Los Angeles, California, August 9 – RespectAbility, a nonprofit organization that fights stigmas and advances opportunities for and with people with disabilities, gratefully announces the launch of Project Moses, made possible by a Cutting Edge Grant from the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles (The Foundation). The $300,000 grant will be distributed over three years. Project Moses, named for our greatest Jewish leader, himself a person with a disability, is a training and placement program for talented Jews with disabilities to serve the Jewish community of greater Los Angeles. This will revolutionize the relationship between Jews with disabilities and the greater community.
“We’re proud to support RespectAbility and its groundbreaking work promoting inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities,” said Marvin I. Schotland, Foundation president and CEO. “Through Project Moses, Jews with disabilities will have the training and opportunity to serve their communities in leadership roles. Their inclusion will produce a stronger, more diverse Jewish community where more voices are heard.”
The centerpiece of Project Moses is the training of 36 “Moseses” each year – college or equivalent educated Jews with disabilities who are new to Jewish leadership, have left or are at risk of leaving Jewish leadership roles after acquiring a disability, and are eager to stay engaged. If you are a potential Moses, or you know a potential Moses, RespectAbility is looking for you. [continue reading…]