's upcoming Rosh Hashanah magazine, which hits mailboxes later this month.

Rosh HaShanah Gifts Benefit Jewish Families With Special Needs

Jewish Family Service's Alexander Institute's Celebration Company is selling Rosh HaShanah gifts packages, with proceeds benefiting Jewish families with special needs. The Rosh HaShanah gift packages including ingredients to prepare a honey-less cake. Orders can be placed by calling (713) 667-9336 or by clicking here.

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