“They gave me my community. I have a group of friends who I go with and call all the time. They gave me my entire social life and I would thank them.”
– Charlotte Mittman, Teens/Adaptations
20 Years of The CDA
Donate NowTwenty years ago, a visionary family sparked a powerful initiative—driven by passion, purpose, and the belief that every individual deserves a place to thrive. From just 12 participants in the pioneering Adaptations program, The Jack and Shirley Silver Center for Diverse Abilities (The CDA) at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan now reaches more than 1,200 individuals annually.
This remarkable journey represents far more than growth in numbers. It signifies a cultural transformation—one that has woven accessibility, inclusion, and innovation into the very fabric of our community.
At its core, The CDA is a vibrant, welcoming hub where individuals with disabilities and their families can forge meaningful connections, embrace new opportunities, and be fully seen and celebrated. We are proud to lead the charge in shifting mindsets and expanding possibilities for people of all abilities, not just within our walls but far beyond them.
As we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of The CDA, we reflect with deep gratitude and look ahead with bold ambition. The next chapter begins now.
The CDA20 Challenge: Our Campaign for the Future
To honor our past and fuel the future, we’re launching The CDA20 Challenge—an ambitious campaign to raise $20,000 in 20 days. Every gift is a step toward greater inclusion, connection, and impact.
Be part of this moment. Help us build what’s next.
Join us in celebrating two decades of progress and laying the foundation for the next 20 years of empowerment, leadership, and transformation. Your generosity allows us to continue doing what we do best: creating community, offering unique and transformative programming, and being a leader in inclusion across generations.
“A dark cloud was hovering over me, and then came a place called Adaptations. It’s a safe heaven for me where I made new friends. Adaptations isn’t only just a place of acceptance or me trying to fit in. It’s a place of joy and happiness.”
– David Laster, Adaptations
“The best recreation program ever – it’s so much fun. The activities, the trips, the locations – we have so much fun here and it brings a lot of happiness… Through the eight years I’ve been here, I’ve made friends with everybody. I love everybody here!”
– Joilyn Ventura, Adaptations
Thank you for being an essential part of our CDA community. The future is brighter because of you.
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