A traditional Jewish comfort food is helping fuel inclusive programming at the Friedberg JCC in Oceanside, where a potato kugel fundraiser is supporting the Ezra Center for People of All Abilities and highlighting the talents of individuals with disabilities.
The kugel sale, organized through Harvey’s Café at the JCC, benefits the Ezra Center, which offers classes, recreational activities, fitness programs and self-advocacy groups for children, teens and young adults of all abilities. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward enriching programs and providing free outings and experiences for participants, according to Kimberly Greenfield, director of Disability and Inclusion Services.
“Our goal is to expose our participants not only to what we offer within the JCC, but to what the larger community has to offer as well,” Greenfield said. “Fundraising like this allows us to provide museum trips, art shows and other experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.”
Harvey’s Café, located in the JCC lobby, serves as both a community café and a vocational training space. The café is staffed entirely by volunteers with disabilities, supported by job coaches through a partnership with the Jewish organization Ohel Bais Ezra in Brooklyn. The café offers homemade soups, baked goods, sandwiches and salads and operates weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Named in honor of longtime disability advocate and former Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, the café was created to provide hands-on food service training and real-world experience. The café has been operating successfully since October and has become a visible example of inclusive employment in action.
“There’s a misconception that people with disabilities are unable to perform work functions or contribute meaningfully,” Greenfield said. “Harvey’s really serves as an example that this is incorrect.”
The kugel fundraiser grew naturally from the café’s daily operations; it was proposed by job coach and chef Rochelle Jacobs from Ohel as a way to combine fundraising with vocational skill building. The potato kugel recipe was chosen because it is both culturally significant and adaptable, allowing participants to take part in different stages of preparation.
“It’s a dish that can be modified so everyone can contribute,” Greenfield said. “Everyone has a role.”
The sale began Jan. 26 and was originally scheduled to end in early February, but strong demand prompted organizers to extend the fundraiser. Orders will now be accepted through Feb. 13, with pickup scheduled for Feb. 18.
About 16 volunteers rotate through the café each week, with three to four participants working daily. All have played a role in preparing the kugels over several cooking sessions.
Community members interested in supporting the Ezra Center can participate in fundraisers, explore partnership opportunities or contact the JCC for more information.
“We’re always open to collaboration,” Greenfield said. “Support comes in many forms.”
