Disability Support Services

COVID-19 UPDATE: Currently, JFCS is unable to offer its regular in-person events for community members, but we’re still available to help. If you need financial resources or mental health assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to DSS Program Manager Janet Menashe at janetmenashe@jfcs-portland.com.

Through its TASK program (Treasuring, Accepting, and Supporting Kehillah), JFCS offers social, informational, and advocacy for community members with disabilities, or for community members caring for loved ones with disabilities. If you need assistance navigating social programs like SNAP, educational programs like Individual Education Plans or 504 Plans, or just need other people to connect with, JFCS is here for you. TASK currently serves more than 100 clients in the Portland area.

Tikvah is TASK’s social group for people with Disabilities 18 and older. JFCS offers regular activities like group dinners, movie-watch get-togethers, arts and crafts events, and other activities.

If you’d like to find out more or need help, check out our resources page or contact Janet Menashe at janetmenashe@jfcs-portland.org or TASK and Tikvah Specialist Sarit Cahana at scahana@jfcs-portland.org.

ONLINE COMMUNITY GROUPS

Coming Together: A bi-monthly virtual get together for caregivers and parents of children and adults with disabilities to share their thoughts and feelings during this unprecedented time. The group meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 7:30-8:15pm. Email janetmenashe@jfcs-portland.org to register.

TIKVAH Social Group: A bi-monthly social group for people with Disabilities ages 18 and up. The group will meet every 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 4:15 pm. Email janetmenashe@jfcs-portland.org to register.

If you have any accessibility requirements (such as captions, interpreters, instructions on using zoom, etc.) please email Sarit Cahana scahana@jfcs-portland.org.

OUR TEAM

Janet Menashe was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. Janet graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Institutional Management and Dietetics and a minor in Business Administration. Janet joined Jewish Family and Child Services in April of 2015 as a skills trainer with the Partners for Independence Program. In her previous line of work she worked with people with disabilities to build skills that would help them become independent. She has also been a member of The TASK Advisory Board since it was created and helped with the Kehillah Housing project. Janet took over the Disabilities Inclusion Specialist position when Corinne Spiegel retired. Janet enjoys spending time with family and friends, along with traveling, knitting, and reading.

Sarit Cahana (she/her pronouns) has been a Disability advocate since high school. She graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Gender Studies. As a Disabled person herself, she has seen how important accessibility and advocacy is in creating change. Her work is centered around the needs of the community. Sarit has worked as a community organizer, in non-profit work, and politics.

Shayna Sigman is the Disability Inclusion Coordinator. She received her Master of Social Work from
Washington University in St. Louis in 2016. She has a decade of experience working in camp and after-
school programs. In her most recent work she focused on creating accommodations for children with
disabilities and training staff on inclusive practices. In her free time, Shayna loves the outdoors, reading,
diving into art and music, and exploring new cultures through food.