Teen Inclusive Programs

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Make lasting friendships, foster new relationships, join a team, and be an active member in an inclusive community that cares. There are a range of options for teens of all abilities, including those with developmental and/or learning disabilities, to find a community of their peers where they can explore their individual interests. Programs are developed to support teens with communication and learning differences in an inclusive environment. 

Transitions

Transitions is a social program designed for teens and young adults with a high potential for independence. Sunday afternoons during the academic school year, participants meet in person to engage in activities, in order to build friendships and emphasize independence and the acquisition of life skills. Each week, a different social skill is at the core of the program (e.g., making friendships, setting boundaries, self-care, stress management, etc.) There is a learning component, in addition to activities based on each social skill of the week. Participants’ interests help to shape the program and the activities offered. To ensure that classes comprise a group of individuals who will receive the optimal benefits from the program, a brief intake process is required.

This program is crafted to support verbal and visual learners. Online registration is open to continuing members.


Virtual Travel Tuesday

Learn about the history of the states across the USA by exploring their cultures, landmarks, cuisines, and entertainment. This class will feature live discussions and group-based projects. The instructor, Julie Singer, is an educator who draws on years of travel and research to share her passion for the unique and colorful story of states across the country with her students.


Virtual Teen Game Night

Participants will learn about the fundamentals of game design, including how to create board, card, and strategy games.  


Girls' Night Out

Join Girls' Night Out for young adults (ages 14–21) to play new games (e.g., Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Scattergories, and more!) Increase confidence and team-building skills, improve health through movement breaks, and work on balance and coordination. Group members will pick from a menu of activities to create a custom weekly schedule, including karaoke, yoga, art, games, and more!


Dine Out

Join us in person for our Teens Dine Out! Come connect with your friends one Saturday a month to enjoy a meal together out on the UWS. 


Culinary Arts

Participate in our cooking class and learn to prepare different dishes! All ingredients and utensils will be provided.

Jennifer Plewka is an experienced and innovative educator whose passions for gardening and teaching about food have combined with her background in environmental science, horticulture, and sustainability to enrich the lives of countless children, seniors, international refugees, and people in need. Through over 15 years of hands-on teaching experience in both garden and classroom settings, Jennifer has acquired a wealth of expertise in grant development, budget planning, volunteer and staff training, and strategic operations management. 


Ha Dereckh (Ages 14–21)

Ha Dereckh (meaning the path) is a pre-vocational program for neurodiverse teenagers. They will be paired with a neurotypical peer mentor who will support the teen intern in their placement to help build social and vocational skills. These placements will take place at the JCC every Tuesday from 4:30–6:30 pm for the duration of the school year. 


Teens Night Out: Broadway Outing + Dinner

Join teens ages 14–21 to attend dinner and live performances of Broadway shows. 


Let's Get Physical

Learn about living a healthy lifestyle while enjoying exercising with trained JCC staff. Each individual will be empowered through exercise and will learn about living a healthy lifestyle. 


Teen Lounge

Participants will learn and explore card and board games (e.g. Life, Deal or No Deal, Guess Who), plus arts and crafts (e.g., bead making, tie dye, bracelet making). Increase confidence and team-building skills, create wearable art, and out-game your friends with cool secret hacks! 


All of our inclusive teen programs are open to the broader community.

For more information, please email Julie Singer.

Transitions is supported by NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Girls Night Out is supported by the New York City Council's Autism Initiative.

Help us continue to ensure accessible programming for everyone. Please support Special Needs programming at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.