RICHARD HORVITZ AND
ERICA HARTMAN-HORVITZ
YOUTHABILITY

Empowering Growth Through Service

At YouthAbility, we believe in the power of helping others as a way to help ourselves. Every day, we’re committed to becoming the best versions of ourselves and enhancing the community around us.

Who We Are

Ambassadors: Teens and young adults with developmental disabilities participate as Ambassadors. They gain vital skills, embrace new experiences, and cultivate their character through our programs.

Peer Ambassadors: Teens and young adults, including those seeking service hours and those from at-risk backgrounds, support our Ambassadors. They play a crucial role in facilitating various activities.

Activities

YouthAbility is dedicated to providing meaningful group volunteer opportunities during the weekdays. Ambassadors not only contribute to the community but also learn valuable job skills. The daily schedule includes wellness activities such as yoga, gardening, walking, music therapy, and art therapy, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

For Ambassadors seeking tailored experiences, community-based internships are offered. Additionally, outside of school hours, including evenings and weekends, Ambassadors can participate in enrichment activities like Book Club, Conversation Club, Exercise, Show Practice, and more.

YouthAbility actively engages in local events, such as distributing water at the Cleveland Marathon and participating in the Parade the Circle. Once a year, the group travels to another city to volunteer, perform, and explore.

Benefits of YouthAbility

Ambassadors develop essential work, independence, and social skills. Peer Ambassadors enjoy the profound satisfaction of aiding others, all while enhancing their own life skills. Families are kept well-informed about all YouthAbility activities and have access to a broad range of services provided by JFSA. The community gains immensely from the volunteer efforts of both our Ambassadors and Peer Ambassadors at local non-profits, contributing thousands of hours annually. Additionally, community interactions foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the capabilities of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Join us at YouthAbility, where every effort counts towards building a more inclusive and compassionate community.