Libenu Foundation

The Libenu Foundation, Hebrew for “our hearts,” makes a heartfelt commitment to enable people with disabilities to live their best lives and maximize their self-determination in an inclusive community setting. It provides person-centered opportunities for Jewish children and adults with developmental disabilities to live independent, meaningful lives, with dignity and respect, as fully included members of the community. Founded in 2010 Libenu provides residential, vocational, social, recreational, and respite programs in Chicago. 

Libenu provides inclusion-based, gold standards of care in all of its residences, programs, social enterprises, and partnerships. Its kosher, state-of-the-art residences serve 20 clients, 40 parents, 100 siblings, and 500 community members, and it just opened a new home for women in January 2018. Meals with Friends enables clients to join their neighbors for Shabbat and holidays, as well as their neurotypical peers for weekly social and recreational activities. Libenu’s reach affects more than its residents; it provides peace of mind for families and assurance that their child’s future is secure. In conjunction with Jewish Child & Family Services, Libenu provides afterschool care for younger children with special needs and features a Jewish curriculum in a nurturing environment. Libenu’s vocational programming—Cupful’s of Love, featuring residents’ artwork on hot cups sold to local Chicago cafés, and Artisan Crafts, where clients make and sell handmade goods—has served as a model for other agencies looking to expand their own vocational service. Libenu is an advocate for acceptance and inclusion, and its work is spreading community awareness to the Jewish people—both in our minds and “our hearts.”